Hydrangeas

"IN JUNE, AS MANY AS A DOZEN SPECIES MAY BURST THEIR BUDS ON A SINGLE DAY. NO MAN CAN HEED ALL OF THESE ANNIVERSARIES; NO MAN CAN IGNORE ALL OF THEM" aldo leopold. Hydrangeas those beautiful oversize flowers of all shades of blue, pink, purple, white and even green. They are the backdrop for so many old fashion gardens. In my neighborhood they are abundant and I even have them in my front yard. They are original to the house that was built in 1936 and I love the idea of them being around and blooming every summer there after. I've planted more in my back yard and hope that they will be around for years to come. I love how they turn different shades of color depending on what mix the soil is. Dried out they are as beautiful a flower as on the plant fresh. Hydrangeas remind me of the hot days of summer which have finally arrived in northern Ca. so today I will enjoy the heat. Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday.

Napa flea market

Saturday, after two days of doing not much of anything. I got up early and drove to Napa to a little flea market. Yes I live within driving distance of Napa CA. the gateway of wine country in Ca. I am lucky to live so close and yet I never go there. It was lovely to see the vineyards and I wondered to myself why I stay away. I guess as with most things that are close by one thinks you will always get to them later. It was good to get up early, hit the road, and be out and about. I've been slow to do anything taking great care of myself. I find that the sadness I feel for my ill dog has made me tired and listless. But as time goes on I am learning to live with it and am processing it better. Also it is easier to know that the time will come to let her go the sicker she becomes. Although some days she has amazing turn arounds and is like her old self. I no longer question it but am taking one day at a time. I hope you all are having a great week-end.

Self portrait and a good book

I must say that my journaling got a bit distracted by a book. I've been lost in books this summer, it has always been a good distraction for me. I learned to read at an early age and found the escape of books a great way to spend my time. I've learned to judge my mood by my ability to read knowing I feel good when I can and that I am on the road to troubled times when a book can not hold my interest. My bedside table is piled high with recommendations from friends, newspapers, blogs ect. ect. I have no particular interest although I do love a good mystery. Yesterday I went to a used bookstore and spent my pedicure money on books!! I bought "Blindness" the Noble prize winning novel by Jose Saramago, he died just a few days ago and someone at work recommended the novel to me. I hope those of you who read are enjoying a good book.

LIfe is good-TODAY

I'm filling my life with gratitude these days it is the way I find peace. Work has been busy and for that I am thankful. My days are long and full and there is no time for worry about personal issues, when I come home I soon hit the bed and fall into a deep but often troubled sleep. Last night I was on a sinking sailboat-full of books that I was trying to save! Now I have a couple days off and I am going to do something creative without thinking about it too much. I am going to get out my paints and journaling supplies and go to town. I've been in a slump lately and it is time to just "start". The day is sunny and bright full of wonderful sun and clear blue sky. I'm still hearing the click of two sets of toenails on the hardwood floors-life is good TODAY.

Sunday 3pm

Today was my weekly trek to the local farmers market. The sellers recognize me now, placing their produce in the best light for photos. Today the flower seller was especially happy with her Gerbera Daisys for good reason. I"m trying my best to have a positive attitude and not be over come with sadness. Filling my mind with gratitude is a good place to be. I can be thankful for so much. Even when life seems unfair and the questions have no answers-if I am thankful for what I have and what I have experienced than things are less painful. This has been a good week-end full of love and quiet. Thank you all for your wonderful words of support, it helps so much.

Cherished time

The heaviness that hangs over our house is thick. I constantly freeze frame moments in my mind and treasure sounds and feelings. The click of light weight toenails on hardwood floors, the thump of a body pushing through the dog door, the lapping of water out of the bowl. I know Lilys sounds from Pennys and they are so distinct in my mind these days. We took Lily to a specialist this week that gave us further bad news, when I ask about a further check up the vet sounded as if she would be surprised if Lily was with us in the next 2-3 weeks. This is hard for me to fathom as my dog is still barking at cats, interested in her toys and wanting to eat ham. We went for a walk this week to clear out the numbing sadness that has pervaded our spirits, fresh air and sunshine helps temporarily. We are enjoying our family this week-end loving and cherishing the time that has been given to us, hugging and kissing alot. Do the same with your loved ones.

A Dog weekend and self portrait

We are back from a week-end for the dogs!!! It turned out that everything that could go wrong did go wrong and yet the dogs-Lily in particular had a wonderful time. 2 of her 3 days were spent going on long walks and chasing chipmunks. Friday morning she poised with me for a self portrait and than we went for a long walk. The morning was wintery, windy and cold no spring time warmth in the mountain hill sides. A hidden pond created by melting snow was found and was good for a drink of water by Lily. There was still much snow in the high hills and so Lily had fun rolling and running from patch to patch, she seems to love the feel of the snow on her paws. The 3rd day Lily slept alot having worn herself out. All in all it was a good weekend for her and I'm happy she had such a good time, although I'm glad to be home.

End of week

It is the end of the week for me. YEAH!!!! Work has been busy this week. I started my week off working a 14.5 hour shift. Bodies are not designed to work like that-at least mine isn't and it has left me running on empty the rest of the week. But I am thankful that our little center is busy and that I have work, the alternative is rather depressing. I now have 6 days off and as usual we are going to the trailer. I'm rather concerned about taking Lily so far away from home but she seems to be doing ok these past few days. She loves the woods and knowing that this is the best she will be feeling my husband wants to take her camping. So away we go-we will always call the trip short if need be. I hope you all have a good rest of the week and a great week-end. Much love Lorrie

Sunday market

It is Sunday and off I go to the market. Cherry season is in full swing, every farmer has bins full of ripe wonderful cherries. Apricots and strawberries were plentiful also. The market was full of a subtle sweet smell, one I would love to bottle and bring home. On the home front the snails have been having a fun time with my garden, eating my green bean plants as soon as they poke their little heads out of the ground. Even surrounded by SLUGGO the plants are taking a beating. I just want to thank everyone for their words of encouragement re: Lily, it is nice to know that people understand what a difficult time this is and are willing to listen and be there.

Somber news

The news is somber in the Lilylovekin home. Lily the Bedlington terrier and namesake of this blog is ill. Things do not look too good for her and we are in a state of shock and dismay. Her kidneys are failing her. There is not alot that can be done for kidney disease in a dog and we do not have unlimited resources. Lab work indicated that the progression has been quite rapid in the past 6 weeks, Lily has lost her appetite and has lost weight. It is hard to know your animal is sick and to not be able to do anything about it. We have started her on a special diet and medicine to relieve her nausea. Now we are just watching for further symptoms and will try and keep her comfortable. I have no idea how long this will go on for but my heart is heavy today as I know my little Lovekin is not well.

Gardeners of the spirit

HELP US TO BE EVER FAITHFUL GARDENERS OF THE SPIRIT, WHO KNOW THAT WITHOUT DARKNESS NOTHING EVER COMES TO BIRTH AND WITHOUT LIGHT NOTHING FLOWERS. may sarton