Summer

Summer is on its way to the NW, and it is a season of delights to be sure. Flowers blooming, birds singing, children playing - signs of life and beauty are all around us. Occasions to celebrate abound, and I do love a good celebration, don't you?

My immediate family recently had a "get-together" in honor of Mother's Day. It was a glorious gathering with my beautiful one year old and four year old granddaughters running around. My husband smoked meat for southern pulled pork sandwiches (delicious). My sons brought me flowers and cards. My husband gave me M&Ms, specially made with my picture on them and words saying #1 Mom and #1 G'ma.

I like to start each day with a grateful heart. I certainly have countless reasons to do so. I'm surrounded with beauty - in my garden, home, and loved ones. All these things are brimming with inspiration.

Recently, we built a new deck, half is covered. Eventually, we will screen that portion to keep out insects. I look forward to finding a quiet sitting place on my back porch where I can relax and soak up the refreshing feel of a true summer.

News: I am so sad to reveal to readers that my father has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and has been given two weeks to two months to live. This has been quite a shock, we've always felt he'd outlive my mother. He will be 82 years old on his birthday. I would covet your prayers at this time. He is a believer and an honorable man.

A Time to Celebrate: Mothers

Mother's Day is a time of celebration and gratitude for mom. It's a time of breakfast in bed, gatherings, and crayon scribbled cards. They say a mother's love is like no other love.


I can't imagine going through life without experiencing motherhood. Nothing makes me happier.


Raising boys was an adventure. My sons provided me with immeasurable amounts of joy, not to mention bruised knees to clean, rambunctious friends, and good-natured teasing. My love for my sons lifts them up and keeps them grounded. It allows them to take pride in their accomplishments and teaches them to be humble. It encourages them to laugh with abandon, and it dries their tender tears, too.


Mothers have given unconditional and immeasurable love since the beginning of breaths. Mothers cure "boo boos" with magic kisses and quell our fears with simple words.


My own mother will be 87 on her birthday. Unfortunately she has gravitated toward a more sedentary lifestyle that's proven to be debilitating. Sadly, she is now bedridden, yet she has a quick mind. Once, she had a bundle of energy and could out-shop the best of 'em. Over the years, she has made many quiet sacrifices and would move heaven and earth to give us kids a decent upbringing as best she could. Anyone who knows her would agree she's free-spirited, sharp witted, amusing, quirky, and a straight talker. These are the qualities I know as "Mom."