Saturday, December 22, 2012

Brrr, it’s cold down here

Good morning Folks,

Yesterday morning the winds started blowing in from the north, it got colder all day and right now at 7:29 est. it is 44 and feels like it is 35.  For us down here in s.e. FL that is COLD. I brought orchids into the porch, brought the anthurium inside and everything else should have been ok.

Here is the ground orchid that is blooming right now.

12-21-ground-orchids

12-21-ground-orchids2

12-21-ground-orchids3

Gifts have been arriving by mail, some for Christmas, some for love and support at this time. I’ve been putting it all under/around the funky Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It looks festive and joyful and makes me happy. Whether physical gifts, or gifts of love, prayer and support I know they are all gifts from your hearts and I am grateful for the outpouring at this time. It all does so much for me, heart, soul and spirit.

A few days ago I got a pkg in the mail (the one on top), yesterday I got a colorful one in the mail, (one on the bottom with info erased). It was sitting inside the gate when I got home from work. Isn’t that a neat idea to send the pkg. wrapped like that instead of brown paper?  I’ve got to remember that.

12-22-gifts9

A fresh avocado from my boss and his wife, from their tree, and also the jar of raw, unfiltered, wild flower honey from the Ocala National forest area. The bottle of wine and poinsettia are from a friend from work and his wife.

12-22-gifts

This sweet pkg is from dear Gina. She wanted to send me some things to help brighten my days. Three things are under the tree, two in protective bubble wrap, the third in a little Santa bag that she told me to open last. She also sent three wonderful books that I can hardly wait to start looking at, but I am ‘refraining’ until Christmas. And  you can see a lovely piece with doves all over it.

12-22-gifts7

This is the sweet little prayer blanket. Last evening I was having a rough time missing DH something awful. I had read some bits in a couple of good books for widows and laid down on the bed to read some more and unfolded and placed this piece over my heart/chest area and fell asleep for about 30 minutes. I woke up feeling much more relaxed and refreshed. I had it on DH’s side of the bed during the night and would wake up and take hold of it gently. I am ever thankful for all of the prayers at this time.

12-22-gifts5

12-22-gifts6

12-22-gifts2

12-22-gifts4

12-22-gifts3

Here is a gift of homemade goodness from LemonVerbenaLady and Herbal Husband. I can hardly wait to try that Spicy Basil apple jelly, it sounds very interesting and I know the raspberry jam will be delicious.

12-22-gifts11

Another sweet friend sent me a gift card. I haven’t decided as to what to get, but I think it will be garden related. Smile

I am truly blessed to have the online friendships that have been made. We’ve never met, but there is a bond that binds us all together. Every time I read a comment or email my heart is touched by the love and thoughtfulness from each and everyone of you. Thank you.

Last night was a rough one earlier on, but this morning I woke up feeling so refreshed and thankful for the gift of a new day.

I will close with a couple of photos of the piece I made for DH on the first of December. I had forgotten all about it in all that has happened and found it last evening before bed, on his side of the bed, on a bookshelf leaning up, right where I had placed it. It made my heart feel good and I took it and hung it on the tree.

12-22-for-mark2

He called me RaineyWife and that’s how I signed the back. My last little handmade gift for him, which he liked.

12-22-for-mark

Love is Forever.

***

That’s it from Plum Cottage. I’m going to take a little break.

Have a wonderful holiday.

FlowerLady Lorraine

20 comments:

Sunray Gardens said...

Lovely Orchid. They are such beautiful flowers. The gifts are extremely thoughtful and I know they mean a lot to you because of the intent.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Rebecca said...

Enjoy the break....come back soon. You ARE so loved and covered with prayer & tender thoughts.

I ♥ the ornament you made for your DH.

Antique ART Garden said...

I love the heart you made him with his name on it!! You could make personalized hearts and sell them online. Start off with more common popular names, Steve, John, etc...and Mary, Susan, Linda( for starters...and then you could take orders for personalized ones. So nice to see some outpouring hearts for you. Big hug as usual, Gina

Lynn said...

Glad you were able to get your plants in. It is cold here too ~ twenty-eight this southern morning. The outside shower iced over. Winter has arrived. Love the heart. Be good and don’t peek, Rainey. Just two more days to open more presents. Enjoy your break . . . enjoy Plum Cottage . . . come back soon.

Susan said...

It's quite chilly up my way, too Lorraine. Fortunately, it's not going to last too long. Your ground orchid is beautiful and it looks like you're going to enjoy opening all your Christmas gifts. So many people care about you and love you. Enjoy your break and hope to see you back soon.

Kit said...

It must really feel like Christmas down there! We are quite chilly too and I am loving it, tho I would love to see more snow. :) Glad you have such lovely things to open. Your heart for your love is beautiful. Thinking of you! Love, Kit

Anonymous said...

We too had to bring in our orchids. It was 44 this morning.
Your personalized star is so precious.. and look at all those presents. You are Loved!

Take care of yourself and have Merry Christmas, Lorraine.

Unknown said...

I'll be thinking about you and praying. The orchids are so beautiful.

Nancy J said...

Lorraine, that is cold!! About our 5C or so.Lovely flowers, and your gifts, all sent with love,care and support, enjoy each one, and your darling DH will be there by your side, watching over you.Have Peace in your heart, know you are not alone, we are with you every day, sending love,hugs and more. Christmas Greetings from both of us in NZ, love from Jean.

Mrs. Mac said...

45F is a summer day in my neck of the woods :) You certainly have been showered with love and kindness ... which is nice to see. The little heart ornament is darling and very sentimental. With love,

Annie said...

Wonderful memories to cherish. I'm heading north to my mum today for christmas - 6 hour drive - Temp 42 degrees, so it's going to be hot!

sweetbay said...

That is cold! I hope you enjoy Christmas although I know it will be hard. The ground orchid is gorgeous.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Thinking of you
with blessings sent from
my heart to you.
Wonderful gifts and cold weather
you share. It is cold here by the
woods also...

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Glad to know the blogging world has come together for you in your time of need! We will always be here for you, FL! Our thoughts and prayers are with you each and every day! I know you will enjoy the jam and jelly. xxoo LVL and The Herbal Husband

Masha said...

Lovely orchid pictures, and I am glad you are taking care of your plants. I am so very sorry to hear about your husband's passing. We have had a sad year, but I think I am coming out of it finally. There is always so much to look forward to and be grateful for.

June said...

I know this must be a difficult time of year, but how wonderful that you are feeling blessed by thoughtful friends Lorraine. I wish you comfort for the season.
warm hugs...

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a lovely orchid. Ours bloomed for months last year. It has been chilly in our part of Florida too, especially with the northerly winds whipping around.

Thank you for visiting my blog.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years.
Sam

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Lorraine,

I'm so happy to see that you've been showered with kindnesses. You are such a sweet soul and my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I'm praying for you. Please send an email when you can.

Becky said...

Merry Christmas Sweet Lady!

Unknown said...

I am so happy to see that my sweet big sister is so well loved. I also am praying for you Rainey in this sad but glorious time. We know Mark is well and happy in his heavenly home. I love you and I love reading your blogs and your pictures are beautiful.