Gathering the Moments | June 2026

Here we are, halfway through July, and I am gathering our JUNE moments . . . some big moments, some small, but all a part of our story. 

We eat lots of salads in the summer. Do you?

Car shopping in the 21st century

Reluctantly receiving a hug. The foot says it all, I think.

Rosemary and yarrow from the garden

A small-ish project: an outdoor outlet for . . .

. . . string lights on the patio! 

Bekah's new car!

More summer food: Cream of Crab Soup 🦀

Also in June, we had a sweet visit with Kati, Andrew, and the children!

We played games, visited coffee shops, ate shrimp,
did puzzles, made homemade ice cream, 
had brunch at an out-of-town coffee shop, went to an antique store,
visited Gammy, blew bubbles,
and celebrated Ellie's 5th and Andrew's 40th birthday! 

At the end of the week, Ryan, Sarah, and family came to visit, 

and the local family joined us to CELEBRATE our graduates, Bekah and Ben!
(You can read more about it in ~ this ~ post.)

Before everyone left on Sunday, we had pizza and a little Father's Day celebration.

We hated to see everyone leave, but it had been a good visit!

(Well . . . there was one who was not so sad to see everyone leave. 🐈)

At the end of the month, I lost a precious friend. 

She had not had an easy life, but now her struggles are over and, because she knew Him, she is forever with the Lord! 

I am grateful that I knew her, that her final months were safe and secure, and that she was well-loved. I am also grateful that I had time to say good-bye.

I will close with these words of promise to all who are His, these words that I read to my friend in her last hours:

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalm 121:18

Gathering the Moments | May 2026

May was a month of beauty, celebration, and accomplishment! 

Bekah's college chorale presented its spring concert. 

It was a delightful evening of beautiful and moving music. 
Bek was a little sad that, as a college senior, this would be her last one.

Friends and family fans!

Why wait for summer? 

We fit in a little sleepover with these local grands, Macie (10) and Judah (7).

Our ladies' Bible study continued its way through the book of Hebrews.

This particular May morning was made a little sweeter by Cindy's luscious homemade caramel bread.

Barbara and I took a day trip through a few local towns: enjoying the scenery, antiquing, sipping coffee, sharing hearts, investing in friendship. 

A cluster of roses, a gift from a dear friend's garden.

The welcome gift of a quiet afternoon.

Mother's Day . . . minus the people. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Here are my pretty flowers from Ryan and his family, and the strawberry pie we had for dessert, but no photos of the beautiful faces around the table.

We spent several May evenings on the new patio, relaxing, enjoying our coffee, and listening to the birds. The Merlin app helps us to identify what we're hearing. On a recent evening, we heard the American Robin, House Finch, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and Fish Crow, all from our small urban backyard. 

 🎊🎊 HIGLIGHT OF MAY 🎊🎊
Bekah graduated summa cum laude

with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature

and a minor in Music!

May projects included reworking some landscaping 

and building new rails for the back steps (work still in progress).

Bekah was the pianist and an honorary bridesmaid for her friends' wedding, a very happy occasion!

May was indeed a month of beauty, celebration and accomplishment! 

It was also full of hard things.
(And while I generally dislike cryptic posts, I must remain silent for now about the things that have made life hard.)
Yes, life has been hard lately. But there were also moments like this, seemingly small, but actually a gift from God to my aching heart. One morning while Ron was vacuuming (bless him), I heard him singing "This Is the Day that the Lord Has Made' (the old Scott Wesley Brown version) and my heart was lifted up above my troubles. 

I am thankful for the LORD's faithfulness, 

through the joys and through the hard things! 

Gathering the Moments | January 2026

January was a study in contrasts. 

❄️ The first part of the month was people-y and busy.

Seven-year-old grandson Judah came for a day of games, shopping, and treats!

Mom, Ron, and I went out of town for a belated birthday celebration with my sister Linda. (It wasn't Frank's birthday, but he was definitely a part of the celebration. 😻)

🎄 Lunch was Christmas. 🎄         🎂 Dessert was Birthday. 🎂

This was the year that grandchild #10, Macie, turned 10 years old!

Tenth birthdays are special! When a grandchild turns 10, she (or he)  receives 10 birthday gifts and a Papa-made box, engraved with her name, for her treasures. 

Our son-in-law Brian has a birthday just a few days after Macie's, so they shared the celebration!

After all of the festivities, we put away Christmas, but before it went up the attic, Ron cut off all of the "pre-lit" nonsense from our Christmas tree. None of the original lights were working. Next year, we can put on lights without putting them on over the non-working ones. 

A simple look in winter is fine, but I still like a little extra light to brighten dark winter evenings. Battery operated candles on a timer are just right. 

One more Bible study before life slowed down for a spell . . . 

❄️ The second part of the month was recovery, rest, and restoration. 

I had surgery and was laid low for a bit. But I was well taken care of by my primary nurses, Ron and Bekah, and  was well-loved by many. Sweet family and friends checked on me, sent cards, made meals, stepped in to cover my regular duties, and, most importantly, prayed for me. 

A few weeks of rest were most welcome. And they came during all of that snow and ice and cold. Good timing, huh? I am slowly easing into my routine, praising God for successful surgery and a good outcome! 

At the end of January, we got a FaceTime call one morning from a sweet five-year-old who had lost his first tooth! And even though Caleb is grandchild #13, it is his first tooth to come out and so we are excited right along with him!

(Similar thoughts in this post I wrote in 2011.)

I hope my grandchildren will always call me with good news, knowing that I will rejoice with them! 

January is a month for reflection and contemplation. 

As I have done both, these words from Psalm 90 have brought me comfort and fortitude: 

        Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

        Before the mountains were brought forth, 

        Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, 

        Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.