Finally, the Spring thaw occurs! Let me tell you, we’ve recently had temperatures in the high 80s. It does seem too soon, but our plants really needed it.
I’ve been sort of concerned about this one plant that I received in the first few days after my son was born. In time, it flourished and grew into three different plants. To me, it represented the resilience of my son in all his ups and downs of life. My friend calls it a “cast iron plant.” It has long been so strong and resilient! The last freeze really hurt it. We had just sticks poking out of the dirt for a while.
The beautiful, flourishing plant before the freeze.A rebirth: Green is finally returning!
So, I peeked at it days ago, and this remaining shoot is a beautiful green! Not only that, the other that was just a stick has developed small hints of green as well!
Taken before watering
Hence, Springtime is a time of hope and regeneration!
Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer . It got into the 20s in Northern Florida last night, so today calls for a hot chai tea. Grab your beverage of choice and pull up a chair! We had a fire going last night and are sure to start the fireplace again this evening.
I’m all done with Christmas shopping and preparations! I’ve been relaxing and enjoying myself the last few days. All of the gifts are under the tree, and it even now looks fuller than above. I got Bixby a chew toy that he will get on Christmas Eve. I’ll be going to a family service at my church tonight that includes a live nativity. I’m looking forward to it!
My dad sent a Visa gift card for Christmas, so with those unexpected funds I bought tickets to a Christmas Event called Dazzling Light at the Jacksonville Arboretum for myself and my boyfriend to attend Thursday, because he takes me to so many fabulous places; he deserves it! Needless to say, we both loved it and felt like kids again! This includes the hot chocolate that warmed me as walked the grounds from 8 to 9 p.m. We were in 50 degree weather then, but the cool humidity made me crave something warm.
Let it snow!❄️
I haven’t been there in years, but even at night the place is magical! There was music food, and lights in many varieties as well as exhibits the kids could play in. Let’s not forget the pretend snow to play in! I used to play in snow as a child, forty-plus years ago!
All in all, we both had such a great time, and Chris really appreciated this surprise! I’m so glad.
Lately, I’ve started painting when I get a creative bug and my hand and shoulder hurt too much to write. I’d done two coasters before today, and my son wanted to help me do some ‘modern art’ today. Of course, I said yes and got out the materials in my garage “studio.” We both contributed! It was an excellent mother/son activity!
It was so fun making art with my son, and such a wonderful bonding experience! I’m truly enjoying this Winter break, and not a single silent moment has me bored.
Fun at the Jacksonville Arboretum!
I am wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, happy holiday, and a Happy New Year! May the joy of this season be yours.🎄⛄
Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Here is a place where I don’t drink coffee, but you certainly can. My chai latte, however, was pretty satisfying this morning.
I hope you all had a blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving. My mom went up North to spend time with my brother, his wife, and his in-laws. At my son’s request, I planned a visit to Cracker Barrel for him, myself, and his father, my ex-husband. My boyfriend wasn’t ready for that, so he went to a basketball convention in Orlando. I expected an awkward Thanksgiving, but it was relatively quiet, and we were there and support of our son. It worked.
The wait at Cracker Barrel -shorter than expected!
My son and I had some quality time walking with the dog before the early dinner, and there was no rush. He and I had good leftovers Wednesday night and watched a lot of Blacklist in Netflix. Spader is such an awesome actor! One thing I love about Thanksgiving is time with family. I didn’t have all of my family, but I enjoyed the quality time with my son and my dog, Bixby!
The only shopping I did yesterday was online. I felt good staying out of the stores. My boyfriend got back from Orlando yesterday morning, and he and I had dinner with my son last night, which was nice. I’ve gotten a few hints of ideas for the Ellie manuscript, and my boyfriend Chris has been helping me with that by asking clarifying questions. He really wants to see this come to fruition! So much has gone on and distracted my focus in the last two years. I’m still looking into ways to deal with my arthritis pain.
Today, I’ll have a massage and somehow try to get a 30 minute walk or bike ride. I’m committed to 30 minute cardio three days a week, and I sometimes get more. This is in addition to the work/ therapy on my shoulder, which includes arm exercises.
So there’s my weekend in a nutshell. Lots of relaxation and time with people I love (including Bixby). It can’t get much better! This is what I needed right now. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
“He wouldn’t come away from the puddles,” Ray complained. “He kept seeing things in the water. Fairies, unicorns, …”
“Kids and their imaginations,” I shrugged. How could I explain? Ray didn’t understand. Michael saw things, and that was that. The rain didn’t matter.
“What took you so long with the teacher?”
“Issues.” I shrugged, offering nothing more. “Thanks for waiting, though.”
Ray dismissed it with a wave. “Gotta go.”
Despite two years together, I knew he’d never grace my doorway with his presence again. And did it matter? He did not make the cut.
I closed the door.
“I’m sorry,” Michael whispered.
“Don’t you ever be sorry for being you, honey,” I said with a smile, because I knew that was all Michael had done. In a few weeks, I’d find a way to explain Ray’s absence from our lives.
Michael put his arms around my neck, and I returned the hug.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Haines.
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