Bloom where you're planted

 

My dad planted these roses over 20 years ago...

Isn't this absolutely beautiful? It really brings a smile to my face, especially since my husband cut back on the roses quite a bit this past Fall. My roses usually bloom in winter, spring, and Fall but this year was a bit different due to the drastic pruning; they skipped the winter, but they are coming in now abundantly and beautifully. But hey, better late than never!

You know, I'm a little different from most folks. I like to keep my roses and flowers in the garden. If I want some for the house, I just pick some up at the store. I love keeping all that color in my yard, for the bees and butterflies, plus my cat really enjoys munching on them if I have them in the house. As I get older, I've noticed that some floral fragrances tend to give me headaches. But those pink roses? They always remind me of the fragrance of the rose milk body lotion from back in the day! 

Does anyone else remember the Rose Milk body lotion? 

I've got some of the red ones coming in, too! Dad planted these as well.  They're lovely, but I have to say, the pink ones really take the prize for fragrance.

And of course, our California poppies that just "pop" up where they want.  This is the time of year when they are blooming all over - 

The Pregnancy Clinic hasn't opened yet, so last week my husband and I went over to plant in preparation for its opening. Not only does he "coach" the young father-to-be, but he seems to have taken over the gardening as well, and I guess I am his helper.

Since it's just five minutes away (very convenient for us) and the sprinkler system isn't turned on yet, either he or I will go over and bring our hose to water the newly planted bushes until this Friday when the system gets turned on.

They are hoping for an opening on April 22.

My goodness! Because they had to tear down walls and make some electrical changes, they had to jump through many bureaucratic hoops, which delayed the opening from Jan to now April 22.

We planted a few lavender plants, and the daffodils were already there, spread across the dirt and mulch.

By 9am this morning, we were on the Sacramento River Trail. Nice spring day for a beautiful walk. Not really a hike - it's a trail for walking, biking, scooters, and is handicapped accessible. 

It's that time of the year for the spring melt from the mountains and frozen lakes. 

 I can already tell the river is high. 

It is so peaceful. I saw many ospreys and vultures - quite a bit, actually. 

Poppies are just beginning to bloom here -

This shrub in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) is known as Lemmon's ceanothus. It is endemic to California, where it grows on the wooded slopes of the Inner North Coast Ranges, the Sierra Nevada foothills, respectively, of the Sacramento Valley. The abundant flower clusters are clusters of pale to bright blue or purple flowers. 

The Manzanita tree! 

Native to California, the Manzanita tree thrives in our Mediterranean climate. It's drought and fire-resistant, making it quite resilient. Additionally, it has medicinal uses, aiding headaches, poison oak issues, and stomach problems.

 

While hiking, and it's HOT, its bark can be up to 11% cooler, earning it the nickname "Refrigerator tree." Resting your head against it can provide a refreshing coolness! I learned this survival tip in Girl Scouts, and it has stuck with me ever since!

Snowdrop (this has various names) 

We pulled into the driveway right at noon. After lunch and a short power nap, my husband is now mowing the lawn, and I'm here posting to you all while doing my laundry. Well, actually, the washing machine is doing all the laundry. I'm just sitting here. 

This Easter was quiet, just my husband and me at home. Our adult kids were working, which I've come to accept as a reminder to "bloom where you're planted." Plus, they are serving others, and that makes it all worthwhile. 

 

Volunteering at the pregnancy clinic is a blessing for my husband and me - I'm already hunting for baby clothes on sale for the Boutique. When I visited the clinic on Thursday, they hinted I might work in the Boutique.  I'm excited about this program's impact on the community, though I likely won't start until after our BSF semester ends on May 6.

 

I'd best be moving on -  I have clothes to fold and a kitty that needs attention. Susie loves to watch me fold laundry. It's a game. 

Until Next Time, 

Debby

A Saturday Walk, and the Christmas Take-Down,

We're all drying out from the HEAVY rain we had. Up to 15 inches of rain in seven days, in my area, which is good news for our HOT, dry summers. 

 

I walked the Sacramento River Trail on Saturday. It was a bit cold, in the 50s, and thankfully, no wind. Once the sun dips below the western mountains and casts a shadow over us, it gets chilly. 

Today we have reached a pleasant 62 degrees -  nice in the sun, and when the car is parked in the sunlight, getting inside feels wonderful. 

I found this funky place to sit and enjoy the area...

Some murals on the bridge

The surrounding area was devastated by the 2018 Carr Fire. 

It was nice to get outside after all that rain and flooding. We're looking at dry sunny weather until New Year's Day. I plan to take advantage of being outdoors.  

Maybe a day in the snow?? 

We'll see... 

A lovely little flower is blossoming on our hill. We're beginning to notice the early green shoots of our daffodils emerging on the hillside.  Typically, they flower in late January, but I uprooted them from the front yard and moved them to the hill last spring, so they might be a little off this growing season. 

My husband removed all the outdoor decorations - sooner than we typically do, but with a storm approaching later in the week, now seems as good a time as any, while it is sunny and dry.  We decided to keep the icicle lights on the patio up - likely until sometime in February.

I have a few winter decorations that I'll keep out, and I have additional winter pieces to incorporate into the mix. 

Today I bought a rolled beef roast from the butcher for New Year's Day. I plan to serve it with Irish mashed potatoes, gravy, garlic green beans, and Tennessee onions, in honor of my Tennessee side of the family.  My grandma made the best version with sweet Vidalia onions. I looked through online images for ones that look like hers, since I don't take photos of my meals. Yummm, I love the crispy edges. They pair perfectly with grilled steak, prime rib, or roast beef (my husband calls it Roast Beast).

I also bought some chicken thighs and breasts at the butcher's because I'm not impressed with the grocery store's oversized, Dolly Parton Breasts.  They're unnaturally large and on the tough side. No doubt pumped with hormones...

My husband will make pizza tonight...we missed it last week, and we have to have our homemade pizza once a week! 

I also had my hair trimmed, which I really needed. My hair is thick - and I have a lot of it. I'm pushing it if I wait 6 weeks. 

I don't have anything else on my mind that needs to be said - I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this year and the start of a new one. I love new beginnings. 

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow as I try to get out at least one last post for 2025. 

Debby

The weekend and What's Ahead for This Week

 

As the season unfolds, all types of events and happenings are popping up everywhere!  I will have to prioritize the truly special ones.   

What an exciting day yesterday was! Our wonderful Christian community came together to celebrate the upcoming opening of a new Pregnancy Care clinic set for January. Back in March, a call to action was called to many the churches, to raise one million dollars to purchase this building and support operations for the first year. 

Thanks be to God, they were able to purchase the building and the 2 acres with an all-cash purchase. Now that is a God-job and a definite reason to celebrate!

In one special room, inspiration flowed freely as we were invited to unleash our creativity and write on the walls. The space buzzed with energy, encouraging us to leave our mark in vibrant words and thoughts.

The facility is absolutely fantastic! It will feature a spacious boutique filled with free maternity and infant/toddler clothing, equipment, toys, diapers, and more. 

Strolling along the Sacramento River Trail on a warm Fall day is a delightful experience. What a perfect backdrop for a refreshing escape into nature. 

The hills are showing signs of recovery from the 2018 Carr Fire in our town.  It’s good to see nature bounce back - 

I’ve been meaning to fill you in on the latest about my husband’s tooth - 

He visited an endodontist who confirmed that the tooth pulp was not dead. The infection was successfully cleared, and a temporary crown was placed. Now, he awaits the new crown from his primary dentist in December. Best of all, he's pain-free and grateful he went to the VA for antibiotics, which truly aided in his healing. 

On Saturday morning, I woke up at 4:30 am feeling queasy, similar to morning sickness. After vomiting, I felt tired but by the afternoon, the nausea vanished. I woke up on Sunday feeling refreshed and completely better!

How peculiar! 

And to think, this all happened before I set foot in the Pregnancy clinic.

Pretty little mushrooms all around - 

I’ve finished my Christmas shopping and am waiting for deliveries to wrap everything before Thanksgiving. Prices are higher this year. 

We have Thanksgiving all set - it will be at Navy's and his wife's home (6 miles from us), and it will take place on Friday. Sara has been scheduled to work at the hospital on Thanksgiving. She wants me to bring two of my son's favorites - an Asian slaw that my son loves and a zucchini bread. 

I can do that! And I'm doing Christmas at my house. 

Foodie will be celebrating his 45th birthday on the 23rd, and he’s excited for his beloved “Man vs Wild” weekend! He’s set to embark on an adventurous four-day backpacking getaway.  

Once, he had an unforgettable wild trip in the Trinity Alps when an atmospheric river brought flash floods. During that time, he found refuge at a hunter’s camp, where their outdoor canvas canopies kept him dry by a huge campfire. He even enjoyed some good fellowship and delicious venison while waiting out the storm! 

So his adventure wasn't a complete washout!

Not Much!

 Right now, I don't have anything urgent on my calendar.  My husband has a few appointments, and I have BSF this Wednesday. We'll be volunteering in the Children's program, which is always fun. 

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and my husband is excited for a free meal out! It’s great to see events honoring veterans this week. While we missed the parade at Shasta Lake, we’re looking forward to another ceremony tomorrow at 11am, featuring veteran speakers sharing their stories and live patriotic music. The weather looks good, and we're hoping my veteran son will join us this year. We love celebrating and honoring our veterans. God bless them!

Have a GREAT WEEK AHEAD! 

 

Welcome to the Journey

The Sundial Bridge and the Sacramento River

My husband and his daughter went for a walk while I remained at home to care for my knee.

We're expecting a high of 97 today. The temperatures are gradually decreasing, but just like in other regions, we experience those false autumns - followed by another week of summer. The battle for Fall begins, but in the end, Autumn always prevails.

I’ve noticed that the sun is positioned lower in the sky, which indicates more shade, and sunset is arriving earlier. Another subtle indication that fall is on its way.

I’ve been giving my knee (the back of my knee) some rest, and it’s showing positive results.  The swelling on the front of my knee has gone down. Yesterday turned out to be a very good knee day, but this morning I’m back to some soreness again. I have missed swimming and last night’s fellowship dinner. The couple lives on a steep hillside, which would have been hard for my knee to navigate. I really need to give it time to recover. I've already notified the BSF Admin that I will require assistance with arranging the chairs in my room.

Okay I admit it...

I’m feeling somewhat discouraged. I know I will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger from it. It just feels like the older we get, the more challenges life throws our way.  It's almost as if each year brings a new twist or hurdle to tackle! 

Welcome to the Journey

The cardiologist contacted me and has arranged for the implanted loop recorder procedure on September 23. I chose not to delay it any further and proceeded with it. I dislike having matters linger over my head. It feels like everything piles up all at once, and it can become quite overwhelming. I was scheduled for a mammogram, but that will be postponed for about six months because of the implant. I am not ready to think about how a mammogram will feel to have that metal piece in my chest!

NOPE,  nope nope...

NOT THINKING ABOUT THAT YET.

Wednesday marks the beginning of everything. I’m eager to start, but I have so many thoughts racing through my mind. I’ve reached out to all my ladies, and naturally, there’s all that last-minute chaos that drives me a bit crazy. I'm receiving text messages from Admin, reminding us about this and that. All I want to do is focus on studying the Bible. I understand, I understand that it all comes with the territory. Things usually get sorted out within the first couple of weeks. 

The Patriarch Jacob walked with a noticeable limp, a symbol of his struggles. Though he didn’t have it all together, all the time, God used him in unexpected ways.

Today, I need to remember that feeling fragmented doesn’t stop me from walking with God, even if I'm limping. He still embraces my flaws, having borne them on the cross.

,

I have found that it’s often through our deepest fractures that hope and grace shine the brightest. I used to tell my sons, during times when we struggled that this is when God performs His most incredible miracles, and He never failed us. In the face of feelings of inadequacy (BSF) and discouragement (Knee and Loop recorder) we can still find purpose, proving that we’re never beyond the reach of His divine love. 

Until Next Time

Debby

Bird on the Rock

Do you ever find yourself immersed in the tranquil embrace of nature -  so captivated that you become singularly focused on one exquisite detail?

 That’s precisely what happened during a recent picnic my husband and I enjoyed along the banks of the upper Sacramento River. As we listened to the sounds of the river water flowing over the smooth stones, we saw a little bird sitting on a rock in the middle of the river, surrounded by rushing water. The image of him mesmerized us and held our complete attention for close to thirty minutes as we watched in awe.

He’s been here before, effortlessly navigating the glossy, slick surface of the wet rock like a seasoned pro.

Now he finds himself deeper in the river, navigating the wet rock with a fearless grace. The cool water splashes around him as he moves confidently, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic sound of flowing currents, undeterred by the slippery terrain beneath his feet.

He knows and trusts His Creator and does not fear. 

Eventually, he stumbled upon yet another rock, this one precariously perched in an even more treacherous location. I decided I couldn't bear to witness his next move any longer.

Why are we, as humans, often enveloped in fear? 

I've often heard it remarked, "Well, that is simply the way we are."

That's complacency.

 Does anyone want out of the bondage of fear? 

While it's true that fear is a natural human response, we don't have to accept it as a permanent state. It's not what God wants for us. Instead, we can embrace the transformative power of God's truth, which can help us overcome fear. The Bible offers us a path to move beyond fear by trusting in His promises. Believe it. 

Now, I can’t picture myself perched on a slick rock amidst the unpredictable rapids of the Sacramento River, yet when I observed that little bird poised calmly unafraid and filled with trust in its Creator, it inspired me. If that tiny creature can sit there, embracing the chaos around it, then surely I too can find the strength to stand firm on any rocky terrain with the same unwavering confidence.

Plus, you never know who is watching you. 

Thank you, God, for the valuable lesson that little bird on the rock shared with me that day. As I move forward into the unknown of life, I will encounter stormy seas - I pray I will find comfort in knowing that Your peace will embrace my heart and mind. I choose to trust in you wholeheartedly. 

 

Thursday Thoughts

From a few days ago 

I woke up this morning feeling hormonal—you know the feeling: teary and unsure why. My husband went on a hike, and this time allowed me to embrace these tender feelings in my own way, without him trying to fix it. I understand that some emotions can't be fixed; they need to be felt and acknowledged. 

Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt release—a good, cleansing cry to lift the weight off your chest even if I can't quite put my finger on what's troubling me. It's like there's a weight on my mind that I can't shake off.

It's been decades since I felt any hormonal swings, and honestly, I don’t miss it at all! After Michael passed away, I found myself navigating the tumultuous waters of early menopause in my late 40s. It felt like the intense grief and the hormonal shifts were entwined, each amplifying the challenges I faced during that time - plus I was going through empty nest as well - Foodie had left home, and Navy joined the military around the same time. 

Who really wants to ride the emotional rollercoaster of menopause? It's good that God gave us women a break from those wild ups and downs!

I think I’m finally reaching my limit with summer! It hasn’t been as scorching as in previous years, but it still doesn’t compare to the other three seasons, which I like much more. On a brighter note, the Green fire is holding steady at 19,022 acres and is now 60% contained. I haven’t caught a whiff of smoke in over a week, resulting in a noticeable improvement in air quality. It’s a relief to breathe easy again.

I've come to realize that summer up here just isn't my scene. I thrive in the Bay Area, where the cool temperatures, refreshing ocean breezes, and the enchanting fog that sweeps in through the Golden Gate create the perfect summer. Although when I lived there, I always wished it were warmer. There's something nice about those cooler days that just feels like home to me. 

When my parents lived here, they would embark on six-week journeys in their motorhome, heading up to the beautiful Oregon coast to dig for clams and to get away from the heat.  After their exciting coastal escapades, they’d return home for a few weeks for appointments and then set off again, this time exploring the coolness of the mountains. 

When we first made the up move here, we had our 34-foot motorhome with us, back when gas prices weren’t as crazy, and we would take off in the summer to cooler places, but not for weeks - more like a weekend, because both the husband and I were working at that time. Eventually, we decided to sell the motorhome.

Harper Marie 

While reviewing my drafts, I realized I had forgotten to share some exciting news from April about my newest great-grand niece from my late brother's side of the family in Alabama. 

I now have eight great-grandnieces. 

"The most faithful people I know aren’t the loudest.

They’re the ones still reading their Bible when no one’s watching.

Still praying through disappointment.

Still returning to Jesus when it would be easier to quit.

Faithfulness may be quiet. But it echoes into eternity."

Em Tyler

That wraps up my Thursday! My husband just walked in, carrying that fresh scent of the great outdoors. Whew! This past week he consulted with both his cardiologist and chiropractor about one of his favorite pastimes—hiking up to Lassen under the glow of a full moon. Both gave him a hearty thumbs up! The chiropractor even provided some strength-building exercises to prep his back for the adventure.

"Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance" 

My husband lives by that motto for almost everything. In the military, they emphasize it in a slightly cruder way, but the essence remains the same.

Until Next time

Debby