Spring is in the Air

 

There is a forecast for 100% rain on Wednesday, which is expected to continue for several days.

I'm okay with that. The more rain, the better! 

It was cold this Monday morning. 

I recently reconnected with my old friend, Tammy, after years apart. She moved from California to Colorado to Tennessee and now to Kansas, and we lost touch. Our paths crossed again after seven years, reminding us of the bond we share. We reminisced about our journeys through motherhood, navigating divorces around the same time, and raising our children without an active father. Despite the challenges, we created precious memories together.

Tammy is facing a difficult time after the tragic loss of her 2nd husband, but she is surrounded by a strong support system at her church in Wichita. As she shared her feelings, I listened. She just needs to be heard. 

The week ahead:

I completed my study of Revelation 17, which discusses the Fall of Babylon. 

✔Tomorrow, I plan to visit my eye clinic to adjust my glasses, as they are currently uneven and driving me crazy. I knocked them off my face and messed them up - They are closed today. 

✔On Wednesday, I will attend my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group, which has only eight weeks left before breaking for the summer. 

✔Thursday is designated for my Isaiah discussion and study group at my church, which I find very enriching. 

I particularly enjoy where we engage directly with the Bible. Instead of using a study book, we read each chapter, analyzing the text with the help of commentaries and concordances and exploring the Hebrew meanings of certain words. This approach allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the scripture, as I have never been interested in "feel-good" studies—I prefer to delve into the substance of the text. Sometimes we only get to a few verses, but I always walk out knowing more than ever before. 

✔I have a dental appointment scheduled for Friday to have my teeth cleaned.

I walked around the yard, looking for Spring...this morning. 

It's not up there in the neighbor's Redwood Trees. Some Ravens live in his trees. 

My first Poppy for 2025! 

My husband found the second one...

The Vinca on the hill continues to mock me...

And NO, I did not get out there and knock them down. 

I do nothing to these primroses, which are probably one of the easiest flowers to grow. You have to find the right spot! 

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, and similarly, you can't plant flowers that thrive in full sunshine in a shady spot and vice versa. These primroses were in flower boxes in the front, exposed to the intense southwest sun. All they needed was a northeast exposure to thrive.

I have learned the hard way - 

Here are Twin Cedars, looking over my roof into the front yard. They do look like two separate trees. The sweet Gum will start popping its spring greenery soon. 

New growth on the Pomegranate tree! 

I've got a few more days to enjoy this lovely 60-degree weather before the rain comes back! I've been spending time in my backyard, reading and listening to the birds sing in the afternoon. There's something special about the quiet, with a few bird chirps here and there. 

However, since Thursday evening, a house nearby has been playing music loudly enough for me to hear it—especially the bass and drums. I've experienced louder music in my life, so I’m not too upset, but I must admit, I prefer the peace and quiet of our usually quiet neighborhood. Sound tends to travel, and I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from. So far, it's been every evening since Thursday. Grrrrr. 

I only hear it in my living room. 

My husband has trouble hearing, so he doesn't hear it. Sometimes, that's a good thing, but the thumping music does distract me. Luckily, they tend to turn it down at a reasonable hour. It could definitely be worse! I could find myself living right next to them!

May God's grace surround each of you, guiding your steps this week.

Debby