Thursday, January 31, 2013

The last day of January

 

We are having cloudy skies at the moment, 8:04 EST, had some wind and then a little rain. More light showers are expected. I am thankful as we need the rain.

Yesterday was totally gorgeous weather. After I took care of some paperwork, I decided to do some puttering outside. It was just what I needed. Wind, music of wind chimes, birds singing, butterflies flitting and thankfulness in my heart.

I worked on an overgrown path, you couldn’t even tell a path was there, after 6 months of neglect. The first 4 months were filled with taking care of Mark, he needed my nurturing and love and we needed the time of growing closer together. These past two months I’ve worked other areas of other gardens to get more or less back to normal. I want to get as much done before summer heat and humidity get here. This whole little haven I have here is a work in progress, as it will be the rest of my life. I am thankful for it. It is filled with lots of memories every where I look.

Before

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After ~ I’ve got to add some color to the fence line, and have a couple of things in mind.

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Before

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After ~ I didn’t feel like sweeping up the paths. I ‘plan’ to buy a roll of roll roofing as I can, to cover up the old roofing as it is deteriorating. It’s probably

01-31-main-west-path

The pictures below are from 2007, after the path was first done. I had to go back to find these and of course looking through the photos made me cry. We were such a hard working team, enjoyed all of our projects. Again I am thankful.

We made some changes in the area since then. It’s amazing looking back at pictures to see things as they were.

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01_26_path2

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03_17_westpath

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David and Venus

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Reed orchids

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Old Blush rose

01-31-old-blush

This is a cup of Celestial Seasoning’s Tea ~ Honey, Vanilla and Chamomile along with Walker Shortbread cookies, sent to me from Balisha.  Both are delicious. I had this Monday after a very emotional time of going through Mark’s clothes. It was just what I needed. You can read more here.

01-29-honey-van-cham-tea

While I’m thinking of Balisha, please pray for her and her family as they are having some medical issues and she’s taken time off from blogging.

That’s it from Plum Cottage at this time.

FlowerLady

***

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude,

a quiet joy

Ralph H. Blum

19 comments:

Sandra said...

You sure are keeping busy and getting things done :) Love the path.

Can't wait to see what color you're going to use for the fence, whatever it is, I'm sure will look beautiful.

That tea and shortbread look so good, I love shortbread.

Hope you have a lovely Thursday.

Hugs and love,
Sandra

Lynn said...

Blogland is filled with gratitude this mornings. It’s a blessing those with the most hardship like your friend Balisha are also the most giving. Your yard is really shaping up early this year before the heat of summer. It is so lush along your path. All is well.

gld said...

I like seeing the before and after photos. Tidying up, pruning, whatever you call it makes the most difference in gardening. You have things looking very spiffy.

I have never had chamomile tea. I plan to grow the plant this year and try my own. I have a cookie recipe for shortbread that makes a cookie that looks exactly like those. It is a family favorite.

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

So good to see your garden and makes me think of Spring.
Bad storm in my area and will share later. A lot of cleanup and screens off my porch but nothing major. Enjoy your tea and cookies.
They are my favorite.
Healing wishes sent to Balisha and family.
Take care of you...

Susan said...

I'm glad to see that you're getting caught up and enjoying the therapy that a garden provides. You have quite a tropical paradise there. Very lovely pathways.

Sandy said...

I have learned through the years of suffering that we become more compassionate and loving in the hard places. We become more like our Savior who was well acquainted with sorrow and grief.
Know that you are thought of often and prayers for comfort and strength always offered up for you.
Love,
Sandy

L. D. said...

Pretty cup and saucer. I like all of your before and after photos. Your paths are fun even when you have to redefine them once in a while.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Your gardens are so lush and inviting.I understand how looking at pictures brings tears. I had a few moments like that the other day as well.For now all we have are the pictures and the memories but some day we will be together with our loved ones face to face again.

Annie said...

Gardening.....so satisfying....nice to have a cup of tea with you. I'll come and visit you for real when I'm 50!

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

You are so inspiring, FL! Love all of the work you have done. One day at a time! Sending freezing positive energy your way! xxoo LVL and The Herbal Husband

BernieH said...

It was fabulous seeing the before shots. You two created a wonderful little slice of paradise, but as you say, it's evolving. It's great to hear you've enjoyed your time outdoors tidying up that path. A bit of colour added to that fence line is a wonderful idea. I can't wait to see what you've got in mind.

June said...

I can hardly imagine being able to garden year round Lorraine. Your property is so beautiful and lush with greenery!

Unknown said...

Yes, I think having that garden to work on is probably a blessing. I use to love to work in the garden, but my back keeps me from doing much now. You have a wonderful little world there. Do you stay inside a lot in the summer or do you enjoy your garden?

HolleyGarden said...

You have been busy! I think it is wonderful that you have your garden to tend to during this time. You can laugh, scream, cry, meditate, or whatever you need to do in the garden.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

You've been working hard! People that see gardening as work miss out on how therapeutic it can be. It's good that you have so many good memories in your garden, it makes it extra special.
Sending you a hug!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I love everything in your compound Lorraine, makes one want to go exploring - lots of fascinating items and garden 'rooms'. You have really been working awfully hard though!
Walker's Shortbreads are in abundance here! Have a lovely day my dear filled with peace.
R.

sweetbay said...

The garden looks great with all of the work you've putting into it!

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Hi Lorraine and thank you! I am surprised how many ferns you have! I love ferns. Most of them in my garden are sword ferns, our natives.

Kit said...

Nice job! Your place is looking wonderful. Hope your days are going well. Kit