April has been so lovely. How can I let another week go by without acknowledging the blessings that have visited. Yes, there is still so much going on in our world that can make me cry at the drop of a hat.
Isn't it wonderful when the garden comes alive with jewels?
Bringing flowers inside to fill pitchers and vases and old bottles.
I heard a gardener say that Spring brings an embarrassment of color. Though I don't think I'd go that far, it is a season that comes on fast and furious with blossoms everywhere.
I heard a gardener say that Spring brings an embarrassment of color. Though I don't think I'd go that far, it is a season that comes on fast and furious with blossoms everywhere.
One of the loveliest flowering trees is the Dogwood. Birds have planted many in our garden and it thrills my soul.
The first week of April a part of our family was able to get together at the beach for a week. It was wonderful for Boo and Bear to enjoy time with our two youngest grandsons and son that has been a long time coming.
The weather was so beautiful for us to enjoy long walks and fun on the beach. There was time for games on the beach for the guys, while I lazily watched the waves with dolphin feeding. Spending time talking to our grands about everything and nothing is always special. One afternoon we were talking to our youngest grand about the past year and what it meant to him. When he mentioned the lack of seeing us I could feel tears well in my eyes. My goodness what a year this has been for all of us!
An eighteenth birthday was properly celebrated with dinner out in a restaurant. We hardly knew how to act as it has been well over a year since we have eaten out.
This week away meant the world to us! I've always been thankful for my family and spending time with them, but this year has pointed out to me the extreme importance of each family get together. Our daughter and son-in-law even commented to us on Skype that we looked more relaxed after our time away. They will be visiting with us next month to celebrate their son's birthday.
I pray that Spring has brought a renewed spirit to your heart.
Martha, I know what you mean about so much going on in the world that can make you (and me) cry at the drop of a hat. I had one of those days last week. Had to call a moratorium on any news. Glad you had such a wonderful family getaway. Not sure when I'll feel ready for travel or even dining out in town, but I'm coping pretty well. Your beautiful photos gave me such a lift!
ReplyDeleteJean, it was with great trepidation that we ventured "outside" our safety bubble. I'm so glad you are coping well and staying away from the news. We read the paper and watch the evening news. That's all we can tolerate for now. Stay safe, my friend.
DeleteThose are some handsome young men. How wonderful that you could finally be able to be together and celebrate! So good! Spring is beautiful in your corner!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. These boys mean the world to us. As a grandmother yourself, I know you understand.
DeleteThe world is a sorrowful place indeed. Looking for the joy has become a little bit more like a challenge, but one I gladly take up. We are still a very long way from the kind of family gathering you have enjoyed. From this weekend, up to six people may meet outside, but still not permitted indoors. Masks required if not keeping two metres apart. So many guidelines, it's a job to keep up now.
ReplyDeleteStill, thankfully, our gardens know nothing of all this and just keep on going, bringing us joy as Spring returns.
Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, I love what you said about our gardens knowing nothing of the situation at hand. Wales certainly has very strict guidelines compared to us. Our family getaway was so good for our souls, but not without angst, even with being fully vaccinated. Take care, my friend. I hope today finds you well and in the garden! xoxo
DeleteI am glad that you met with your family in spite of concerns. Life is a crap shoot every day and there is not a lot of sense in allowing ourselves to be separated from family. Look at how fast your handsome 18 year old grew up! And summer days to look forward to. Yay!
ReplyDeleteBeing with our family was balm for our spirits, Vee. Time is fleeting and we intend to make the most of it as safe as possible.
DeleteI know what you mean, Martha Ellen, it's been a long time since I went to a restaurant, and would be a little unsettled doing so. Your blooms are so pretty, especially the Dogwood. And I love that purple flower - it DOES look like a jewel! I'm so glad you were able to see your dear family, and Happy Birthday to your grandson. You have handsome guys in your family, Martha Ellen. I haven't seen the ocean in so long. I think I would just simply watch the waves and the dolphins too. : )
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post, dear friend.
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri for your kind comments. Time with our family meant the world to us. I hope you get to see the ocean soon. Seeing it always lifts me. Stay safe and well, my friend.
DeleteI'm so happy for you that you got to have a week at the seaside with your family. Your son and grandsons are very handsome! I also enjoyed seeing your garden blooming, so many similar plants are in our garden. Enjoy your next family gathering and birthday celebration. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, this past year has been so hard on all of us. We enjoyed being with part of our family so much. Thank goodness that Spring came just when it was needed!
DeleteIt looks like it was a very special week indeed! Thankful for the scientists who have worked diligently to help us return to some of our former experiences! Spring in your yard is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNellie, it was very special! Being fully vaccinated is a blessing that I am so thankful. Happy Spring to you, my friend.
DeleteI know exactly what you mean about time with family after the year. Yes, we've always known it was important but I'm not sure we realized how much those moments mean till we don't have them. It's a glorious post and I'm so thrilled you had a wonderful time. Isn't the vaccine a blessing?
ReplyDeleteI love those bleeding hearts -- they remind me of the plants at my grandmother's home growing up.
Oh Jeanie, the vaccine is a blessing! We would have never been able to take this time with family without it.
DeleteBleeding hearts are so lovely. I'm so happy to hear your grandmother grew them. Can you have them in your town? I have no idea how to garden in colder climes.
How wonderful that you were able to get this time with your dear family Martha Ellen. Very, very special! The photos were great. You have a sweet family. Loved your pretty garden and all the beautiful flowers. Here's to the next time you can see your family, it will be here before you know it :)
ReplyDeleteDenise, I appreciate your sweet comments, my friend. My garden is happy you came by for a visit! Yes, we are looking forward to more visits with loved ones soon.
DeleteI am so pleased you have been able to spend time with your family.
ReplyDeleteThis past year has not been an easy one has it, and I know I have missed seeing family.
Your photographs are lovely, and it seems that you have another family get-together to look forward to ...
Enjoy these special times together.
I really enjoyed seeing all of your photographs on this post.
Your garden is looking very nice, and I like the way you say "Isn't it wonderful when the garden comes alive with jewels?" I agree :)
Sending my good wishes to you and all your family.
All the best Jan
Jan, thank you for your very kind comments. This past year has been such a burden on families. I do hope you are able to see yours soon. I'm so glad Spring has come to lighten the shadows of the pandemic. Take care of yourself and your family.
DeleteYou had me as soon as I saw those beautiful bleeding hearts, friend! But this post was even more beautiful as I read about your gathering at the beach with your dear ones! Oh, I know that was a delight to your soul . . . to all of your souls! And more delights coming up as you anticipate visiting with your daughter and son-in-law. If nothing else, this difficult year (more than a year) has highlighted just how much our dear ones mean to us, and how much we depend on the Lord to sustain us!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, family is everything to us and this time away with them was very special to our souls. I'm so thankful that God has led us through it all. Thank you so much for your comments, my friend.
DeleteGorgeous flowers you have posted. I love the view from the back of your home with the windows at your sun porch. I would like to change out our jalousie windows for something like you have.
ReplyDeleteI bet the sand felt good and warm. It was a treat for sure dining out with your family. A handsome family you have and all smiles. So nice to hear you had such a wonderful time. Will be many more good times too.
Betsy, being at the beach was wonderful, but being with our loved ones meant the world to us!
DeleteWe love our windows in our Florida room. We washed them inside this week, but will wait for the pollen to retreat before cleaning the outside. Thank you for your kind comments as always, my friend.
Love the big smiles. Isn't this the nicest time of year?
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Smiles are just the best, Amalia. Coupled with Spring, who could ask for more? xo
DeleteI just came across your blog Martha Ellen. How lovely to see your crystal pitcher filled with the same little blue flowers I grow. I have 2 of the same pitchers. Sometimes they are vases too. Just this morning i finally let go of some small sunflowers from a Mother's Day bouquet from a student's parent. thank you for your blog to visit.
ReplyDeleteMartha Ellen your spring garden is very beautiful! We have been getting a lot of rain and so everything has turned a beautiful green right now and the trees are finally in bud. Happy belated birthday to your grandson--what a handsome young man. I agree that just spending time with grandchildren is uplifting and so important. I hope you all have a wonderful summer with many occasions together to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say hello.
ReplyDeleteHoping the month of May is going well for you.
All the best Jan
Thank you for visiting on Memorial Day, Martha Ellen. I hope you are having a nice and restful day. Thanks also for telling me that your Dad was a Marine too and that your brother has his ring. Oh, the things that are passed on to us after our loved ones leave this earth. Now that this wonderful month of May is over, I hope you have the best June days. You deserve all the goodness that comes your way, Martha Ellen.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
ps.....I saw two deer today when I drove to the creek. One came very close because he had to cross the street, and I was right by the road. I smiled at him and reassured him that I was just there to appreciate his beauty. : )
Bellas imagenes hermosos jardines. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteEnamorada de las letras