Hello Folks ~ Here it is a wet Wednesday. We've had rain off and on for a couple of weeks at least. I get a load of laundry washed and hung out to dry in between bouts of rain, sometimes laundry ends up draped all of the house to dry. ;-) The other day I was able to mow all but a couple of small sections of grass. Haven't been able to finish, and by the time we have some dry weather again, the rest will need to be mowed again.
This tropical jungle does NOT quit growing. I can do an hour or two of trimming, weeding etc, and just can't seem to catch up at all. At least it is not as hot and humid as it was, although, it can still be pretty miserable out there. Before my dear husband left this planet, he suggested I not grow any more gardens. Say what? Sad to say, but I was a tad peeved, but over these past almost 8 years I know he made the suggestion thinking of all of the work I was already doing. I am not being able to keep up with the garden spaces I have without adding more to the mix.
With cooler weather coming, I plan and hope to be outside working in the gardens more to get this place looking nicer.
Below is the front path
This is the path to the workshop. part of the secret garden.
Here is the secret garden, an unruly sight to behold.
This is the St. Francis garden space, totally overtaken by several creeping ground covers. I've started on it, you can at least see the statue of St. Francis again.
Below is 'Mlle. Blanche Lafitte'
'Don Juan'
'Bermuda's Kathleen'
Below are some 'fall' pieces, four new crochet patterns.
I looked out the window yesterday and saw this stray.
He sensed me staring at him and became intense. I closed the blinds giving him some peace.
I am reading a book 'What Makes Life Worth Living' by Phillip Keller. In other words, what really matters? My 'normal' world was turned upside down when God called my dear husband home. Life hasn't been the same. God has been my strength through these past almost 8 years, if He wasn't with me, I'd be totally lost in a dark place. This pandemic has made me miss my husband even more.
What really matters in this life, is that Jesus loves me and graciously cares for me. Every day is a new opportunity to trust Him, knowing that He is working all things out for His honor and my good. We have opportunities to bless others also.
I have much to be thankful for.
His beautiful creation surrounds me. I have food to eat, a little house to live in, a comfortable bed, clean hot and cold running water, and so much more.
Every day we need to stop and think of what really matters in life. It's not keeping up with the Joneses or anybody else. It's living a contented life. We are to love God and love others and count our blessings.
Let us love and encourage each other. We are all on this journey of life. Let's help each other as much as we are able.
Love, hugs and prayers,
FlowerLady
19 comments:
Did your kitty kat have a chipmunk in his grasp when you first peered out window? He/she is a pretty fellow/gal for sure.
Be safe and take your time working in gardens but know what you mean, you no sooner get a space cleared, turn around and it needs it again.
He blends in so well with the bench seat. You have strength, faith,and so much more, and I hope you do only what you are able to, in any one day, without looking for more. The pale mauve is so beautiful.
What a cute visitor you had to your gardens.
I like your fall crochet.
You are so right in your message. We have to be thankful for what we have.
I wished I lived closer, I'd help you work in you garden.
Those crocheted decorations are beautiful.
Its cooler here. We could have snow on Monday.
Happy Autumn. Thelma
I admire you for trying to keep up with all that gardening. We had many flower beds when Jake was alive, but I have had to give up all but one of them. I knew I would never be able to keep up so I turned the area back to grass.
Lorraine, your Secret Garden looks just like what a Secret Garden should look like. I tend to favor the overgrown look, with a little bit of tidiness! I don't know how you do it all, but your flowers are just gorgeous. Stay well and don't work too hard..Happy Fall, my friend..xxoJudy
You are so right, Lorraine. We need to look around and concentrate on all the good things we have and not mourn the loss of what we are missing. (Missing your spouse is an exception to that rule).
Your gardens are so lush and I know they must be a lot of work. But- you enjoy it, too, I know-claiming those spaces as your own...and look at all those beautiful flowers and roses!
Blessings and love to you- Diana
Hello my friend. I decided a few years back to not plant anymore. Now I just manage what I have and most are bushes and trees. It can get overwhelming otherwise. You take care and keep going on. Love, KK
In the garden world, "Blanche" has captured my heart.
But as to what is most important, I agree with your exhortation! Love one another. XOXO
Is there anyone in tour church that could help you with your gardening?
What a beautiful post, Lorraine, with heartfelt words. I liked every bit of it. The Saint Francis statue in your garden is special, and Saint Francis is one of my beloved Saints. Your roses are coming along nicely even in October. Those little crocheted pieces are so cute, especially the orange tiny pumpkin. And your words are very special on what really matters in this life.
Take care, and have a peaceful weekend.
~Sheri
I love your grateful heart, my dear, and I am sorry you are missing your loved one so. Being in the garden always brings us closer to God, I think. Nature is so healing. I don't know anyone who can keep up with gardening....mine is just wild, too, but it's so interesting to see what grows and find a little surprise here and there. You have such lovely surprises, including sweet little visitors. Your crochet is wonderful. Sending hugs and blessings for your weekend. xo Karen
Lorraine your secret garden is my kind of place. My hubby calls my cottage gardening style messy and out of control. Yet I can't help myself - have always loved things growing natural. Your words resonate with me friend - finding faith and trust in our walk with the Lord can be challenging but when we can find praise and gratitude at the end of our path - we know He has won the victory for our souls. God bless you and take care. Hugs!
Oh yes, to all you have written, Lorraine!
I've always loved a lush wild garden so yours is magical. But I know your climate makes everything grow overnight and it must be a huge chore to keep up with it, as your husband surely was thinking of. But if it makes you happy that's all that matters. Your visitor in the garden is pretty and looks healthy. Has he or she returned?
I don't know how you keep up with all that yard work with everything being so lush and growing so quickly all the time. Lots of work, for sure.
You sure that kitty is a stray? He/she looks nice and healthy. Maybe just a neighbor's cat that got out?
Have a good Sunday!
I always feel that after reading a blog post written by you that it is like a visit with you. Your gardens are surely a paradise for wild birds and other critters; even that visiting cat. Gardens require so much work, and you are especially hard working and your flowers show that.
A contented life - yes. Real contentment comes only in knowing you are a child of God and He loves you and has your life in His hand. That's not easy, right now! Our place is pretty wild and overgrown too -- not much gardening this year. Thankfully we're near the end of the mowing!
Wonder if God is making your garden grow such that He is keeping you too
busy to be side tracked by sad thoughts? He certainly has given you
the green thumb and climate to keep all those beautiful roses going.
Love seeing the little visitor in your garden. There is a bright spot for
a few minutes. We all have so much to be thankful for even as the seasons
change and the weather becomes unpleasant up here. Stay safe and healthy.
Jesus is certainly with you at all moments.
Always amazed at how much your garden grows. Love the secret garden. Those crocheted leaves are wonderful! I love leaves. My mom could crochet anything. I never got the knack for it. Thank your spreading kindness and love now more than ever. Be well!
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