My blog has been put on the back burner lately.  I have been keeping myself busy with other things besides setting at this crazy computer.  It was one of my weekend goals to get a post out.  So much has happened since I last wrote.  My days are beginning to be a little more manageable with the emptiness that I've had to endure.  In a sense, grieving is actually a show of faith. We are trusting God to hold us in our most vulnerable time, when our feelings are raw, our life is in pieces, and our strength is gone.  If that isn't faith, I'm not sure what is.

I have given R's clothes away to a very deserving individual. It wasn't a bad experience letting them go.  I still have some things that I will keep.  I think the reason it was easier than I thought is the recipient has a history to his life that would make you just shake your head that so much can happen to one person.  He is amazing.  He has always been one of those people that continues to give of himself over and over even though he's had alot of major things to deal with. If he gets knocked down - he gets right back up.   I was grateful that he accepted the invitation to go through R's clothes. 

These 100+ degree days are getting old.  I did my 5 miles only once the last three days.  I kept toying with the idea of getting out there today - but after the "landscaping rock" party today at my daughters house - I think I've had enough.  I can't remember in tons how much rock we took care of today - but I promise you it was ALOT!  It looks very nice. 

I'm posting another picture of my banana tree. 
It's growing like crazy.  It now has 9 big palm
leaves. My friend tells me the record is 11 in one season.   I'm hoping the frost holds off for a long time so I can make at least the record.  The babies should start appearing soon.  I know several of you are anxiously awaiting a delivery next spring so we'll see what happens. 

Here's my first attempt at a Cake Decorating.  My BFF and I signed up and took a class together.  We loved it.  I thought sure my cake would end up in the next edition of "Cake Wrecks" but by a wing and a prayer - it turned out.  And it was delicious.  I'm not very creative - but I sure felt proud of my first decoration job.   What do you think L.S.???? 

My two oldest grandkids were thrilled when I showed up with my masterpiece.  As you can see the big kindergarten girl did a pretty good posing job.  Then Mr. E wanted to make sure he got in on the action as well. 

I continue to be very grateful for my friends and family who continue to stand beside me in my journey. It means the world to me.  I have been in touch with a couple of individuals - one is going to proof my blog for grammatical errrors and the other person has actually published a couple of books.  She knows the who what where when of writing something and having it published.  I have been told by many people to get my blog published.  They tell me there are others out there who need to hear my story.  They tell me I have been an inspiration to them.  I appreciate your kind compliments.   

"Each day brings with it the miracle of a new beginning.  Many of the moments ahead will be marvelously disguised as ordinary days, but each one of us has the chance to make something extraordinary out of them."             Douglas Pagels