Saturday, February 25, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by a young woman

Who wished to do a guest post on my blog.  I had never entertained the thought before, but after some correspondence back and forth I decided to give it a try.  My apologies go to her today though, because I said I would post it last weekend.  But the weekend came and went as well as the entire week and I did not get it done.  Maybe she should have done a post on procrastination instead.
Kristen wrote a post about gardening and its benefits.  Before I could post it I had to find some pictures of our gardening adventures of last summer.
Olivia helping to plant one of the hedge plants in the front yard

Darius trying real hard to help.

Brystan digging a hole for one of the new trees.
Abigail has taken over a small patch of my back yard garden.

She was clearing out the weeds here.

So we could plant flowers.

She worked very hard all afternoon.


She asked me if she can plant in it again this year.


Of course I said yes.  Now the rain and snow just have to go away.  We need the return of these beautiful warm skies.
  Gardening: A Fun Way to Get Outdoors

Gardening is a great way to get some time outdoors, get some exercise, and have beautiful results that
you can be proud of. There are many different benefits one can experience from spending time creating
an outdoor oasis. One of the greatest benefits from gardening is the exercise it provides. In just 45
minutes spent actively in the garden, you can burn the same amount of calories as spending 30 minutes
in the gym doing aerobics. This means that it is a fun activity that allows you to multitask.

Gardening is also beneficial to mental health. Spending time outside in the garden is a great way to relax
and relieve the stress experienced from a busy week. After spending the time improving your outdoor
living space, you also gain a feeling of satisfaction and can even improve self-confidence because of the
achievement. Aside from the mental and physical benefits that can be experience by this activity, there
are also practical benefits. A great outdoor space actually adds square footage to your home as you are
able to use it for entertaining friends and spending quality time with family.

Choosing a garden that grows fruit and vegetables is a great way to add healthy foods into your diet
while saving money on the grocery bill at the same time. Picking some fruits and vegetables high in
nutrient and antioxidant levels could also help to improve your overall health. This is also beneficial for
families who want to incorporate more organic foods into their diets as you always know exactly where
your food comes from. There are several tips to make gardening a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
One thing to consider is creating a plan on what the outdoor space should look like when it is
completed. Do you want certain types in specific areas or planted where ever or a more natural look?
Use paper or online software to organize the space beforehand. This allows you to have a plan for action
and maximizes the outdoor space that is available and possibly as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Gardening can also help those stricken with an illness or disease by keeping them active. Simply by
spending time in nature can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. The American Cancer Society
suggest gardening as a way to help Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma.

Gardening can be an experience that the whole family can be a part of. Families with children can
purchase child-size tools that allow the little ones to participate in the same activities as mom and dad.
Getting the children involved is a great way to help improve their self-confidence as they will feel a
sense of accomplishment as well.
An organizational plan and making gardening a family activity are two great ways to make this an even
more beneficial experience. So, there are no excuses, just get outside and have some fun this weekend.

Kristin Wells is a recent college graduate from The University of Georgia and an aspiring writer. She
wants to make a difference in people's lives through her writing. Kristin also likes competitive cycling,
running, and traveling as much as possible.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Today is the anniversary of my Mother going to be with the Lord.

Myself and three of my daughters holding Mama's hand in the hospital.
Even though she could not respond to us, I like to think she knew we were there.

Out for a walk in her garden.  Summer of 2010

Just me holding her hand.  Can't really tell a difference in them can you:)

Since it was the one year Anniversary, instead of all of us feeling sad, we got together at a Pizza place and celebrated her life.
There were in excess of 50 of us there.  I do not think we did an official head count.

And the birthday of a certain brother who turned 50.  He does not like having his image or identity posted on the web, so I am only showing a back shot.  Happy Birthday dear brother.

There was lots of cousins visiting cousins

And bigger cousins holding littler cousins.


Enjoying one another's company

And adoring new babies
This baby is about #103 in mother's descendants.  

Watching babies being just plain old cute


And babies who had too much day.
Rest in His Arms, Mama.  We love you and miss you more than words can express
Mary Hazel Hunt Higgins
February 21, 1921
February 13, 2011

Friday, February 10, 2012

I apologize

For my outburst.  I do appreciate that honesty does make a good blog.  I just feel that sometimes if I blog about what is really swirling through my mind, I would drive people away in droves.
I could open up and bear all here, but then am I being melodramatic or am I being honest and transparent.  I know everyone has skeletons.  Does everyone write about them?  I do read a few blogs that are so candid and honest, warts and all.  I read them regularly.  Not for the thrill of voyeurism, but because I see that it is an imperfect world and we all share the same fear and trials.  Maybe in different form, but it is all the same.  Sick children, high risk pregnancy, infidelity, people we love in prison, infertility.... I have read it all.  It did not make me think any less of them, just gave me time to reflect and pray for them.  Are my problems really as large as I make them in my own mind?  I will work through my thoughts, and may even bring myself to blog about some of them.  Until I do, I will continue to love you for your support and understanding.

Monday, February 6, 2012

I have decided

A blog is where a person goes to pretend everything is fine in a completely broken world.

Friday, February 3, 2012

O Blessed Spring


I don't want to seem impatient, but are those little buds I am seeing on my sweet little Pussy Willow Tree?

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