Have you attended a class reunion lately? I went to my class reunion last week - 58 years since graduation and the first one I've been able to attend due to work, raising a family and then caring for a sick husband and elderly mother. Several of my class mates have passed away. Of those still living, only four failed to attend. I enjoyed seeing everyone and learning about their lives since 1955. I was amazed at how young everyone looked and how well they moved around. No one was obese; some were overweight (me!) but not gross. Everyone seemed to have a great time catching up; most of them still live in the community and see each other occasionally. I live quite a distance away but it was worth the plane ride and car rental to see them, plus quick visits to other family members in the short time I had. I hope to get there more often in the future.

spring has arrived

Spring has arrived in this west/central Florida area. The morning temps are cool - 48 degrees on Monday morning, the 13th of May 2013. Afternoon temps usually hit the 80's but we have a wonderful breeze keeping it pleasant (unless you're working!). My garden, small though it is, looks good. Beans are running on the fence and in bloom, tomatoes growing and blooming, mustard greens producing and cucumbers looking for new ground to cover. Mother's day has come and gone, once again. I'm very blessed to have my mother to honor. She will be 98 in August. She can take care of herself, for the most part, but is beginning to show her age, both mentally and physically. So sad to watch the gradual decline, knowing it is a natural progression of age and I can't do anything about it other than keep her comfortable. School will soon be over. Time for sun and fun but please don't forget the sunblock. Time for class reunions, bar-b-ques, weddings and other celebrations. We crowd so much activity into summer; making memories to help us through the long dreary days of winter. Whatever activity you pursue, be safe, love unconditionally and be kind one to another.

It's cold here in central Florida this early morning of March 3 2013. We're hoping this will be the last really cold temps that we have until the end of the year. We can't plant our gardens until it warms up. Our early garden will be finished before July and the late garden will be planted August/September and finished before cold weather again visits us. I'm having trouble getting myself outside to do anyting. I ordered some seeds, hoping that would be the motivator, but so far it hasn't worked; the cold weather has also dampened my gardening muse. My brothers have been very helpful in repairing things around the house and getting my lawn/sprinkler system in shape. I do appreciate them very much. Neither of my three sons has called to ask if I need any help, except the oldest makes sure I am financially solvent, but offers of help on the house or grounds have not been forthcoming. I don't ask - too independent like my mom - but willingly accept offers if I need help. We have lost so many family members in the past 18 months, the last being my oldest brother's wife. She had been havin dizzy spells - she would begin to walk across the room and end up on the floor. The doctors couldn't find out what was wrong. She and my brother had gone to Ocala and started home when she began having severe chest pains. Fearing a heart attack, she was rushed to the hospital on a Saturday night, evaluated over the weekend and scheduled for triple bypass on Tuesday. She never regained consciousness and died on Friday morning. So unexpected! That is life! Unexpected events, blessed events, fun filled events, life changing events, sorrowful events.......... Enjoy each and every day as though it is your last. It very well may be!