Pretty in Pink

Such a beautiful day! 

I'm fond of this recent flower painting because of the colors.

With Mother's Day approaching I decided to pull out some wonderful photos of my mother. I love the one of her in the pink gown. She shared that it was a borrowed dress from a girlfriend.

Little by Little

I am improving little by little, thanks to Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief. Sleeping better is helping me to get my strength back. Still loving my slipper socks. I'm modeling the other pair today. Had to show off their cute message.

I'm at the computer in the guest bedroom. 

Under the glass dome are two special books. My mother mentioned to me many times about her love of the book Lorna Doone. One of her teachers read it aloud in class. Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre were favorites of mine in high school. 

 Years ago after the births of my children I gave this paperback volume to my mother, and thankfully she filled out every page with her personal information and thoughts. 

It's a treasure to see her handwriting on every page.

  Stay warm and well.

Determined

I looked through scads of photos searching for this one in particular. This is the card I showed you in the last post that I framed for safekeeping. Oh, the memories of that room and the many visits with Mother. Some sweet, some sad, some difficult. But I wouldn't take anything for those days because we were together, trying to make the best of a terrible situation.

It was a beautiful Thursday, and Corkey and I spent part of it in Covington. We had a few people we wanted to see and invite to our annual Labor Day Barbecue.

Feeling blessed!

Treasured Objects

It seemed so strange not to head to the nursing home today. I am thankful my mother is no longer suffering, but it's hard to face that she's no longer with me. There's a lonely feeling to my world. However, I believe she will be having her most beautiful and glorious Christmas ever. 

Having my daughter home for four days was comforting. She was by my side during Thursday's visitation and rode with us to Louisiana for the burial on Friday. Over the weekend we managed one visit to Plantation Antiques. The tiny handpainted gourd reminded me of loft visits in my grandparents' barn. It was signed J. Duffy. 

Through the years my friend Mary has sent me lovely and unique Christmas cards. Five are resting in front of a line of  journals.

My mother gave me many treasures, often spoiling me on birthdays and Christmases. This Santa was in her collection. She gave it to me 'cause she knew it was my favorite.

I think every room now has some Christmas decoration. I am almost finished with this year's decorating. It has given me joy to bring out treasured objects.

In Loving Memory

Essie Mae Barnes Crum

November 21, 1922 - December 2, 2014

Accepting What Is

Today my mother had her 92nd birthday. 

Although there were cards, a cake, flowers, box of chocolates, and loved ones by her side, it was not a very happy birthday. She cannot be the mom she once was who dearly loved a good time. Her smiles are few and far between. Her body and mind are wearing out from the Alzheimer's disease. The long good-bye continues...

In the month of June

June is a special month for us. My husband and I get to celebrate our anniversary on two different dates. Twenty-five years ago we were married by Ms. Clara McMillin in a simple but meaningful ceremony at the Covington Courthouse on June 8th. Later on June 30th we had another ceremony at Quito United Methodist Church with our children standing up front with us as we said our vows before family and a few friends.

June has been a busy month so far with frequent checks on Mother's care and also caring for grandkids.

Selfies...ugh!

 

Blank pages and a blank canvas are waiting on me.

I did change the cover of my simple journaling book...from that black cover with etc to what you see below. 

  

   
With all the rain we've been having our garden has some new blooms.

enjoying one day at a time...

Dear April

This dear month will soon be gone. Unbelievable!

Every year I seem to enjoy gardening more and more. I've been working on flowerbeds and planters during April.

 

 

 

Corkey and I had a wonderful getaway day in Savannah, Tennessee. We met friends at Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant on the Tennessee River.

 

 

 

I spent some time with my mother on this rainy Monday. Quiet moments looking out her window...a squirrel digging, a robin capturing a worm, raindrops hitting puddles of water.

 

I miss the talks we used to have. I miss her ready smiles. I miss her intelligence, her drive, her personality.

 

A few days ago someone who had known Mother called her a "firecracker." The term made me smile.

 

There are days now when she can't remember my name, but no matter, for she is my precious Mom.  Dear April...