Thursday, May 31, 2018

Everywhere

All of my gardenia bushes are blooming now.  When I got out of my car this evening the smell of gardenia permeated the air.  The flowers are big and full, I am in heaven.

Enjoy your Friday.  Remember to be kind.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Long Hump Day

Wednesdays have become very long hump days.  Today was no exception.  PT as always was grueling, more so today, because I made the mistake of eating breakfast ( not just a cup of yogurt) before going.  It always triggers a mild episode, but today I turned green ( I think) and the PT was yelling for the medical assistant  to get me an ice pack.  Lesson learned.

I have figured out with this vestibular stuff that I am also very weather sensitive.  I sorta of knew it, but now know for sure, weather changes make me more susceptible to migraines, ear noise and vertigo.  Alberto coming through the past 24 hours has made his presence felt in more ways than just monsoonal rains.

Jordan spent the day with us.  He was exhausted after his meet last night, so he was quiet most of the time.  But he ate everything in sight.  It was so good to spend time with him.

My women's class was wonderful this afternoon.  Much good energy and kind spirits with some laughter thrown in for good measure.

Taz just came in the office, I think she ready for bed and I know I am.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams 

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Full Moon Longing

Full moon tonight.  Alberto's clouds and bands of rain are still here, but our friend Bob is down at Orange Beach, Alabama and he sent us an incredible photo of the full moon over the Gulf of Mexico.
Wish I were there.  I miss those times I don't see the moon in its fullness.

I got a haircut and a little  more blonde today.  I needed the pick-me-up.  What is it about a woman getting her hair done that is life changing?  Sounds exaggerated, but most females will agree there is truth in that statement.

PT in the morning, and Jordan is spending the day with us.  He had a swim meet tonight and his mom wants him to rest and eat loads tomorrow.  She knows we can take care of that.

Enjoy your hump day.  Be kind.  Spread joy.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Monday, Memorial Day

I went to work today.  Holidays mean a skeletal staff and unless we really have something going on, I don't mind teaching.  I had great classes today.  Mostly new students, eager to learn and still a little uncomfortable with their schedules and being away from family.

Alberto has brought us tropical rain bands today.  Tropical weather is different.  One minute the sun is shinning and the next there is a deluge.  It rained most of last night and today.  More to come tonight and then tomorrow is supposed to be monsoonal.  Everything is green and lush, but much  more will bring flooding.

Tomorrow I get a haircut and maybe go blonder, we shall see.  It is warm, I feel a little sassy so watch out.

Remembering all those who have given their lives tonight in service to this country.  I hope you have read Rick's story about the Purple Heart.  Many in my family have served, but none that I know of died.  I can't imagine the heartbreak and anguish those families feel.  I am grateful.

Tuesday is the first day of work for many, be kind, spread joy.  If you are in the path of Alberto, stay dry, be safe.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Smiling Faces

Today my brother and all of his family, and my sister and all of her family and our friend Fred came over for a cook-out.  The house was packed, and loud, but everyone had a good time and left with full tummies.  My sister told me tonight that her three youngest grands truly love coming to our house.
They all picked blueberries today and for a couple of them it was their very first time to eat blueberries.

Today was fun, but I am about as tired as I can be.  Tomorrow I work but I rest tonight.  Here are some of the kids, six didn't make it in this picture, they were busy doing something else. Don't you love all the smiles?

Saturday, May 26, 2018

First Gardenias of the Season

We have many gardenia bushes on our property.  I love everything about them, the deep verdant color of their leaves, the pure white of their blossoms and then there is that exquisite fragrance.  Most springs they bloom by Mother's Day, but this year they didn't.  Every day I walked the dogs, I checked the bud growth, waiting for that first treat.  This morning I spied the first white blossom surrounded by the richness of the green foliage.  I looked and saw two more flowers and all three came into the house with me. 

Gardenias and jasmine have created an cloud of intoxicating sweetness around our house, I am happy.

I have planted a few more flowers today, cleaned in the house  and enjoyed my day. I hope your day has been as enjoyable as mine.

Wishing a Sunday of peace to everyone.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Friday Work Day

Jordan was exhausted this morning when he arrived.  He is getting ready for up-coming swim meets and his practices have been brutal.  His coach has him training with the high school team ( most are 17 and 18 years old) he is 10.  His mom told me this evening that  he swam as fast as the 18 year olds yesterday.  He never takes naps, he took a two hour nap at noon.  He has eaten non-stop today and is still thin as a rail.

He helped us pick blueberries and get the deck summer ready.  We cleaned all the furniture, and the potted plants and herbs were placed in decorative spots.  I think he, Rick and I will sleep well tonight.

Jordan loves to cook and we did not cook much today.  Tomorrow he is coming over and we are making an Oreo cheesecake, maybe even a blueberry poundcake.

Looks as if the monsoons are headed our way.  We need rain, just not floods.  But, we don't get to pick the weather do we?

Enjoy your Saturday.  Be kind, spread joy.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Today

Classes today were extra gentle.  Many of my students have been in trauma session this week, that makes for a rough day and often several days.  One of the gentlemen told me how much today's class had helped.  He looked more at peace when he left the class this evening.

Tomorrow Jordan spends the day.  We can't wait.  Jordan days are full of fun, laughter, learning, and silly stuff and always involve cooking.   You know there will be pictures tomorrow night.

Local weather guys say we are in for some sort of tropical system, could be monsoonal rains and maybe winds.  Looks as though this holiday weekend might be wet.

Enjoy your Friday, I am so looking forward to mine.  Start your weekend with kindness and keep it going .

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

PT Update

Another PT session today, and then a follow up with the doc.  My eardrum is healing and now it is wait and see to know exactly how effective the shots were.  It has been two weeks, and the symptoms have truly lessened.  I was told that some people end up getting the shots every 3-6 months to control the symptoms.  Keeping my fingers crossed but I will do what it takes to control this debilitating disease.

A class of hello and goodbye today, people leaving, new students coming in.  It is the ebb and flow of my work.

Just like in the weeks past, the PT has left me drained.  My bed calls to me.

Hope your Thursday is one of joy and kindness.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Happy

Walking the dogs this morning with Jordan and Rick was a treat.  No matter how many times Jordan walks the path, it is always as if he is seeing it for the very first time.  As we walked closer to the gate, I spied the first oak leaf hydrangea bloom of the summer.  I have to admit, those and a few day lilies made their way into our house.  Flowers make me happy.

Tomorrow I have another session of PT and I see the doc.  I hope your hump day is easy and that someone is kind to you.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Blue Monday

This is a cutting that I planted a couple of years ago.  Then we had a drought and this year, an usually cold winter, but she hung on.  I am thrilled that she is blooming.  I know this will be her year to grow.
Isn't she a beauty?

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Solar Frog

Today was a nice normal day, no place to go, nothing out of the ordinary to do.  First one of these we have had in several weeks.  Honestly, it felt great to do grocery shopping and laundry.  And...we got rain this evening!  I know I heard our garden sing.  I love garden creatures.  This one is a solar frog and he does his job really well.  He is such a cutie.  Early bedtime tonight, finally.  Peace to all.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

50 Years and More

We attended our great-nephew's wedding today.  It was a couple of hours away so it has been a long day.  But it was so much fun.  I have never seen a couple look at each other with as much joy and love on their faces as Davin and Emily did.  It was a sweet ceremony and a really fun reception.
My sister Pat and niece Jayna went with us and all the way home we talked about how much fun it had been.

For about 15 years Rick and I did wedding photography and we have been to way more than our share of weddings, plus playing and singing at weddings.  Most were joyous, but stressful and some were downright scary.  We have been to elaborate expensive weddings and simple ones and heard many different vows and ceremonies.  This one tonight really focused on love, the love for each other, family and God.   It was a religious ceremony, but not one of pomp and circumstance, simply the importance of love.

Our own wedding was probably the cheapest one ever.  The cost for the certificate, minister, the $1.50 bottle of wine and 25 cent twinkie added up to maybe $25.  But our marriage started with love and somehow even through the roughest of times, we knew that love was always there.  I think grit has held us together as well, toughness works when life is hard.  And then there is the fact that he is a Capricorn and I am Aries, a goat and a ram, how much more stubborn can you get?

Tonight, I wished Davin and Emily a marriage as good as ours has been, not always easy, but good.
I think they have the love and the grit that it takes.  I hope they are together for 50 years or more.
I hope Rick and I are too.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Fun Time

Another fun night, doing what we love.  We shared the stage with our friends Andrew and Skip and what fun we had!  Wish you all could have been there.  We are whupped and have a busy day tomorrow.  I hope your Friday has been as good as ours.  L to R, me, Rick, Skip and Andrew.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Here,Now

Mindfulness classes today.  What time it? Now    Where are you?  Here
Most of us go through our days not paying attention to all that is taking place around us.  We are on automatic pilot, wondering why we are not happy, feeling like we are missing out on something.
We are missing out...on life.  Life is taking place around us every second of the day.  We are in such a hurry to get to a destination, never realizing that the journey is where it all happens.

Tomorrow is Friday, remember to ask those two questions, what time is it, where are you?  Don't miss out on your life, you can't get those moments back.

My butterfly garden is thriving.  Rabbit guards it well.  Can you see him?

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Mamie's Gift

PT is kicking my rear.  I went to work today after the session, just like last week and just like last week, I came home from work wiped out.  The session today simulated an episode almost to the point of becoming ill.  But, I am getting better, even Rick says he is seeing a difference  since the shots and PT sessions.   I breathe and remind myself to be here now, this too shall pass.

Rain is all around us tonight, I hope it finds us.  When we planted more tomatoes yesterday, even six inches below the surface the earth was dry.  The veggies are at a critical point, moisture is needed, not too much, or too little.  The blueberries are glorious.  This weekend I will make blueberry lemon bread, yummy.

My plant tonight came from my grandmother Mamie's flower garden.  I remember as a child walking through her flower garden and this plant was bigger than me.  It is much smaller now, it has been transplanted from her yard to my parent's yard and now to mine.  I hope this will be its home for a very long time.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Rabbit

I have worked in my flower beds and veggie garden for almost a week.  I am almost done.  Even the container shade gardens in the front are close to completion.  I picked big ripe juicy blueberries today as well.  I am not wild about hot weather but I love the bounty.

My garden rabbit seems happy with the flowers this year.   And it is raining this evening, the smell of rain on dry ground has been incredible.

Tomorrow is PT.  This too shall pass.

Enjoy your hump day, be kind, be fearless, and love.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Busy Week

The heat wave continues, but rain is coming.  At least the parched ground will get a drink for a few days.  The high temps and strong breezes have dried things out.

I can tell the shots are helping.  Not having to take as much medicine, and symptoms are not as severe.  I am hopeful and optimistic.

It is going to be a very busy week.  We have a gig on Friday night, a wedding on Saturday and everything in between.  Plans are for a restful, slow Memorial weekend, nothing on the calendar and I hope it stays that way.

Time for hot tea and bed.  I have worked in the veggie and flower gardens, taught classes and did the routine house work today.  You might say, there is some fatigue in the body.

Make Tuesday a Kind day, share some joy, be kind.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Ruby

Today was my thirteenth Mother's Day without her.  I miss her everyday.  She was tough, talented, loving and kind and beautiful. 
She was Ruby,  my mom.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Zuzu

My nephew Haven did a fish fry at his house this afternoon.  Lots of fun and good food, the temps hovered around 100 degrees.  Usually this is our weather in July and August, summer came early this year.

The photo is of me and my great-niece Zuzu.  She has not decided if she likes me yet.  Today I broke my record holding her, about three minutes before she cried.    We don't rush things, she will come around...or maybe not.  Her sister Joy is six, she just began to like me about a year ago.

Mother's Day weekend, if your mom is still living...enjoy her, love her, spend time with her.  You will miss her when she is gone.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Fun Day

The only way today would have been better, if Samantha had been home with us.  Jordan spent the day with us.  Waffles for breakfast, spagetti for lunch and home made popsicles in between and handfuls of fresh picked blueberries, loved every minute of it.

He helped us plant our garden.  He helped me work my flower beds.  He made his mom and nana mother's day presents, lavender bath salts.  He helped me arrange silk flowers for our decoration this weekend.  We are all tired.  When his pop came to get him, I think he was happy to go.  He needed a break.

It was warmer than average here.  Usually our temps are in the low 80's, today we saw/felt the 90's.
I hope this is not a harbinger of what's to come when summer does make her arrival.

My cup of tea awaits, my bed awaits...I am so ready.  I hope your Friday was as good as mine.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Warm Hello

Between the jasmine on the arbor and the petunias at the bird feeders, our front yard smelled delicious when I got out of my car this evening.  The petunias are rather spicy, while the jasmine is sweet and earthy, the two made a memorable welcoming fragrance.  The smell was such a warm hello.

We have Jordan tomorrow.  We are both so excited.  Between school and swim we don't get to hang with him like we use to.  We have projects planned, all sorts of fun things to do. 

Enjoy your Friday, be kind, be joyful, be loving.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Do Good

PT just about did me in today.  Who knew?  Sharing a quote tonight that is on my board at work.



" Set your heart on doing good.  Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy."   -Buddha

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Anniversary Flowers

On our anniversary Saturday we stopped by the local produce market to pick up a few spring veggies and honey.  They also have beautiful flowers and plants.  Two baskets of petunias had Rick and I gasping.  Since it was our anniversary Rick decided to splurge and they came home with us.  ( He had already bought me a pair of blue suede shoes)  We hung those beauties at the bird feeders and bath.
When I drove up this evening, birds were splashing in the bird bath and sunlight bathed the petunias in amazing light.

I only taught one class today.  The ear hurts a little and there's some popping going on.  I figure activity is a good thing.  I have high hopes.  I know my hearing is lost, but if we can control the episodes of the awful symptoms, I will be happy.  Tomorrow is my second PT session.  I can't wait.

 Hump day tomorrow.  Make it better with kindness.

Monday, May 7, 2018

My Transformation Process Today

Today I had steroid shots in my ear.  I had researched the procedure and it has a very high success rate in lessoning menieres episodes.  I am extremely optimistic.  My new doc and his staff are truly amazing, as one of his nurses told me at my first visit, I had come to the right place.  I believe that.
I know this all is a process and can take some time, I am ok with that.  The numbing was way worse than the shots, deep breaths helped.  I am expecting transformation in the best of ways.

I didn't get to walk with the dogs today, but yesterday I spent a great deal of time walking our paths. For the first time in several years we have several patches of honeysuckle vines.  Years ago they were everywhere, and then it seemed they disappeared.  I am thrilled to walk across our farm and smell that soft sweetness. And of course I have picked armloads of it and now my whole house smells divine.

Time for hot tea and more rest.  May our Tuesday be one of peace and may we all be kind.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Good Weekend/Good News

Our great-niece and nephew invited us to their house today for lunch, along the rest of the family.  After we all had eaten, Jonathan brought out the cake for desert.  It turns out it was a very special cake, it was decorated with a stork.  Seems Jonathan and Kelsey are expecting their first child on December 14 and they announced the news at lunch.  I am so excited for them and they are on top of the world.

I worked in my herbs today, repotting, feeding and planting.  The vegetable garden and flowers will be finished by the end of the week.  We are a little slow in getting started, but the weather stayed so cool I wanted the earth to be nice and warm for all the new plants.

Tomorrow I have the shots in my ear.  I expect good results.  My hearing that I have lost in my right ear won't come back, but the vertigo should be better.

It has been a good weekend.  Nice and laid back, something we both needed.  The anniversary was perfect.  Some years, we travel, this year a nice meal and each other was all we needed.

Good night, Sweet dreams.  Be kind, be loving, spread joy.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Number 44

44 years ago today I chose a path that has been a true adventure.  Rick Watson and I got married.
And just like our vows we said that day, we have been through the good, the bad, sickness and health,
death and sorrow and incredible joy.  We were young, in love and we took the leap and never looked back.  44 years seem so long ago and yet just like yesterday.  I would do it all again.

I took this picture of Rick a few days ago when we were walking the dogs.  It is our path we walk every day.  It just seemed so appropriate to post it tonight.   Happy Anniversary Rick!  I hope we have many more.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Friday Night

I did make up classes today.  The PT is helping me to feel more stable, especially when  I feel the beginning of an episode.  I didn't think it was possible to drink more water than what I already do, but I am keeping a water bottle in my hand where ever I go now.  I am also drinking coconut water every day.  I am so hoping that the shots on Monday will calm my vestibular system down and the episodes will cease for a while. 

Storms moving in tomorrow.  Plans are after the rain to plant herbs and tomatoes.  Fingers crossed.

More flowers blooming today.  This has been one of the most beautiful springs we have had in a very long time.  I think the cold wet winter contributed to all the blossoms.

Enjoy your Saturday.  Take some time to rest, renew and restore...and as always, be kind.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Surprises

The yellow jasmine at the front of the arbor that leads to our front door bloomed in early spring.
This morning the jasmine I love most sent her soft fragrance to my nose as I opened the front door. Surprise, a really good surprise.
We played a gig tonight at a place we have never played before, The Shack in Somerville, about an hour north of here.  As we were setting up the sound system I saw a man walk through the door grinning.  It was our long lost friend Mitch who drove down from Huntsville .  What a nice surprise. Two surprises in one day.  I must be living right.
Playing music and old friends, along with new friends, life is good...and the smell of jasmine floats through the air.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Mamie's Peony

Another beautiful surprise today as we walked the dogs.  My pink peony that came from my grandmother Mamie's garden was blooming.  The smell was heaven and I was thrilled she had bloomed.

Today was my first day of PT.  Interesting approach.  I have homework.

Spread a little love and kindness tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

May 1

May 1...we celebrate our 44th anniversary on the 5th

May 1....birthdays for my sister, deceased brother, sister-in-law, two nieces and a nephew

May 1...great-nephew getting married this month

May 1...Mother's Day

May 1...Decoration Days for most of the cemeteries here

May 1... PT for Menieres begins tomorrow

May 1...treatments begin soon ( shots in the ear)

May 1...couple of gigs this month

May 1...warm weather and humidity

May 1...coffee on the deck

May 1...blueberries ripen

May 1...white jeans, flowing skirts, sandals

May 1...fresh veggies

May 1...graduations and weddings

May 1...time to crank up the grill

May 1...gardens to plant, flower and vegetable

May 1...I so miss buying my mom a gift for Mother's Day