todayisagift's Blog

Life was full this weekend.  I am going to stop focusing on the word "busy" which causes me inner turmoil.  I am going to try and think of my life as just "full".  Life energy spent on fullness not just spent on being "busy". Had myself not looking forward to the weekend because I knew how full it would be but it all was good. really good.  I was reading through my old blogs and had to smile because part of the blessing of this blog for me is having one place where my thoughts, my mundane "happenings" have been recorded and I have to say I am so glad I recorded them because they conjured great "spirit lifting memories" for me today.   Also in the writings I remember the feelings , the strong emotions I have experienced as a woman living in a traditional marriage and how that has shaped my identity, my confidence in how strong of a woman I am.  I am strong!  Saturday was by far, the fullest  part of the weekend as my husband had planned a get together for some business associates, some neighbors and some family too- just a fun time in the nice weather. When he invites folks over he likes things a certain way- and it is my job to make sure our house a welcoming place and that everyone gets what they need to have a nice time. The tough part was that we had 2 of our grandchildren for the weekend- a 1 and 3 year old which commands a lot of my attention.  Everything came together and midway through the evening the little ones were getting cranky and so I checked in with my husband to make sure he had what he needed before I went in to get the kids to bed.  He needed his drink replenished and those of a couple of guests sitting with him.  As I walked away to grab the drinks I heard one of the guests laugh and ask my husband if he would train his wife too.  He just told the guy "you have to start with a good woman". Thank goodness his wife was not sitting there. BUT it did make me smile because he knows how fortunate we are to compliment each other's roles in our home. The rest of the evening was so relaxing for me-so reassuring that I do experience the true me every moment I remain in service to my husband. That is me. I haven't got lost at all. I am quite sure that some folks that evening went home wondering how I do it and the answer is: I am a vey strong woman.

Cool breeze. Dirt. Jazz music. Plants. Rocks. Weeds. Recipe for a perfect evening which is what I had last night.  Time for me is in short supply lately so when I asked my husband if I could skip his dinner meeting and stay home to plant my new stuff and he said yes , well I was so happy. Sounds so silly but I am desperately needing some alone time to pray, to enjoy nature, to listen to my own breathing, experience me and have rest that without it, I am afraid I would just crumble. Besides creating art, my next favorite "me" activity is gardening.  It is art really....designing my beds and arranging the rocks.  oooooooo I love it. Then this morning when I was strolling around in the yard, I felt so at peace and relaxed.  Weeds gone. Flowers growing-I imagine the roots in the dark black earth reaching for nutrients. Roots down - flower faces to the sun.....much the same as my desire to be grounded with my face to the SON. My submission to my husband, my duties and care for my grown children, my commitment to my employer are all possible because of my submission to the Lord and I am so grateful I have Him to lean on when I need grounding in my life.  So thankful for my "roots" of faith.  My husband has almost every moment planned for his (our weekend) I am hoping to squeeze some more "me" time out of it somewhere.  A girl can dream can't she?

The rhythm of life -the ebb and flow-changing seasons- feeling as if every sensory is on high alert. I am over stimulated with life right now.  On my walk this morning, for a brief moment I heard my breathing above the din of my mind racing.  I stopped to listen to my breath.  I liked hearing it.  Oh, I am real, I am alive, I am in a moment.  Sometimes, just sometimes, I go for days not really remembering to live.  Does that make sense? Today it  makes perfect sense.  I feel guilty that God gave me all those days and I  nary remember saying thank you for any of them or the blessings in them.  Over stressed at work, preparations  for youngest's graduation, eldest getting married, balancing my work at the centre with my husband's schedule and demands on my time, grandchildren, you name it.  In and of themselves, these blessings are my life, my existence, when I am overwhelmed they seem to be anything but blessings.  I miss my art - haven't touched anything in a very long time.  I have been having spurts of creativity with preparations for entertaining or gifts for others but no studio time.  No painting. No drawing. This weekend the weather is going to be beautiful will have to make a good attempt to dig in God's dirt.  Mr. gave me some moola for plants.  Something to look forward to for sure.  Chin up to the sun.   

I set out this lenten season to be so mindful of the Lord and be focused on the Word and occupying my mind and time with things of value.....it all sounded so wonderful and then the devil slipped into my life and has sucked me dry.  Hoping that by Easter Sunday the joy only God can provide is in my heart and raises my spirit.  Asking for forgiveness and prayers on this day.
Motherhood is soooooooooooooo hard and on my mind every waking moment of my existence.  I am driving my husband crazy with my worrying all the time about the girls and trying to fix everything. Their choices are their own and I am becoming paralyzed by their choices.  Not paying close enough attention to the details at home and it makes me sad and annoyed with myself.   Feeling a disconnect from my husband too....he tries to be patient with me and show me support but he just cannot understand where I am mentally.  I have not been being mindful of finances which he will not tolerate so he has had to be much more involved with how I am doing with the budget. He has been very observant of my feelings when it comes to entertaining at our home..so much work for me when he invities his friends over or clients so I have appreciated the last few times when he has actually asked me if I was up for it. I found comfort in those moments for sure.   Life will go on.  I ask for God's strength and peace in my heart and patience for my husband.

Happy New Year!  Here I am ....another year before me .  A clean slate.  Endless opportunities.  Work is horribly busy and the stress already is weighing on my spirit but at home things are good.  Heading into the last 6 months before our daughter graduates.  She has been accepted at a school 2 hours from home. Perfect.  Not too far but far enough to feel the freedom from dad and mom.  

What will I do with all the extra quiet---no messy teenager to cleanup after?   I am sure my husband has some ideas. Almost makes me tired thinking of it....

Happy New year to all

....Advent is actually my favorite part of the Christmas season....a time of quiet reflection, examination of one's heart and mind....preparation for Christ's coming.  Perfect reason not to get caught up in the hubbub of the ugly commerciality of Christmas.  I feel at Peace.   Wish the same for all.
Doing lots of art for my loved ones and trying my hand at those easy to make fleece blankets.     Enjoying the journey, praying over each gift as it is created. 
My husband does not like the decorations to go up before the 15th . After the 15th our schedule is pretty busy with entertaining his clients at the house and elsewhere so I anticipate feeling some pressure but the good kind....lots to look forward to. 
Have been blessed recently with a new friend - I met her at an open house at a local gallery and she and I struck up a great conversation about the featured artists which morphed into a conversation about our own art pursuits, which led to coffee the next day which has lead into our personal lives and lo and behold- she and I share similar lives with our husbands and families.  While I have enjoyed conversing on EP about the ins and outs of being in an extremely traditional marriage I look forward to she and I 's journey together.  The trip to the Gallery was a double blessing because it has not been possible for me to have much "me" time because of the demands of my husbands work schedule and keeping things clicking at home so when I got to the gallery --well it was just a very special treat. 
Blessings to all and I hope you all have a special blessing come your way today!

Life can overwhelm can't it?  I should rephrase:  the devil sneaks in to overwhelm us but if we are still and listen in awareness for God's work and presence...the storm will calm. Assuredly it will calm.  I get myself so worried and worked up about my daughters that before I know it .... I am ineffective and paralized with the storm and lose sight of the calm. God is present in it all.  Last week I sat with a dear friend while they received chemo. Today I am reminded that in that quiet time God comforted my friend and I and we enjoyed 4 hours of just quiet talking...listening...praying about this journey. The same is true today...received a phone call from my daughter who is addicted to drugs and I just listened to her....crying...talking...just praying while she let go...I heard my daughter's true voice come through that telephone line...crying out for herself...desperately wanting and needing to be heard. I am listening, praying and have that assured calm that God was on that phone too.  I want to bring her home to be well but she must take steps to recovery that are more than just talk.  Her dad wont allow her home until she is in rehab for at least 3 months...if at that time she feels she is on the road to recovery she will be allowed home.  In the meantime, I am left to balance my yearning to mother while yielding to my husband's decision that she can't be home.  He tries to comfort me that if she wants it bad enough she will get well.  I just wish she could be at home to do so....

It is dark in the morning again when I awake....being up at 4:30 in the morning during the week is a blessing for many reasons (first one of course is waking up at all) but once up...during the summer the blessing was being awake, aware, waiting for the glorious sunrise.  From now until next year I will greet the new day before the sun does.  Having the sun on your face first thing in the morning does something to one's soul, I believe.  Finding other ways to be grateful at 4:30 AM....since the rainy season is not here yet, I still have the clear, cold skies to awaken my senses....and the wind lately also.  My walk this morning was very brisk ...had to get back home before my husband's alarm went off.  Made it just in the knick...had his shower ready, clothes laid out and breakfast ready when he got up.  Wish I could get my rhythym right every day! He really appreciates it when I do. Time is becoming an odd thing to me lately :) Worked through this early in the school year because it was a bumpy road....my senior in high school does not have to be to school til after 9 am and she likes a hot breakfast too so juggling my morning is interesting to say the least. We settled on she eats what dad eats but I leave hers in the oven on warm and she has to serve herself.  Her kitchen mess is not much when I get home so it is working out okay.  I miss our breakfasts together and I wanted her to just get up that hour earlier to eat with dad and I but he felt like she should not have to do that.  Daddy's little girl that one is.  He does favor her so much...I think because it is our last and he is savoring this year with her before she goes to college.  I wish his favoring her did not impac me but because she is not expected to do chores or help me with household stuff it falls to me and I think I am feeling a little resentful of that....love my kiddo and respect my husband's rules so quiet I will remain. Thank you Lord God for this day.

Entering an extremely busy time of year and really looking forward to it.  Youngest is now a senior in high school and she is working part time.   I find myself having more and more time....so strange!  My time usually feels so squeezed with my desire to be part of my volunteer work, balancing home etc.  It feels really good.  My husband is feeling it too and has really been so generous with me wanting to spend more time at the Centre and mentoring and such  As long as I keep up with my home priorities, meals on time etc, I have been able to just enjoy alot of time away from home doing what I want..  Many times I feel guilty and check in more at home than I am required to but I really like feeing  "free".  The irony of course is that I have always been free but now that my home responsibilities are easing now that the girls are grown...I am rediscovering what it feels like to just BE.  What that means exactly, I do not know.  Self examination has been a constant that last few months as I realize that my role as a mother has changed dramatically - at the same time my husband has made adjustments to his expectations for me as his wife and so I have been in a constant state of flux...so strange. I was allowed to spend an evening away overnight with a girl friend last weekend and it was wonderful.  I had a great time. EP feels strange to me now..I miss this blog.  I feel very blessed. Today the wind is blowing, sky is so blue, getting warmer as the day goes on but such a beautiful fall day.    

While doctoring my husband's foot injury (caused by a sandal rubbing) I said "geez it's a good thing you did not have to have babies because you are really being a wimp right now" His reply was:  if men had to bear the pain of childbirth...the earth would not have been populated.  This cracked me up.  I am sure he heard that somewhere else but it was still funny....that interchange between he and I had me thinking about how much I love being a woman. I have permission (by God's design) to be strong, to be fearless, to be graceful, to be meek, to be independant and dependant, to be hard, to be soft.....the definition of woman is so complex.  Enjoying the journey of discovering all those "women" inside me.
With a husband, four children, a few grandbabies, a full time job at home and a secondary (but full time) career outside of my home..... I have drawn on all those attributes God blessed me with.
Sometimes hard- would be lying if I denied it.   I don't always succeed but God shows me the way with the help of my husband leading the way.  I trust. I follow (try so hard). I was tasked with buying our new living room set while my husband was out of town...I knew what he wanted and I knew how much we had to spend.  Unfortunately, I was stunned by the cost of furniture!    I almost had a panic attack!  After several phone calls to my husband and texting photos and him speaking to the sales person...we now own insanely over priced furniture.  This was one of those instances when I did not want to follow my husband's direction because I don't like shopping for the big things, but I set my anxieties aside because he needed me to and it worked out okay....I am no worse for wear I guess.

My girlfriend said the funniest thing to me recently when we were camping...she said "how is it you appear to really like waing on people hand and foot"  "if I were you I would be a raging lunatic".....I had to laugh.... because many times I feel totally and utterly overwhelmed with my responsibilities at home and at work for that matter but the truth is....I really do enjoy the most mundane of tasks.  I generally see them as times when God helps me to see how important every little piece of effort is and what a positive impact I have or can have when I do things with a joyful heart.   Many times, like today, I really do look forward to losing myself in thoughts while doing the laundry or preparing breakfast or scrubbing toilets....somedays the work I do before I leave my home in the morning is the most meaningful I will do all day! My early mornings are becoming darker and darker....fooey.  I walked the dogs at 4:45 this morning and it was barely light at 5:30.... such a blessing to greet the sun... I just wish it would stay light for more months in the year.  
With husband gone for next few days I will have a chance to spend some alone time with my daughter...feeling all those emotions about entering high school.  I am so sad and so happy at the same time.  She has grown immensely over the summer and she is so excited for her senior year.  She held a job this summer and volunteered at the Centre.   We are so proud of her....so many good things to come. 
Thank you Lord GOd for today!

I never know when my mind's eye is going to take a permant "snapshot" of a certain moment.... sometimes when I am reminising   times with my family or friends...suddenly a very vivid picture will appear for me and I can feel myself back in that moment in time. It is much more than just a memory.   This weekend I was aware of my mind taking one of the "snapshots".   My husband and I had rented a cabin for the weekend and he invited our neighbors and his sister and brother in law.  I was hoping for a quiet weekend with just he and I but it turned out to be a nice relaxing time.  Anyway, we were all sitting around a campfire visiting...a full moon above illuminating the area beyond the glow of our fire...the sound of the fire crackling, laughter, smiling faces....as I looked up from the fire and went around the circle, looking at each face....SNAP!  There it was .... a permanent record.  Along with that SNAP was a very full feeling in my heart....it occurred to me that I will never have that moment again....there will be many more moments (God willing) but NEVER will I repeat that moment in time.  I am so grateful that my mind took a permanent photo for me because in that moment I felt immensly blessed.  Feeling myself living....and it felt wonderful.
Fall is creeping into the air....I noticed this morning on my walk with the dogs.  Can't quite put my finger on it but the air and sky is different in the morning......

Thank you Lord God for this day. 

YOUR LIFE.  Get it? Handle your life with care.  Things we take for granted such as -this day.    Waking up this morning at my usual 4:30 was especially sweet.  The sounds outside our bedroom window were gently washing over me - the breeze through chimes hanging in a tree outside, of course my beloved birds singing. My eyes popped open and my feet hit the floor and I was off!  Outside for my morning solitude, prayer and contemplation...so much to think about:  a friend who has lost her way...her fragile life is now forever changed by revenge...a daughter who is trying so hard to escape the fog of drug addiction.. another friend battling for her fragile life through cancer..my heart is sometimes so heavy I feel desperate for God to intervene.....since I have no way to know what God's plan is...well I cleve to Him with all my might and just try to be there for those who are suffering.  I pray for all of them and me to have the strength to help in meaningful ways.  The mundane aspects of my life are feeling like such blessings.  My fragile existence fully in focus.   Thank you Lord God.

The last several weeks have had all of the above for me....for all of us I am sure!  But  I can only share what I feel about my experiences the last few weeks.  Many, many weeks ago I let my husband know about this website and the things I was sharing to try and just communicate, share and get to know folks.  He did not approve and still does not and I respect that.  No more sharing things of a personal nature about my marriage.  I am sharing on this blog today with his permission and just because I loved this part of EP --- the blogging.  iam sure I could find some other source for Blogging such as blog spot but strangely, I feel so comfortable here....any way...I digress.  Life is coming fast and furious for me and as I go about my life I am reminded EVERY SINGLE DAY of how precious this life is and how it could end at any moment and we shant wait until the PERFECT moment to experience PERFECT happiness.  Hearing my mom speak about how stressed out she is to go to her 50th High School reunion for instance....my mom is beautiful....she is just perfect in my eyes...and yet...she was saying things such as "maybe I will go next year instead to have time to find the right outfit" and "I can't go....I look so old" For GOD'S sake!  The point of this existance is to get friggin old!  We are going to look old but for crying out loud!!!! God created perfection in each of us!  It 's is not about the look...it's about the life, the breath, the being, the essence,  I want her to go and experience the essence of her classmates! What an honor to hear about, be part of someone's essence...their life, their breath!   I realize that I am many times over the top with my zeal about life but really....stop and give it a thought....right now...in this moment>.... you are alive!  Experience the smile of someone or the touch of someone...the laughter of someone.  AND LOVE IT!  FEEL IT!  LIVE IT!   Even if everything is not perfect.....you can make it so....in this moment.  See only the perfection in creation!  We are ALL walking miracles....every single soul on this earth.  Blessings tonight ! And in case my husband reads this:  I love you and I am yours.

I get to mow lawn this week while my husband is gone.  No biggy...except when you consider that he is obsessed with the way the lawn looks.  He mows diamond shapes into the dang stuff.  I already told him - if I am mowing it's anyone's guess how straight the lines are.  I have a thing for uneven, curvy lines...it is the arteeeest in me.  I digress.  Up early to see him off on his trip. He decided to rent a car and drive so he can take a scenic route back home and make a couple stops, this will put him home on Sunday not Friday.  Double boo.
Yesterday was really a nice day afterall.  We did   readings and discussion...he included my daughter in this  as  we were examing our obedience to God . She participated willingly which was a suprise to me and she really had good words to share about how she is reminded of this in her own daily life.  So cool to listen to her articulate her understanding of how being obedient helps us to be free.  The discussion did develop into very frank words from my husband and the issue of headship and the struggles he has when I am struggling or her for that matter.....it was just really good and healing and forgiving.  God is good and it is all okay. Anyway, when we were through we had dinner, took the dogs for a walk together and then he headed for bed very early.  I spent all evening working in my studio - painting children's furniture of all things.   he picked up a couple of pieces at a local flea market and asked me to "do some magic" with them and he will resell them.  I am really going to have fun with it, I have to say.   He thinks this would be a good way for me to use my passions for kids, art and interior design stuff and turn it into extra income so I can increase my charitable giving, if that is what  I want to do.  I have not been able to give my usual gifts to the centre the past couple budget months because of  not staying within budget on the household stuff so I think it is a wonderful idea.  Back to work now.  Thank you Lord God for this blessed day .

Today did not end up being what I had planned but it has been nonetheless blessed.  I slept in today until nearly 6 am. No one else was up of course so it was not a problem and it felt good!  Really cloudy out but so warm..again. Coffee, classical music and prayers on the deck. My husband and daughter wanted omlets this morning for a treat which was fun...I used Ricotta cheese mixed in the eggs and did all veggies...they liked it.  The grandchildren and I won't be going to church today, their mom never contacted me last night to confirm and when I started to make the call, my husband felt I shouldn't since she is not making an effort. Hoped all evening she would call but she didnt...that bummed me out a bit. Late night last night, our other daughter and fiance were here for dinner and a friend of my husbands.  His wife did not come and so after the kids left the guys were late visiting.  I did not feel like visting really so I just poked around in my studio. I came up every now and again to refresh drinks.  Then at 11 they wanted coffee.  With my mood swings it was ALL I COULD DO to not say anything.  My husband could tell I was annoyed and his patience with me wore thin too. His friend left at 12. I had his shower ready and I got things cleaned up while he showered.  After he showered I received an appropriate response to my behavior while his friend was there.  We had a nice talk afterwards and I wont be going to church today but instead we will have a Bible Study together later today.  I shared how much I am struggling with balancing my mood swings with my submission. He knows I am struggling and he trying to be patient.   I am going to try some meditation today and try to add that into my daily prayer time. Just sitting still and focusing during my prayers.  Trying to find my inner strenght and tap into that with the Lord's help.  My mood effects my whole family --- I want the essence of my house to be that of peace and grace not discord.  Lord God please be present in this for my family and my well being.  Thank you for this day. 

Fridays are strange I guess.  I find myself "shifting" gears if you will:  work to home focus.  Sometimes the transition is less than pleasant. Yesterday I had an okay day at work...I was really looking forward our special dinner out and then a really comfy bed and hot bubble bath at our favorite bed and breakfast for a treat.....my moods are really something.  And many times beyond my control....my fierce control.  I got home from work last night a bit late which was okay because my husband was late also. I needed to drop my daughter off at her grandparents for a visit just for the evening....I was feeling fine and then BAM! I was packing my overnigh bag and my husband called and said we needed to push dinner back an hour because he had a stop to make on the way home.  No biggy. Right? Normally ...right.  This really got me upset...out of the blue.  He needed me to call the restaurant, push reservation back, call the inn keepers and let them know we would be a bit later than anticipated...uggh. By the time I got done calling  I was in tears and worse yet, when my husband got home, I was so nasty. I was upset our plans were ruined (not ruined in reality) but in my mind. RUINED. For really, honestly, no reason. He ignored it. Totally ignored my attitude.  Had me pack his overnight bag. Said I looked lovely....totally ignored my piss poor attitude. We went to dinner, the first glass of wine I was giving him the silent treatment...by the time the salad came, I was feeling more like myself...and by the time dinner arrived...well, I was okay again.  We had a nice dinner, walk on the waterfront and then a really nice evening and good rest at the B&B.  At breakfast we went over the budget and he gave me some extra money to spend on supplies for my art class at the gallery.  Next week we were invited to friends the night before the 4th but since he will be out of town he said I can't go so that little attitude of mine reared its head again....you see, it is not always a walk in the park to set your own desires aside....menopause is causing me grief! Boo!  It is misting outside and 70 degrees. Yuck.  BUT I will get to see my grand babies tomorrow for church and I am excited!  Got all the shopping done this afternoon and will finish packing his travel bags this evening after dinner.We are having our eldest and her fiance for dinner tonight...homemade pizza. Easy. Thank you Lord God For this Day

  I left for my walk with the dogs this morning at 5, it was pouring but warm out so I decided it would be fun to just get WET.  I did not wear my coat-just my yoga pants and a tee.  My shoes were making that really fun sloshing noise by the time we got back .  The dogs were muddy and had to be toweled to get some of the mud off at least.  It felt good to just be out in the elements.  Woke up at 4 again this morning...I need to get more sleep than that....it is going to catch up to me at some point.  Threw a breakfast casserole in the oven before I left for my walk --house smelled yummy when I got home.  Our house is an older home with hardwood floors which creak and moan... early in the morning before my beloveds are awake I love listening to the sounds of our home.  When I came into the mud porch , the smell, the sounds of my footsteps through the kitchen, in the quiet ....just fill me with a peace and thanksgiving.   I really wish I never had to leave this place.   Talked with my husband again today about the job scenario with our kiddo but the deadline for work will stand.  I also mentioned wanting to help my neighbor plan a block party for our neighborhood - he would rather I not so I struck out in two areas but that's okay!    Looking forward to a busy weekend before he leaves on his trip.  At breakfast this morning he let me know that he is taking me for an overnight at our favorite bed and breakfast and out for a nice dinner tonight.  I am very excited and a bit suprised because this is budget weekend and monthly shopping weekend and getting him ready to go but he said we will get the budget gone over at breakfast while we are out and that way I can leave for shopping as soon as we get home Saturday and he will take his shirts to the dry cleaners today to get pressed so I wont need to do that.  It is all working out great!  Thank you Lord God for this day!

Quiet day at the office today-no appointments. Dead phone. window. office door closed. did I mention quiet?   My husband called me today at the office which he rarely does.  He is concerned about our daughter not having a summer job.   He was right about her being stressed out during the last few weeks of school and having me take over her chores at home...she ended up passing the class we were concerned about.  He wants to press her to find work.  School has only been out for a few days and she has been having such a good time with friends over, and sleeping in....all those great things we all did as youngsters.  He asked what I think about it and so I told him I did not see the harm in letting her be this summer.  She has applied to several places but without success so far. He thinks I am being to accomodating so he is going set a deadline for her finding a job of 7/15/12 or he will put her to work for him at home. This could be anything from specific yard work to doing the filing and paper work stuff I do for him.  While this may not be a bad thing I am concerned about those two disagreeing over the quality of her work.  Again, it will probably be a good thng in the long run because he is such a stickler for details and that will be good on the job training.   He also let me know he is going another trip next week - all week . Uggh.  Means a bit more work for me this weekend getting him ready to go.  He enjoys traveling for his work...I hate it. I really do.  I asked about the art class and he said I can sign up for that so that is something to look forward to and he reminded me that if our daughter ends up doing the filing and such that will be less stuff for me on my list at home...I am not sure it is worth it but I did not say that to him. Now that I am back to my old self he is expecting alot more "us" time and that has been good too...another reason I wish he wasn't leaving next week....

Woke up exceptionally early today so I decided to shake it up a bit.  Leashed the dogs up and headed on our walk just before sunrise.  They looked at me very oddly from their cozy beds :)   We had the park to ourselves. Kind of eery in a way but the dogs were able to run free while I jogged the pathes.   When the sun came up over the trees it was as if all the birds came swooping out of their nests at the same moment .....breathtaking.  The quiet and then rush of awakening sounds from the birds ...and then of course my dogs taking off after the birds.  Fun to watch and such great run for them too.  We were back home by 5:30.  Breakfast ready for everyone outside.   Such a great morning. 
Had a nice dinner last night - at the last minute my husband invited our neighbor couple over to join us.  Sometimes the spur of the moment times are the most memorable times. They brought a bottle of wine with them and it was just really relaxing.  While I cleaned up after dinner they started a game of cards and we ended playing until it was hard to see by candle light.  Good times indeed.  Ended the evening with a massage for my husband and then he went to bed and I stayed up a bit.  Quiet end to the day.  Hope to have the same this evening.  This weekend is budget weekend already and monthly shopping.  My meals have been kind of wimpy since I was not feeling well so I am gonna try some new things this month to spice it up a bit.  My daughter is trying to watch her weight for summer so she can play ball next fall so I might bulk up on some totall fresh veg dinners.  Good time of year for it.   I saw a new art class being offered at a local gallery so I am going to ask if I can take it... haven't painted in over 3 weeks now and a class would do the trick.  Things are quiet at the centre for summer time so I don't have as many committments with the Board,  I think he will agree.  Thank you Lord God for this day and all its blessings.  Peace and Grace!