Sunday Reflections..

 Hard to believe that it is already Sunday evening of this 3 day weekend.  

Sam and I began our morning with Worship and Praise playing softly through the television.  

The kids came over this morning and one of the sweetest parts of day was my son-in-law trimming back our trees.  He recently finished his job out in California and is finally back home...He has always been such a huge help to us.  Our kids are so good about showing up and helping.  

This is the last load of limbs that needs to be hauled off.  I sure was sad about having to trim limbs that had the beautiful mimosa flowers on them....But..it had to be done. 

After the tree trimming was finished, we all gathered out on the back porch and enjoyed buckets of good conversations..and snacks!!  It's as if everyone was daring each other to be the first one in the pool this year.  Water is still a bit chilly though, so for this reason, there were no takers. 

A few cone flowers, Marmalades, and Lantana.

Later in the afternoon, I drove Sam over to see his dad at the Nursing Home.  While he was spending time there, I wandered over to the garden center where I may or may not have purchased a few more things than I had intended.  Apparently Memorial Day weekend is the time to shop for plants.  The place was not crowed at all.  

(Some Mexican Petunias and a few Zinnias, along with some grasses and rose moss.)

After I picked Sam up, we grabbed a quick bite to eat.  Nothing fancy...just something he can easily eat.  You would be surprised by what he can actually eat that does not hurt his stomach and liver.  Cheese Enchiladas!!.  I am shocked that he is able to eat this, but it's one of the few things that he can eat without having pain.

💛💛💛  

Now, I'm expecting to have a slower evening..  I'll be spending part of my evening catching up on blogs and working on my computer.  I am designing a "Save the date - invitation" all combined into one for our 55th Class reunion.  Fifty-five years feels almost impossible to say out Loud.  

This was the 50th reunion...way back in 2021.

For whatever reason....RED POPPIES...always makes me think of Memorial Day.  I honestly do not know why they touch my heart the way they do, but they always have. Maybe it's their deep red color that feels both beautiful and sacred at the same time.  They seem to whisper to me....Remembrance, sacrifice, honor and gratitude...

Tonight...the skies are hinting at the possibility of rain.  I just heard it thunder, so it might be earlier than I thought. 

Oh how wonderful this day has been and I thank the Lord for all of His goodness.  

Shug... or as William says:  Shuggy!  

Little Moments that Matter Most

 Although I had planned to do absolutely nothing today, I did manage to enjoy a morning brunch.

My daughter (Trista)...granddaughter (tori)...granddaughter-in-law (Emily)...and our great grandson (William) gathered at La Madeleine for a very nice brunch.  While it might not be my favorite brunch spot, I found myself smiling over a yogurt parfait and soaking in something far more nourishing than food....GREAT COMPANY AND WONDERFUL CONVERSATION..

As you can see...I also enjoyed a nice glass of Southern Sweet Tea.  

William kept us on our toes as we sat out on the patio.  He was wanting to explore everything that there was to explore.  The birds, the stones and even the world outside of the gate....these things were sure keeping him busy. 

Truthfully, I had not even intended to go anywhere today.  I had planned a quiet day at home.  But life has a fun way of placing unexpected gifts right in the middle of ordinary moments.  If I had stayed home, I would have missed the sweetness of the morning. 

Not every meaningful moment arrives with a fanfare.  My day began simple.....A breakfast outing, A baby's smile, and a family gathered around coffee cups and conversation. You just can't beat this kind of goodness.

The rest of my day was beautifully ordinary.  Laundry hummed in the background while I worked in the backyard, tending to things growing beneath the sunshine.  I love the healing favor from God in the little things that I do each day.  Caring for my flowers and tending to our home. 

This memorial day weekend, I have found myself thinking about how quickly seasons change.  How important it is to say yes to time together with family, even when we did not plan it.  One day, the brunches, the backyard chores, the tiny hands reaching across the table, will become the memories that soften our hearts the most. 

As far as tomorrows plans go? 

Online Church....and maybe a trip to the garden center.   I am needing some ornamental grass and perhaps a few more flowering plants.  

Wherever this weekend finds you, I hope you find many pockets of happiness...

Hugs to ALL

Shug.. 

A Quiet Memorial Weekend.

Memorial weekend always seems to arrive with a little shift in the air.  The days stretch a bit longer, the smell of barbecue drifts through the neighborhoods, swimming pools begin to sparkle under the patio lights, and calendars often fill with cookouts, lake trips and family gatherings.  For many, it quietly marks the unofficial beginning of summer....a season of sunshine, FLIP FLOPS, watermelon slices, and staying outside a little longer.

This year...our plans are a very light.  In fact, we really have no plans at all.  And honestly...This sounds pretty wonderful to me.  I believe that sometimes the sweetest weekends are the ones without a packed schedule.  Around here it will most likely be slow mornings and simple meals. This is our schedule...if you want to call it a schedule. I plan to just enjoy the gift of an unhurried weekend.  

Still, Memorial weekend carries a much deeper meaning beyond the food and the festivities.  While many people celebrate the arrival of summer, others spend these days remembering loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Behind every flag placed at a cemetery, every folded banner, and every moment of silence is a story of courage and one of sacrifice. 

FREEDOM HAS NEVER BEEN FREE!!

Whether your weekend includes traveling, grilling burgers, gathering with your families or simply resting at home (like we plan to do)...may we all pause long enough to remember the brave men and women who made freedoms possible.  Their sacrifice deserves more than a passing thought.  It deserves gratitude carried in our hearts long after the holiday weekend ends.  

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it.  It flies with the last breath of every soldier who dies protecting it."   unknown 

Here are a few food ideas!!

* Backyard Burger Sliders 🍔

* Loaded Ranch Potato Salad 🥔

* Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans 🫘

* Watermelon Feta Salad 🍉

* BBQ Chicken Kabobs 🍗

* Strawberry Pretzel Salad 🍓

* Patriotic Berry Board 🍒

* Peach Tea Punch 🍑

Good food, grateful hearts!

Prayers for everyone's safety!!

Shug....(((Big Hugs)))

A Mix of Good Things...

 This has been a full week of doctor's appointments. I am so far behind on my blogging....but my heart knows you all understand.  

The warm evenings that we have been having slowed my evenings down.  We have been enjoying the quieter moments more than ever.  

I ordered the cutest little lights from Amazon and I have placed them all around the pool..  I even added clear balls that float on the water.  The soft sparkle of the lights and the sound of the water bubbling creates a "Stillness" and definitely some relaxing moments. Don't you think that nighttime always feels a tad bit softer? 

And then....My Mimosa Trees!!  Absolutely Stunning!! Every year they bloom, but this year they are really showing out.  The fluffy pink/red blooms are for sure calling in many of the hummingbirds.  I have been enjoying watching the blooms sway in the evening breeze and what makes this even more magnificent is the sunset behind them.  A beautiful masterpiece right here in my yard.  

Switching gears.....I wanted to share one of my favorite things....  Crème Brûlée   This dessert has my heart!  That crisp caramelized sugar on the top with the creamy custard underneath, and fruit on top.....WOW!!

No matter how full I am...if a restaurant has Crème Brûlée  on their menu....I'm ordering it.  The truth is, I had rather have (2 TWO) of this dessert as to have a meal and only one of this delicious sweet treat.  

In my mind, I see a pretty good recipe for life with the three things I have talked about here.   

🌸 The sweet smell of Mimosa blooms

💡The glowing lights that keep on reflecting off of the pool water

🍮The BEST dessert around...Crème Brûlée 

 I think God gives us these little reminders every single day....moments that whisper for us to breath deeper.  This is the real secret to joy.  Leaning to hold tightly to the good while it is here.  To sit outside...to order the dessert..to admire what God has created....To cherish the people around us and... to enjoy the sweetest ordinary moments that we almost didn't notice at all...  HOPE finds a way to show up in the smallest things.  ❤️

Shug...🌸🌴