First Fridays In The Park

I live in a very small community that has such big spirit that you would be hard pressed to find another town that can put on a show like Murphys. Starting in June, the Murphys Community Club presents a free live music concert and optional dinner for fee. And, they continue throughout the summer months on the first Friday. Everyone is welcome to bring their own food. Picnic baskets are a common sight. The band was "Chains Required" and their music was great.

It was great music to dance to and there was lots of dancing in the park! Just look at all the people, young and old having a good time.

There were people as far as you could see in all directions, side to side and behind. And, the large dance area was filled with happy dancers.

Murphys is quite a wine tasting area with lots of tasting rooms and nice restaurants. Wine by the bottle was also available. 

The park is beautiful with trees and a lovely creek running through it. We saw so many people that we know from our neighborhoods , church and other local organizations. It was very enjoyable and it looked like "a good time was had by all". This was a nice event to start off the holiday weekend. 

Every morning when I awaken, I give thanks for the blessings I have received. And, one of them is for the good fortune to live in MURPHYS.

Wishing you a Great Holiday Weekend.

Shiny, Bright And Clean

I accomplished a very big task recently that was certainly way overdue. I thoroughly cleaned the China Cabinet! What a big job! It took me quite a few days whereas, in the past, it took me much less time. Age has a way of doing that to us. I cleaned all of the silver and of course, the china and glassware was washed. In addition, I oiled the furniture surface very well. It looks brand new.

I have always loved my China Cabinet and I have had one for as long as I can remember, even when I have lived in small apartments. There is something about dishes, glassware and silver/gold that has always made me feel happy. It could be the aspect of domesticity and entertaining that draws me toward these objects.

This china is a perfect set for eight and it was given to me from my mother's possessions. The pattern is Touraine by Haviland. It is from 1939, made in America and my father bought it for my mother about the time I was born. I enjoy using it and wish I used it more often. In the past I have had a large dining room and I was able to do more entertaining.

This Soup Tureen with lid and Sugar-Creamer Set also belonged to my mother.  The markings on the bottom say Premier Taylor Smith Taylor Co.USA. I think they are quite representative of the 1940's. And, oh, so Beautiful. The Tureen also has floral decor on the inside! They are treasured by me.

The China Cabinet has these wonderful pull-out shelves that are so handy with a small dining room because I can use them almost like a buffet when serving.

I have had the opportunity to have guests in for dinner recently and it was very enjoyable to have a nice "sparkly clean" China Cabinet. It is hard for me to believe how tarnished and dusty it looked before. But, it had been quite a long time since it had been thoroughly cleaned. I know I have been trying to squeeze in to many social activities with my new life style of having a man in my life. It is difficult for him to accept that I have household responsibility that take time and effort. I am working hard to find a balance that works for both of us! 

Have a Wonderful Day - OK!

I Won A Table Centerpiece

As hard as I try to get back to regular blogging, it just isn't happening. I think I may be making it too difficult for myself because I am always wanting to make it as interesting as I can and also include photos! Life has been rather hectic with medical issues and trying to find enough time to "please everyone" and yet have time for myself to "catch my breath", occasionally. I am certain that the majority of you are relating to what I am trying to say. So, with that said, I will try to pop in for a visit a little more often. It seems as though once you get out of the rhythm of daily (or almost daily) blogging something happens to your brain and you spend more time thinking about "must blog" than doing it!

As you know, I can never have too many flowers or garden related things in my life. Look at this lovely wildflower plant that I won at a Ladies Day Luncheon given by a California organization called SIRS (Sons In Retirement) this past week. It was a very nice affair with lots of lovely people. Yes, there always are social events to enjoy but it takes some effort to find the time to keep MSM happy.

The name of this plant in Clarkia Amoena "Godetia" and it is spectacular! It is an annual and I hope it will reseed next year. 

That's it for today.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.

I Absolutely Love Sweet Peas

And, this time every year my neighbor brings me some from her garden at her primary home in the San Jose, CA area. I enjoy them so very much. 

Some time before Easter I started a Stripey Blanket with the Cascade 220 wool yarn that I had in my stash leftover from the Babette Blanket  (renamed "Fruit Punch" by me) which I crocheted in 2009. The sweet peas have so many of my favorite colors just like my new crochet project.

 

I will be posting more photos of the Stripey Blanket as I progress.  Before long I will have to order some additional yarn because I am planning on making it large enough to cover a queen size bed!.

The pain that I am experiencing in my back and left leg is persisting and I wear a back brace/support almost continuously during the day. If I am not wearing the support I am lying down with ice packs. I continue to do as much as possible. And, that includes going outside to the garden every day and working for at least one hour, sitting and pulling weeds, pruning and dead heading. The garden is so lovely at this time. Being outside in my garden is so good for my soul. It seems as though I am totally lost in my garden without a care in the world - - - until my back is to painful to continue, and then I know I must stop and go into the house.

I am looking forward to the next medical appointment with my Family Doctor this coming Friday. I have received a very limited report of the MRI results. Reportedly, I have a nerve impingement in the lumbar-sacral area. I am being referred to a neurologist and if need be, then to a surgeon. The part about the surgeon is the scary part. I have already had one back surgery for ruptured disc in my low back and additional "foot drop". That took place 19 years ago and it was partially successful. Primarily, the "foot drop" improved but pain has persisted through the years.  But, I am working hard at taking "one day at a time" and "living with my glass half full".  I have had so many incidents where I have been able to heal even though I did not have surgery as suggested. The last experience was with my right shoulder when I was being treated for a Rotator Cuff Tear.  I have little to no problem with the shoulder at this time and I did not have surgery. The body is truly miraculous in its ability to heal! 

I can't help myself - - - Just one more garden photo of a beautiful honeysuckle in bloom.

Until next time, I am wishing all of you some Joyous Days.

A Quick Walk In The Garden Before The Last Storm

When is this winter like weather ever going to stop? I think all of us have had enough. However, when I say that, I have to admit that I feel a little guilty thinking of all the people suffering from tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.

I took these photos last Saturday prior to the rain and snowfall. I have been so happy to have some help in the garden cleaning up lots of debris, leaves and pine needles. I found a great worker at our church and he has worked about eight hours so far and the garden is looking so much better. Two yard waste refuse boxes have been filled and taken away. It's wonderful! When weather permits he will be back to work on some of the weeds and more pruning. I hope you enjoy walking with me in the garden.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.



WHERE Have I Been ~ ~ ~ And What Is Going On

Well, for the most part, I have been right here at home - - - - - and very sick with a persistent respiratory virus. The intense coughing was a big challenge and very painful on my back and the current issues associated with the recent injury to my back. Lots of leg pain as well as pain in my low back has been constant for days and days. In addition, my hypertension has been difficult to control because we have not been able to find the correct medication regime.

There has been a lot of doctoring going on for over a month. Since the virus and cough has finally greatly improved I am feeling like getting back to blogging and just plain "living". It has been very nice having MSM around to take me to the doctor appointments and help with other things I have not been able to do. However, at times It has been somewhat difficult having someone around when I am this ill because I have lived alone for so many years.

This past week I went for an MRI of my lumbar-sacral back and both hips. The time has come to get this diagnostic information so we can develop a treatment plan. I have been more incapacitated with this recurrence of back issues than I have been in years. Additionally I have had tests regarding hypertension which have included an echocardiogram, CT scan of kidneys/adrenal glands and CT scan for calcium scoring.

A week ago yesterday was the first time I was well enough to be out of the house for a short time. And, on Sunday I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Since my two adult children are disassociated from me, MSM made sure that I had a lovely day. I received these beautiful flowers and we went out for a delicious Mother's Day Buffet at National Restaurant and Hotel.  It felt so good to be out 'n' about.

That's it for now. I hope all of you have been healthy and feeling well. Would you believe, it snowed again last night. Not much snow but just enough to make a mess of all the lovely blossoms in the garden!



A Little Sunshine In My Garden

The sunshine came out yesterday but then it started snowing again in the evening! It was surprising to me. I guess I should not be surprised because this weather situation is getting crazier and crazier. The daffodils are in pots protected from the snow. And, they are very very cheerful.

It is so difficult to plan anything socially when the weather is so unpredictable. Tonight, we are planning to go downtown (within walking distance)  to the "grand opening" of a new Steakhouse Italiano named Angelo's. We are expecting it to be a great restaurant because we have been able to experience his delicious food at the little deli he has been running for the past few years. 

I am looking forward to getting out even though I am really suffering from my recent low back incident. If I don't experience more improvement during the next week, I will have to set up an appointment with the orthopedist.  

We still have a reservation for next week to visit Yosemite National Park since we had to change plans a few weeks ago because of the snow. Can you imagine that the US Government may cause us to change plans once again?  If they don't settle the budget the National Park will be closed! 

I know my issues are minuscule in the total scheme of things. However, it would be nice if my back and leg would quickly improve to a lower pain level.

I hope you are experiencing Good Health and having a Happy Day.

Springtime ~ ~ ~ No! No! ~ ~ ~ Not More SNOW

I was just beginning to trust the weather report of only sprinkles of rain. The flowers are starting to bloom, especially the camellias. So, I put together a Spring Table piece. I love bringing flowers into the house and putting little vignettes together. Isn't this pretty?

But, look at what I saw through my dining room window when I got out of bed this morning ! ! ! Is winter ever going to be over?  I waited patiently for the White Stellata Magnolia (see center of photo) to bloom following many snow falls and finally it succeeded. 



It was so beautiful a few days ago.

Have you noticed that many many blogs have  lot of photos of snow this year? It really has been a very white winter.

I hope your day is Fabulous.

 

Is The Doctor In

The last few days have been busy for us catching up on routine medical appointments and having various diagnostic tests. At this point, everything is looking very good, ESPECIALLY, for MSM.  In 2003 he had congenital heart valve repair along with one coronary artery bypass. All of his tests were great. Reportedly, his heart is completely healed and his cholesterol levels are great even without medication! He eats anything and everything he wants. Some things just aren't fair!  I have always had to watch my dietary intake because of familial elevated cholesterol. And, my hypertension has been misbehaving and I am having to work with medication adjustment. I recently had a kidney ultrasound and echocardiogram.  I feel confident that the test results will be within normal limits. I still have to have a bone scan.

Speaking of bones, I have reinjured my low back and have been in a lot of pain radiating down my leg. I knew I was being foolish when I did a physical activity that I should not do!  Will I ever learn?  

It is so wonderful to have bright sunny and warm days. I just love it. The breeze was blowing the flags beautifully.

Our hospital has the nicest little chapel with a very pleasant stained glass mural. If you look closely, you and see a little green frog in the lower left. Our county is known for "The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".

The blue sky and billowy clouds have been so beautiful. It is such a nice change from all the rain and snow.

One evening we had a Crockpot dinner following a busy day with medical "stuff".

I have been busy with other springtime activities but will have to bog about it later. It is time for me to go lie down for a little while with my "ice pack and pain pill"!

I hope you are enjoying these lovely springs days. And, if you are still having winter weather, spring should be on its way soon.  ;>)