Fall Beauties

A better day for both of us today.  Neither of us have slept well for the past two weeks and Rick has barely eaten.  Today seems to have been a turning point for him, keeping our fingers crossed that we both get a good night's sleep.  My energy finally seems to be returning as well.

It is hot and dry, but the weather guys say we have a tropical low knocking on the door.  Keeping our fingers crossed.  As I drove us home from Rick's therapy session today, the people in the car in front of us tossed their cigarettes out their window.  I held my breath.  Almost every fall I watch someone do that and before we know  it there is a forest fire.  Thank goodness nothing ignited today.

I watered my flowers today.  What is it about the last few days of summer and the start of fall that make them so beautiful.  The colors become more vibrant and they bloom like crazy.  Of course I cut an arm full and brought them in the house.  There won't be many more bouquets for this season.

Here's to a weekend of laughter, good health and kindness.  I know my hubby will be cheering on the Tide tomorrow, once football season arrives, fall hopefully won't be far behind it.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams...enjoy my beautiful flowers tonight, I hate to see them go.

Special

Someone sent me the following quote this week on FB.  I loved it so much I am sharing it with you all tonight.  I wish I knew who to give credit to but I don't. 


" Don't ever save anything for a special occasion.  Being alive is the special occasion." 

Hump Day

Lots of new faces today in my men's class.  None had done yoga before and they all loved the class.
My class is a respite for them.   The room is clean, the lights are soft, meditation music plays in the background, and the smell of lavender and other healing herbs fills the air.  Soft comfy blankets are provided as well.  It is a safe place, and there is no judgement.  Positive affirmations and inspirational quotes are on my board.  Before anyone enters, I bless the room and remind myself to fill my heart with love.

A nice rain shower appeared this afternoon.  I hope there is more to come.  When I got home, there was a light drizzle falling and the air smelled so fresh and clean.

Rick got a great report with the doc today.  He is doing way beyond expectations.  Actually the doctor cautioned him about doing too much.  This has been a painful experience and he has handled it well.
We both have had our moments, stress and fatigue have been off the charts at time.  But considering what was involved in the surgery, life is great.  We have much to be grateful for.

I hope your Wednesday has given you some laughter, and some kindness.  If not, be sure to get you some tomorrow.  It's free you know.

Tuesday Thoughts

Rick goes to see his surgeon tomorrow.  He is still in a great deal of pain, but his mobility is amazing.
He no longer has to use a walker, and only has to use a cane in the yard or away from home.

It is astounding that a week ago they did the knee replacement and now his leg is straight and he is walking around.  There are some things about modern medicine that are truly miraculous.

I went back to work yesterday.  I keep waiting on my fatigue to subside, maybe by the weekend.

Our facility is at pretty much full capacity right.  Lots of new faces coming to yoga and several saying goodbye.  With out women today I did a class on remembering to love and honor yourself.
As always there are tears when I teach this class.  I look at their faces  as I teach and wonder if some of them have ever loved themselves.  I try to teach them how.

I think I hear my bed calling me.  We have to be in Birmingham early in the morning.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams
Don't forget to be kind.

The Arts

Sharing a quote with ya'll tonight.  I think it's a good one.



" The arts are not a way to make a living.  They are a very human way of making life more bearable."   - Kurt Vonnegut

Full Moon Thoughts

Someone/something robbed me of my energy while we were at the hospital this week.  My fatigue has been off the charts.  Caregiving, aging, illness, none of this is for wussies.  Have you ever been as tired when you wake up as you are when you went to bed,  that is me this week.  Sorry for the rant.

Rick has had a good day.  Everyone wants to make sure he is ok, so we have had a great deal of company the past few days.  But he is very tired tonight, time for rest.

Full moon tonight, this is supposed to be the most beautiful full moon of this year.  I am going to check it out in a few minutes.  I miss the early moon rises of fall and winter.  We have several friends at the beach this week.  They have all said the moon has been breath taking.  I hope our next trip to the beach is during  a full moon.

The last week of August coming up.  For those of you who love summer, savor these next few weeks.
For those of you like me who lust for fall, our day will come.
Start your week with kindness, end it with the same.

Slow and Steady

My nephew Haven and his wife came over this afternoon and brought a big pot of 15 bean soup.  Storms had blown down more trees and the two of them cut them and moved them out of the way.
Alecia drove that tractor like a pro.

Rick is showing improvement every day.  It's not leaps and bounds, but slow and steady.
I can't believe how well he is walking.

The heat has come back with a vengeance.  Hot and dry, we are moving into typical early fall here.  Usually the only rain we get in the fall is if there is a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico.

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  May your Sunday bring peace.

First Beauty

The dogs are settling down and getting back in their normal routine.   We walked this morning and they were joyful, including Taz.  Rick was with Sam at therapy but I think they understand he can't walk with us right now.

Honestly, this evening is the first time in over a week that I have felt normal.  Could you hear the sigh of relief?

There is a big beauty bush down behind the barn.  Every fall I look forward to its beautiful purple berries.  I want  clothing and shoes this color of purple.  This morning I saw the berries are beginning to show their purpleness.  Is that a word? 

I know for us it will be a while before we experience true fall weather, but the beauty bush gave me hope.  I also saw my first monarch today.

I can't believe today is Friday.  My week off from work has just been a blur.  It seems the past few years, the only time I take off is sick time.  This has to stop.  I told Rick today there has to be a vacay soon.

Enjoy your weekend.  Spend time with those you love, laugh out loud and always be kind.

Shy Taz

The dogs have been a little taken aback by all that has happened this week.  First we were gone, then Rick came home and it was obvious there was something wrong and then there was that big metal thing he was walking around with.  Calliou and Hook are curious.  Taz, just can't figure out why she can't sleep on his legs, why he has taken her favorite spot on the couch and why I am not giving her all my attention.  She has become very shy and withdrawn.  This morning for the first time since Sunday I tried to take her for a walk and she just sat down on the grass, would not budge.

It is an adjustment, this healing process, for all of us.  Rick is so independent, so he is struggling with my caring for him.  I knew he would.   But Taz, she just looks at us, trying to understand what is going on.  This is a learning process for all involved.

I snapped this picture of her tonight.  She was resting on her favorite blanket  and my shoe. I kept calling her name, but she would not look at me.

This day has not been easy for Rick, PT is tough, but he had his first hot shower tonight and we are ready for bed.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Moving Forward

Sam picked Rick up at 7:20 this morning, took him to work with her.  I picked him up about 9:30, he was a worn out guy.  Long nap when we got home.  I am still really tired, but am seeing a great deal of improvement in him so it's worth it.

My sister Pat and her daughter Jayna are bringing us lunch tomorrow.  Can't wait!  They are great cooks.

The dogs are still weird and freaked by Rick's walker.  They must think it is a weapon or something, they keep their distance.

Tired tonight, but moving forward.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Home

No place like home, let me repeat, no place like home.  Rick had a couple of great docs, wonderful nurses and PTs but we are home and happy.  He has a new knee.  He is in pain.  More to come later.

Gold and Silver

Jordan and his mom came over and had Sunday supper with us today. He had been to his swim party and gotten his state medals, one gold, one silver.  Swim practice starts again this week for fall competition.  He is ready and excited.  I can't believe he started 5th grade this week.

Rick gets his new knee tomorrow.  We are both excited, not for the surgery, but for this opportunity to enjoy an active lifestyle again.

Enjoy your week, August will soon be a part of our past.  Full moon coming and maybe even a temporary cool down.  It's all good.  Jordan wears gold and silver well, don't you think?

Many More

Some days you just need time with friends.  Our friend Jamie celebrated his 69th birthday today.
He and his wife Kaye invited us to their house for dinner.  Jamie is an incredible cook and yes he cooked his own birthday dinner.  We saw several old friends tonight and made some new ones. It was an evening full of laughter, good food and conversation.  It was the type of evening that I love.

This week has been a bit stressful, dealing with all the pre-surgery stuff that Rick is going through.
At one point this afternoon, life was beginning to get a little overwhelming and I thought maybe we just need to call Kaye and Jamie and promise to see them soon.  But I took a deep breath and thought no, we need this.  I am so glad I listened to my inner voice.

Some times we have to turn off the voice in the head and listen to the one in our heart and soul.
Sitting by the pool, feeling the breeze blow across my face, hearing the laughter of friends was healing and comforting.  I knew they had our back and if I needed them in any way this week, they were a phone call away.

Life is short, no matter how many years we make it.  Nights like tonight are reminders of what is good and that kindness is still with us.  Everyone there tonight was seasoned, living  to middle age and beyond leaves you with a few scars.  But age also serves to remind us to be grateful for who and what we have now.  Tonight I am so grateful for those few hours of laughter and food.  We remembered those who are no longer with us but celebrated those who are.  As I so often say in class, life is good.

Happy Birthday Jamie!  I wish you many more.

Busy Friday

A busy day, therapy for Rick, haircut for me, a trip to Costco.   Storms moved through this afternoon, we had been in a bit of a dry spell so you could hear the earth sigh as the first big drops fell.
The downside, with all the heat, the lightening and thunder was fierce and Calliou panicked.
He is such a nervous ninny.

This weekend Jordan gets his gold and silver medals for the state swim competition.  His coaches are throwing the team a swim party on Sunday afternoon and he is so excited.  I will try to post a picture of him with his medals Sunday night.

I hope your Friday has been a good one.  Tomorrow is one of those weird calendar dates, 8-18-18.
Enjoy your Saturday, get some rest, have some fun.  For my friends who are working this weekend, just breathe.

Changes

Several of my students said goodbye today.  I will miss them.  This group, both men and women have been a teacher's dream.  They walk into the room ready and willing.  They walk into the room with open hearts and minds.  They are all smart, funny, kind and loving.  They have so very much to offer.
My prayer is for their recovery to be with them for the rest of their lives.  That they understand and believe how valuable they, how deserving of love and peace they are, that too is a prayer. I hope the changes that they have worked so hard to achieve are lasting ones.   Their choices and time will tell the end of their stories.

This week has flown by.  Lots to do in preparation for Rick's knee replacement.  I still have a list a mile long to things to do.  I am tired but ready for his quality of life to be better.  He loves being active and I want to see him live an active lifestyle.

Tomorrow I take an hour for me and get a haircut.  Rain is moving in and the threat of cooler weather is still in our forecast, be still my heart.  So ready for a change in the weather and hair.

I hope your Friday gets your weekend off to a great start.  Find some joy, spread a little kindness and laugh out loud.

Three Hours

Three hours at the dentist today.  I went in for my routine cleaning/check-up and mentioned that the oral surgeon had given me the go ahead for my implant/crown to proceed.  Next thing I know my dentist is saying that is great we can do the impression and set mechanics today.  Then he is telling me how thick and healthy my gums are, but he because of that he is going to have to do some shaving and cutting of the tissue.  I hate the taste of that numbing stuff...and the sound of whatever tool he used.  Then there was the mouth full of impression for material for four minutes.  Then came the assurance in a couple of weeks I would no long have to wear my flipper, but would have my tooth in.

It was one of those happy, glad it's over kind of things...and then he said oh yes, we will probably have to cut those nice healthy gums again when you come back, be sure to use warm salt water as a mouth rinse for the next couple of days.

I am exhausted, but I had a great class today, but now I am so ready for bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

All About the Weather

My brother Ricky called me tonight in the middle of dinner.  I could hear the excitement in his voice.
He did a little chit chat for few moments and then launched into his reason for calling.
He wanted to know if I had seen the local weather forecast for the upcoming week or so.  I had seen the 48 hour one, but not the extended . 

He said in a voice that was straining to contain excitement, " it's going to rain for a few days."  I said well that was good, we needed the rain, we were going into our normal dry season and forest fires make me nervous because we live in the middle of the forest.  He was silent for a moment and then remarked with glee" the guys are saying in a week or so, we could have temps round 80 for a high and maybe lows in the 50's." 

I admit his call has just about made me giddy.   Summers are quite difficult for both of us.  We both have lung issues and he has heart issues as well.  Summer's heat and humidity play havoc with our breathing and now our air quality has not been very good.  The thought of night time temps in the 50's is almost more than I can stand.  I know it won't last long, we might not even get there.  But dropping into the 60's would be fine too.

Ricky laughed and mentioned we might just have to buy so long johns.  He was just joking, but he and his son have a plumbing business and they spend long hours outdoors in the heat.  They look forward to a change in the weather as much as I do.

So now you know how my brother and I communicate.  We both should have gone to "weather school", talking weather is one of the things we share with delight.  It took Rick awhile to get used to our weather reports, but he swears we are better than most of the guys on tv.  We are now teaching our skills to Jordan. 

A Thought

Something to think about tonight....



" I never lose.  I either win or learn."  - Nelson Mandela
                                                  

Sleepy

Late night last night, playing in the heat and humidity is tough on the body.  We book very few outdoor gigs in the summer.

Today was rest and catch up.  Getting ready for the work week and starting the countdown for Rick's knee replacement. 

Jordan wanted watermelon ice cream today.  I made it and he loved it.  I love watermelon but I am not wild about watermelon in any other food group other than fruit.

No matter how late we go to bed we always wake up at our usual time.  We looked at each other earlier and said at the same time, "can't wait til bedtime."  It will hopefully be early tonight. Not even our afternoon nap helped today.

Wishing you all a good week, one that is productive, happy and full of kindness.

Fun Time

We had a great time tonight with our songwriting buddies, Bob Keefe, Ron Brown and John Lott.  The stage was full of talent.  I love this picture that our friends, The Spook House Saints took of us as we were playing.  It's late, I am tired and I hope ya'll had as much fun tonight as we did.

Surreal

I got home from work a couple of evenings ago and there was a gentle rain falling.  The sun was also shinning and the light bathed everything in an "old master's" radiance.  This is  my smallest

hostas,  she is an offshoot from one of the larger ones, but she was surreal in the rain and light.  Tomorrow we have a gig, one that we are so excited about.  We will share the stage with three of our wonderful songwriter friends.  Well, actually we open for them.  What could be better than good friends, music and a warm summer's night.

Meet Flo

Every day during lunch if the weather permits I sit outside on our deck steps for ten to fifteen minutes.  I call it getting my vitamin D infusion.  Today when I sat down I gazed over at the butterfly bushes and there was this beautiful butterfly.  She was just hanging around and I began to tell her how pretty she was.  I swear she understood me. 

She kept just hanging with me so I told her not to go away I wanted to take her picture.  I got my phone came back out and she was still there.  It was like she was posing for me.  She would flit from one blossom to the next but each time she would rest for a moment while I took her picture.
It was magical.

For some reason she reminded me of my aunt Florence who died a few years ago.  As she visited with me, I called her Flo.  I can't remember the last timeI had such an enjoyable ten minutes.
Let me introduce you to Flo.

Hard Work

The first half of the day we spent doing the prep for Rick's knee replacement.  Blood work, swabs, etc and then classes, it was informative, but draining...the reality hits as you sit there and listen.

It is so draining to spend any amount of time in a hospital setting.  You would think being in a place of healing would be such, but when you walk around and look it is actually a place of suffering.
One of the nurses who did the lecture today said it best, you don't come to the hospital for rest, you do that when you go home.  I know from personal experience, healing is hard work and good health is something you have to work for and even then it can be a crap shoot.

My cup of hot tea is waiting and so is the bed, I can't wait.

Sweet dreams

Tuesday Thoughts

Hot and humid, I sound like a broken record don't I?  This will be my story for at least another month, maybe 2 or 3...Alabama summers...sometimes just fade into a fall of sorts.  If we get really lucky, we have a real fall and almost winter, keeping my fingers crossed.

I had a great class today.  Sometimes the students just bring such an incredible vibe and energy to the room and magic happens.  On days like today, the positive energy just seems to flow out the windows and bathes our little world in hope.  These days charge me and I come home energized, not drained.
Sadly most days are not like today, and that's ok.  Lives are being sorted out and that is true turmoil and chaos.  That is why today was magical.

Tomorrow we spend more time prepping for Rick's surgery, classes, tests, some sort of movie...I never knew it would take this much work before surgery. 

We had a brief shower on  my way home from work today.  I rolled the windows down and smelled the earth smell.  You know the one,  when raindrops hit dry earth for the first time in a while and then it gets mixed in with freshly mowed grass and hay.  Almost too much for the olfactory senses to take.

Tomorrow is hump day, make it a good one.  Find at least one thing to be grateful for.

Happy Flowers

More flowers, don't they make you smile?  I will be sad to see them go, but am looking forward to cooler temps this fall.

Electric Flowers

My flowers seem to be really coming into their own.  They are thriving in the heat and humidity of August.   When I walked this morning, the colors in the garden were electric.
It has been a nice restful Sunday.  We both needed it.  Dinner was on the grill and a splurge of home made ice cream in the freezer.  Life is good.

Zuzu

Zuzu's birthday party was all that you expected from a first birthday.  She loved her blue/rubber ducky cake.  Her mom was a wise woman to take her party frock off before cake.  There was blue frosting all over Zu's face which just made her that much sweeter.  What is it about watching kids?
They are just so much fun!!!  My nephew James, Zuzu's dad provided the picture tonight.  Isn't she a cutie?

Stuff

It has been a beautiful hot, humid day.  The outdoors would beckon and look so inviting, but then I would venture out and the heat would laugh at me.  So I spent the day cleaning, the air conditioning was on and it was the perfect day to do chores inside.

Jordan spent the morning with us, he talked to me about back to school.  He is so excited about school and the fall swim meets.

Tomorrow is our great-niece Zuzu's very first birthday party.  We will spend the afternoon watching her cute little one year old self dive into her birthday cake.

I hope your Friday has been a good one.  Enjoy this first weekend of August, when you blink your eyes, it will be September.

Perfect

This is the perfect pear.  Tomorrow it is mine.  If Rick is lucky, I will share.

August 1

August 1...my how time flies

August 1...Jordan goes back to school in a few days

August 1...hot and humid

August 1...fruits and veggies are at their peak

August 1....after years of being in the clothing industry, I admit, I still start thinking of fall clothing now

August 1...time to get get ready for planting fall crops soon

August 1...Rick will have a knee replacement this month

August 1...humming birds are in a feeding frenzy

August 1...I know people who are doing their Christmas shopping now, wow.

August 1...no vacay so far, maybe after Rick recovers

August 1...for the first time in a few years, our apple tree is full

August 1...one gig this month, the finale of our Americana coffee house series