The Intruders

We have made it past hump day and we are looking forward to the weekend again.  It has been a quiet week with little activity, as my husband has been ill.  He has had some intestinal virus that is being passed around.  I have been praying for his recovery and hoping I escape the nasty bug.  I awake each morning and pray that my stomach is not at war. 

 Laney has been busy trying to comfort my husband.  She always makes us laugh even when we feel bad.  She was insistent yesterday that my husband stay resting while he was recuperating.  He couldn't make a move without her or she would bark until he was resting comfortable and she was perched on top of him.  She makes a perfect caregiver.

On a lighter note, life is always filled with those unexpected moments that provoke that fight flight mode.  I am talking about things that happen and scare us, but afterwards they make us laugh.  We had one of those moments the other evening.  We had returned from a walk that we took at dusk and decided to rest comfortably on our front porch and admire the full moon without intruders.

It was dark completely upon returning from the walk, but the porch was lit by the full moon. As we sat there talking about the daily events, my husband started making hissing noises and stomping his feet.  I thought maybe he had cracked up and then I realized that a cat was strolling across the front flower bed and he was trying to make it scram.  It leisurely started to stroll across the sidewalk and move to the neighbor's house.  I continued talking as my husband stared at the yard.

Then without any warning I saw what looked like a huge wolf come around the side of the house and straight at me.  I sprung from my seat and yelled, "Quick, get in the house."  My husband was so alarmed at me that he did not see the animal approaching us.  As my hands reached for the front door, I realized it was locked.  My husband saw the creature coming at us, barking and growling.  I thought this is it, we are about to be his dinner.  My husband knocked over his chair to barricade us and reached for the keys which he threw at me.  It was like everything all of the sudden was in slow motion except for my heart.  It was beating extremely fast.  And of course, the key would not fit in the keyhole.  I was so concerned that we were about to be victims of a mauling animal that I couldn't line the key up with the keyhole.

So, with all the commotion that my husband and I were making the animal retreated and took off across the yard. He probably thought  we were lunatics.  I finally unlocked the door and hurried inside and my husband followed.  We looked at each other and started laughing. My hubby informed me that there were two of the big animals.  I am glad I only saw the one.  Thank goodness it was not a skunk, as we have had quite a few hanging around this summer.

My lesson learned is to unlock the door first before sitting down and to keep my mace in my hand not in the pant pocket.

Thank goodness Laney was inside as she is scared of other animals.  She probably would have been up a tree.  Instead she was in the house running back and forth barking as if she was the ruler of the house.  Oh well that was my adrenalin rush for the week and the most entertainment the neighbors have had for awhile.   Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth

Creating Joyful Reflections In Our Minds

I was sitting here this morning reflecting on a beautiful weekend that my husband and I shared.  The weather has been incredible and we spent most of the weekend outdoors.  I think to myself it was just what the doctor ordered, fun in the sun.  Wow, I was totally stress free and I hope hubby was too.  We were two exhausted people as we had enjoyed every minute of the weekend.  I think we fell asleep before our heads hit the the pillow.

We spent Saturday in our favorite small city of Yellow Springs.  I love the culture there, as it is a throw back to the late 60's and 70's.   There is lots of art, musicians on the street, and unique cafes.  And of course, there is a great bike trail.  The city and the bike trail was swarming with people due to the beautiful sunny and mild temperature weather.

We went 20 miles on our bikes and stopped off at a few points of interest to stretch and enjoy the day.  One of the stops was a garden nursery.  The flowers of course were beautiful and we surprised to see the mums have arrived.  The summer is moving by quickly.  We also saw another deer today, as it very quietly and elegantly crossed the bike trail right in front of us.  They are such beautiful animals and it is excitng to see them at such close range.

 Then it was back to Yellow Springs to take a walk around town which was busy with lots of tourist.  I love some of old Victorian style homes in town.  I never get bored visiting and riding my bike there.  It is one of my favorite places that makes those feel good endorphins kick in.  

Sunday was just as fun with a trip to Waynesville.  Another great historic town.  There is lots of antique stores for all those people who love the past.  I am not an antique collector.  I love the more modern look, but the town is fun and the food is good.  It is the home of the famous Sauerkraut Festival that is hosted every fall.

I topped off the evening by having some fun with my girlfriends, as hubby went off to have some fun chasing fish around the lake.  I don't think he caught any.  There was no bragging when he returned home. 

Laney of course did her usual thing this weekend, that is napping.  She did however enjoy some time out in the back yard and of course greeting us at the door with the usual tail wag and roll over for a tummy rub.  She always makes us happy.  She is my dose of happiness everyday.  My faithful companion.

I would like to express my sympathy for my dear friend's dog.  He was a great pet and companion for my friend.  He died unexpectantly Friday.  I send much love and prayers to his family.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened....Anatole France

Elizabeth

 

Free To Live

If I had not checked the calendar,  I would have thought it was late September or October.  The morning temperatures this week have been in the forties.  I had to wear a jacket the last couple of mornings.  The afternoon highs have been in the seventies.  It has been a beautiful week with lots of sunshine. This is unusual weather for August, but nice weather for lots of outdoor activities.

We took advantage of the great weather last evening, as my husband and I were on the golf course with the groundhogs who came out to play also.  One of the little critters decided to join our game, as we are sure he took my golf ball and scurried off into a pond.  Of course it was one of my best shots.  I wish Laney had been with us to clear the fairway.  Huh, Laney probably would have seen that groundhog and put her tail between her legs and ended up on top of my golf bag.  She is not fond of other animals.

This my favorite time of year for the fresh produce.  Since we had a lot of rain and cooler temperatures the produce is abundant and very tasty.  I love my veggies especially right of the vine.  I would be very content to live somewhere where I could grow fresh produce year round. 

Looking forward to another day of fun in the sun, as Laney and I are off to walk.  I am gearing up for a great weekend with friends and my husband.  We are feeling free and full of life.  I hope wherever you are your life is filled with sunshine and love.

Expose yourself to your deepest fear, after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes.  You are free.....Jim Morrison 

Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth

The Storm Has Departed

We had an intense thunder storm early yesterday evening.  It came at us full force with high winds, heavy downpours, and lots of lightening.  I am thankful that we did not have any damage to our house.  We seem to be in direct path of most of the storms that go through this area.  Laney was scared and trembling.  I am glad it passed through quickly. 

The rain lingered through the night and we had heavy rain this morning.  Thank goodness that the violent storms were gone.  For some reason we had a power outage during the night.  I'm glad it was over by dawn, as it was starting to get hot upstairs.  There was some flooding in surrounding areas.  I guess we are lucky that we are on a hill. 

I am thankful for the rain due to the fact we had a drought last summer.  It has kept the grass green and my flowers are growing and are beautiful.  The sun has graced us know in the afternoon, but the humidity is still very high.  We are hoping for a beautiful weekend. 

We are getting pumped up for the Light The Night walk with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I hope we surpass our fund raising goal of last year.  I am very grateful that my husband is doing well.  Life seems to be getting back to a normal routine.  We are both happy and enjoying life.  The clouds have parted and the sun shines with love and determination.  Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth

Feeling Happy

I was back on the bike trail today for another 20 miles.  I am hoping some of my friends can make it for one more ride before school starts.  We are all employees of the school system.  Some of us are retired and hope to keep riding until the weather stops us.  It is hard to think of fall coming as the days are passing quickly.

We stopped in Troy today for lunch at The Bakery Cafe.  Troy is beautiful as it has a fountain surrounded by flowers in the city center.  The fountain is in the middle of a traffic circle.  There are shops and eateries all the way around the circle.  They are located in historic buildings with lots of history. The city is the home of the famous Strawberry Festival that is every year in June.  The festival is a large fund raiser for many charities that draws about 100,000 people.  It symbolizes for me the kick off to summer. 

I am feeling a nap coming on before hubby gets home.  It was very humid today and the bike ride drained my energy.  We were lucky that we dodged the raindrops.  Thank goodness for the cloud cover.  Laney is already curled up next to me and ready to rest up before more fun tonight as we are off to a baseball game.  We are loving summer and wishing it will not end.  I think it is time to move to a warmer winter climate.

I sign off today with a quote from a beautiful actress and one of my favorites.
   I believe in pink.  I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.  I believe in 
   kissing, kissing a lot.  I believe being strong when everything seems to be 
   wrong.  I believe that the happiest girls are the prettiest girls.  I believe that
   tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.....Audrey Hepburn

Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth
   

Enjoying Life

It has been a busy summer filled with lots of fun.  I have left Laney resting on the couch a lot as we have been out and about enjoying life.  I finally down loaded pictures from our 5k event on July 6th.  That's hubby and I and of course my son-law's arm.  I had to crop him out per request.  We were at the Subway Dragons 5k.

 This picture was taken as we started out. The runners were way ahead of us.

This is my daughter with me before the race.  She surprised me and walked with me.

Here I am with my daughter after the walk.  The wind was blowing my hair.  It looks like I had some static electricity going on.  My walk time was 51:44 for 3.1 miles. Hubby finished ahead of me at 41:47.

We are looking forward to doing some more races this year.  I have had to take a break as my right Achilles tendon has been hurting again.  It is getting better, so I hope by September we are able to do another race.  Hubby and I made it out to bike trail again this weekend, as we try to keep exercising.  The weather has been beautiful.  God graced us with a great summer for outdoor activities.

I am probably going to get an ear full for posting this picture, but this is me with (left to right), my niece, my nephew's bride to be, me, and my beautiful daughter. We were celebrating at a bridal shower for the up coming wedding.  I think I'll have to go hide now, so I they can't find me.  Just remember girls, " I Love you and you are all beautiful."  I am a very proud mom and aunt. 

It's time to go have some more fun.  Life is beautiful !!!

Elizabeth

Friends and Blessings

I am sitting here now at home resting after a 20 mile bike ride with my friends.  The weather has been beautiful for outdoor exercise.  It was in the mid 60's when we started out this morning and when we finished it was in the upper 70's.  The bike trails are beautiful this year from all the rain.  The wooded areas and wild flowers are thick and green.

I'm enjoying my me time with the girls.  We stopped off in the historic Tipp City for lunch at a little cafe that had the best coconut cake.  I did however eat a great vegetarian sandwich before indulging in the cake which was so good that I almost licked the plate.   It is so relaxing to be back socializing with my friends.  Thank goodness we had to ride back 10 miles to burn off that delicious cake.

I just realized that it has been three months since our last visit to MD Anderson Cancer Center.  The reality of not having to make the trip across the country to Texas is sinking in.  It is such a relief and a true blessing for my husband.  We both are spending time doing our own thing.  Yeah, we get three more months before he goes back for a checkup.  We miss our Texas friends and family, but not the long trip.  I think this calls for a celebration.  A celebration for life, love and happiness.

Many blessings to those who have touched our life and helped us get to a renewed life at the end of the rainbow.  Dreams do come true with love and determination.  Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth