A Day at the Farm

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in a long time. I laughed. I felt almost like the "old" me. I looked ahead. I dealt with some of the past.

No, I didn't go for a spa day, although I could use the pampering. And I didn't escape to a tropical destination where colorful drinks are served with tiny paper umbrellas. Fancy? Not one bit of my day could even loosely termed fancy--or schmancy, for that matter.

So, what made yesterday so great?

Love. People. Hard work.

And, I'd never forget this part, "Good, clean living."

There's a lot to do here on the farm. Sometimes, I find myself a bit on overload, with a spinning head and too many things to do with not nearly enough time to do them. I've had a to-do list regarding some outdoor projects all summer long. Yesterday, the calvary arrived and wiped that list off my mind!

We emptied out the building where wood pellets are stored. Now, I can have pellets delivered. We straightened up the greenhouse. It's ready for spring planting now. We cleaned the garage, putting the yard equipment in proper places in the barns and making room for vehicles to go back inside. Now they'll be where they should be come winter, and I won't look out the window and think I've somehow dropped the ball.

Plus, I won't have to clear snow off the truck. Last year I smashed myself with ice doing just that. I'd rather not break my nose again if I can help it! So, the truck in the garage is a very good thing.

It souds like a huge amount of work, doesn't it? It was, but it went so well and so quickly I was just amazed. Many hands really do make for lighter work.

I am beyond words grateful. I woke this morning, looked out and saw some of what we accomplished. I smiled, my heart warm and my shoulders lighter for having shared some of my burdens. It's wonderful that we ripped through my to-do list. It's even better that the love and friendship truly lifted me up.

I am healing, thanks in large measure to those who love me enough to support me. I will never be the same woman I was, but I will be okay. I know that as surely as I know my own name.

And, since we tore up the chores, we had time to sit in the shade. Eat. Share stories, reminiscing about the past and looking to the future. We laughed. As I said, a great day.

How did your Wednesday go?

Today? I'm back to the book. I love it that whenever I tell someone a bit about what's going on in the story, they laugh. It makes me believe I'm on the right track with this funny romance. I certainly hope I am...fingers crossed!

Wishing you a peaceful day.

The Ties That Bind

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.”
- Jack Benny

August 10th is a special day in our family. It's the day we celebrate two great men, a day of love and laughter.

If you can't already tell, it's one of my favorite days.

My husband loved his brother-in-law Joe like a brother, and for good reason. Joe's a family anchor. He holds everyone together to celebrate joy as well as to weather the difficult times. He never flinches, no matter how crazy life gets. His faith in his family endures, growing stronger with each passing year. Joe is a good, kind, caring, respectful and compassionate man.

That's not to say this rock solid man is too serious. Quite the opposite, in fact. Never one to let the opportunity to crack a joke or bring a giggle pass, Joe's sense of humor keeps the family smiling. He is quick to point out there's sunshine after rain, folly in even the ordinary things and always a reason to see the bright side. Our "showers and s**t" standing joke makes me smile, even when Joe's nowhere around. I see a cloud or get hit by a raindrop, and instantly I hear Joe's voice inside my head, commenting on the showers and...well, you my point.

I told you we celebrate two men today, didn't I? Well, apple trees make apples, and in this case that's a good thing.

My husband's favorite nephew, John, was born on his father's birthday. An amazing birthday gift, don't you think? Way to go, Josie!

John is like his father in so many regards. Smart, thoughtful, kind and ready to do anything for those he holds dear, he is a strong family man. He is selfless, always more concerned with the needs of those he loves than his own. John's core beliefs are unshakable, which is one of my favorite things about his character. He has faith, loves his family and, like his father, never flinches--not even when life gets bumpy.

I'm blessed to have several photos of my darling husband laughing into a telephone. I'll give you one guess who's on the other end. That's right. John and Vito laughed so many times, over so many things, and the sound of that beautiful laughter rings in my ears and warms my heart. It is a gift I'll treasure forever.

While Joe's jokes often focus on the obvious, which is good because there are so many tidbits in daily living that really are ridiculous, John's humor is different. He sees beyond and beneath what the rest of us see. He sees the funny beyond the facade. And it's not like he contemplates long and hard, digging deep to find humor. Oh, no. John's insight is instant, the jokes he cracks like bursts of mental lightning.

I've got to admit it. There have been too many times to count when John's made me cry--from laughing so hard. He's also made me choke on my drink--because he said something that made me laugh mid-swallow. And John, like his dad, has brought joy that will last long after the laughter fades.

So, a special day in our family. We're blessed to be able to celebrate the birthdays of two amazing men. Life doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Happy birthday, Joe! Happy birthday, John! I love you!

Adventure Lessons

I know I said I'd share farm photos today, but I've still got some pretty shots from last week's adventure to share with you. Coming soon, farm pictures, I promise! But today, some from from Florida.

That's right, I went to visit my dad in Florida for a bit. He was amazing, pulling me into his home and giving me the most peaceful, rejuvenating holiday imaginable. My dad is beyond words wonderful, truly an incredible, loving man. He calmed my soul and brought laughter.

Thanks, Pop.

So. Some Florida beach shots...

See those broad shoulders?

They belong to one of the most fabulous men on earth!

Peaceful, this view into forever.

Learning to deal with only one set of footprints.

See this coconut?

It was tossed about in the ocean, battered and bashed, but it still held together.

Admirable, that coconut.


Alone?

Maybe not.

Found a Penny from Heaven.

Walking on the pier is a reminder that the world is a big place.

And really, we are pretty small.

At least that's how I felt.


Looking back at a restful holiday.

Looking forward, too.

Tidbits

Just a fast check in to say hi and let you know I'm still here. I've been busy, busy, busy...so many things to take care of here on the farm during the summer months, my head is spinning. It's good that I've running flat out; keeping busy has definite advantages. Also, the farm looks fab!

Dru asked how big the roll-up blanket is. I'm sorry, but don't know! I haven't measured it, and right now it's tucked into the back seat of the car so it's not nearby to measure. I made it long enough that I can sit on it with my legs stretched out in front of me. I love the convenience of it, and have been dragging it everywhere with me.

Oh, so to divulge the mystery content in the cake post. The liquid I added to the box of cake mix was--drum roll, please!--diet cherry Dr. Pepper. No fooling, that's what it was. And it was the only thing I added. Twelve ounces of diet cherry Dr. Pepper, one cake mix, a good stir and yum! Fast, simple and tasty.

Thanks, Mom, for sharing the recipe with me.

Not much new here. Weeding, mowing, writing, swing, baking. All the usual stuff, keeping me busy.

I hope you have a peaceful day!

Gardening, Anyone?

Thank you for your kindness and support. I was lifted yesterday when I read your comments, and I appreciate the lovely emails as well. You've warmed my heart when I really needed it. Thanks!

Just a few days after my husband's funeral, one of his aunts told me that I'd hear things from well-meaning family and friends that would upset me. Her advice? Whenever someone says something that pushes me near the edge, just turn my back and close my ears! Smart lady. I should have remembered that when the "move on" moments came. Now you can bet I won't forget the advice again!

Anyhow, it was sultry here yesterday so the gardens needed watering in the evening. I love watering, so I took my time strolling through the garden areas. So many things are growing! There are small green tomatoes and peppers. Vines are vining, squash and melons are growing wide leaves and the carrot tops look so feathery. There are flowers on some of the potatoes and the eggplants look sturdy. Oh, I love gardening!

My one gardening flop this year--so far, that is!--isn't in the veggie gardens but in the front flower bed. I planted orange cosmos. I'd grown them from seed in the greenhouse and they were about twelve inches tall when I planted them out. Well, they apparently enticed a bunny to dinner. Ahh! They may recover but I doubt it. On the one hand, I'm happy Mr. Rabbit isn't devouring the vegetables. On the other hand, I'm sad to see the cosmos so munched up.

I know Vito's laughing in heaven. He's got to be amused that life here is somewhat "normal" and that I'm dealing with the wildlife! He'd always plant "extra" for the bunnies, so really, I can hear him chuckling over the Cosmo Buffet.

What about you? Are you gardening? How're thing growing in your backyard?

Nudged

Have you noticed that there are people who know just how to spur you on to do all you can do, be all you can be and satisfy some of the yearnings of your heart? In short, have you seen how certain people can nudge you in a direction so subtly that you hardly realize you're being nudged?

Thank goodness for folks like that!

Me? My fabulous brother-in-law phoned last night.

Today? Getting back to work on my wip.

That's right. I've been nudged.

Hope you have a peaceful Sunday!

Thoughts and Prayers, Please

Someone we love very much is very ill. He's fighting for his life and while I won't violate the family's privacy by divulging too much information, I have to ask that if you would, please take a moment and send a good, healing thought or heartfelt prayer across the miles. We know a lion-hearted man who needs our well-wishes and prayers right now.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Yesterday Continued

My three things? Would've had them covered had I not added a dozen other items to my to-do list. Ahh!

So, only half done with yesterday's list. Today? More writing, sewing and gardening.

My mom is a bit under the weather so we'll celebrate the day later in the week. I hate it that she's feeling unwell but love it that she's on the mend. And, whatever the day and however she feels, my mom is still the greatest mom ever.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Wishing everyone a peaceful Sunday.

Now if you'll pardon me, I've got a list to work on...

Grease Monkey

I hope you all had a peaceful weekend. It'd be great if you got some respite from the rain, that is, if you live in one of the soggy areas. Here at Casa Leone, it was a wonderfully quiet weekend, filled with special moments and smiles.

First, Mass. Yesterday was my guy's birthday so I had Mass said in his memory. Family and friends filled the pews and we all were comforted by the service. Afterward, breakfast, where we spoke lovingly about the great man who touched our lives.

Then, after some more quiet celebration for a life well lived, we moved on to other pressing issues.

Lawn tractors. My mother, stepfather and I jumped out of our church clothes and into grubby duds, headed out to the barn and got the lawn tractors ready for a new season. Cleaned, tires inflated, oil changes and some adjusting brought both vehicles up to speed--literally! We had a productive, happy afternoon. Birds sang, the sky was soft blue and gentle clouds drifted by. We felt peaceful, hopeful and content. It was very, very good. No one minded grease beneath fingernails!

So, with the weather forecast showing rain every day this week beginning this afternoon, I'm going to grab a cup of chai and head for the tractor. I figure I'll at least get the lawn closest to the house cut before the raindrops begin to fall.

Forgive me if I don't visit my blogging friends this morning. Mother Nature seems to mean business this spring so when she's not raining, I'd best be mowing!

I hope you have a serene Monday. Any plans you'd care to share?

Smart Women

Just a short post this morning, since my new book is actually calling me. Oh, what a good feeling! And how fabulous to feel good, even for a little while.

A few days ago a very smart woman told me something that's stuck in my head. I know it may seem obvious to all of you, but please remember you're not mourning your best friend. Anyhow, Cousin Joann asked if I have plans for my upcoming birthday. The truth? No, I don't. For many reasons. I just can't get past the idea that this will be the first birthday since I was 22 that my darling man won't be making my birthday cake, singing to me or sharing my special day. It's going to be difficult, so no, I haven't made plans.

Cousin Joann understood my feelings, as I knew she would. She always understands everything. Then, she gave me the morsel of advice I've had running through my mind since we spoke. What did she say?

"It's all right if you choose to be alone on your birthday, just as long as you know you don't have to suffer."

She cut right to the heart of what I'm feeling. I miss him so much, and it seems so wrong to celebrate without him. So, I'm not going to celebrate. But, thanks to Joann, I'm not going to suffer, either. At least I'm going to try not to intentionally suffer. He would hate that. He wanted me to live, but I am sure he, too, understands that I'm just not ready to celebrate anything--not even my birthday.

The takeaway? Surround yourself with smart women. The smart women in my life are pulling me through this, and I couldn't be more grateful. I don't believe I'd be able to do any of this without them.

Thanks, Joann.

Now, to the new book. The heroine is named Lola, and I'm trying to make her as smart as she can be!

Have you had any bits of advice that have helped you lately?

Mothers

I can’t say anything about anyone else’s mother, so maybe I should have titled this post “Mother” instead of “Mothers” but it’s too late now to change it so we’ll just have to move along. Anyhow, this morning I’m thinking of one very special lady. She’s my mother, and today’s her birthday.

Now, we all (hopefully!) love our mothers. Me? I think I’ve got the best mother in the world. Why? Oh, there are so many reasons it would take forever to list them all. Let’s just say I think she’s the best and leave it at that.

While I love it that she’s having a birthday, it also gives me a slight case of the collywobbles. How so? Because while it’d be a dream come true to have my mother be one of those wrinkled faces on the side of one of Willard Scott’s Smucker’s jars, most of us don’t make the 100-year mark. As much as we’d love to, and as much as we might deserve to do so, we just don’t get there. A sad, but true, fact.

So, as my fabulous mother marks another year with what we hope will be a spectacular birthday, I am reminded that life is short and those we most love won’t be with us forever. For my part, I’m going to hug my mother tight, tell her I love her and make sure all the candles on this year’s birthday cake shine brightly for her. I’m going to thank her for being my mother, and remind her I’m thrilled to be her daughter. And I’m going to say a silent prayer to the Big Guy above, and ask that He give us many more years and lots more birthday candles.

What about you? When was the last time you hugged your mom? And if your mom’s not available for hugging, have you considered telling someone else that they’re important to you and that you hope they have a wonderful day?

You know, you’re not doing anything now besides reading this blog post which, I promise you, is less important than whomever you’re thinking of this very minute. Why not pick up the phone and call someone you love? What have you got to lose? And could there be a better way to spend the next few minutes than sharing them with someone important? Hmm?

Happy birthday, Mom! You're the best!

Good Thoughts, Please

I hope this Monday is a happy and healthy one for you and yours. We will be busy embarking on what we pray will be an exceptional adventure. Any good thoughts or kind prayers sent our way will be greatly appreciated! Thank you, and have a great day!

Family Matters

My cousin Eileen has always been one of my favorite people. She’s ever-so-slightly older than I am, which made her one of my childhood idols. She was smart, funny, pretty—and I loved spending time with her. I suspect she probably thought I was a pain, being younger and all, but if she did she never let on. She was, even then, classy.

Now that we’re adults Eileen and I have a relationship that is truly one of my treasures. I still look up to her but we’re friends now. The age difference (which is, I assure you, very minor!) has disappeared, the way years seem to do when one grows up. I love it that we’re cousins and share history, genes and relatives.

I can’t talk about Eileen without saying that she’s been especially fabulous this past year. She has been so loving, compassionate and supportive through the difficult times that I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to tell her just how much her presence in my life means to me. There have been so many days when her heartfelt notes or funny stories in my email folder have made me smile. Believe me, she has been a high point in a tough stretch.

By now you probably think this post is about my cousin Eileen. Well, it is…and it isn’t.

My cousin reads all my books, for which I will be eternally grateful. I love it that she shares this journey with me. I especially love it that she tells me—without holding back—what she thinks of each book. It’s funny how hearing the truth from someone who taught you how to tie your shoes, then laughed when they came untied and you tripped on the laces, can mean so much. Her opinions come from a place no one else occupies, so she sees things others don’t.

When Eileen read Last Chance and wrote to tell me her impressions, my heart sang. Why? Because she was so completely on-target with her thoughts. She saw things about the book that others didn’t catch. She wondered why so-and-so got killed, cheered when someone else got his just rewards and wondered what happened to this one or that one. Eileen even inquired about a house—a house, for goodness’ sake! I laughed aloud when she asked about the house, because I wanted someone to wonder about it.

You see? Eileen “got” exactly what I hoped a reader would get from the book. She saw beyond the written page, into the characters’ lives and heads. Writing-wise, it doesn’t get better for me than that.

Thanks, Eileen. For everything.

Piglet

Our darling Piglet passed away yesterday afternoon. She will never be forgotten and she will always be missed. Our lives have been so greatly enriched by the privilege of her presence.

Family

My dad lives in Florida, in a wonderful community surrounded by kind people. He’s near family and enjoys all sorts of sunshine-y activities. I’m happy he’s happy but…I miss him.

While there isn’t one day of the year when I don’t wish he were closer, I especially miss him at Christmastime. I think that’s normal, don’t you?

The lights on our tree in the family room came from Dad. There’s a little music box attached to the lights, and carols play while the lights flash. We usually have them set to stay constantly lit, without flashing or music, but last night I couldn’t resist. I twisted the dial and brought the music and lights to life. For a long time I sat and watched the tree…and I remembered.

“Hark the Herald Angels” made me laugh aloud as I recalled a young me standing beside my brother at midnight Mass and singing—at the tops of our voices, mind you—“Hark, the hairy angels sing…”

“I’ll Have a Blue Christmas” almost made me cry, because of course it made me miss Dad even more.

Given the status of the gargantuan snowman across the street, “Frosty” brought howls from both Hubby and I.

The little music box played all its songs at least three times before I couldn’t take it any more. I picked up the phone, called Florida and asked Dad if he wasn’t sure he didn’t want to give up his nice, warm holiday in favor of a frigid, white one. My father’s a smart guy; he laughed and politely turned me down but hey, you can’t blame a girl for trying, can you?

I love it that things as simple as lights and music can shrink miles and bring hearts closer. What, if anything, provokes nostalgia in your home during the holiday season?

If I close my eyes, I can still hear my brother’s voice singing about those hairy angels…

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving season is a particularly special one for us.

I won’t go into the details, but I will say this has been a difficult year. We have had many frightening moments, and a number of obstacles to deal with. But do you know what? We’re still standing, and it’s Thanksgiving so we are giving thanks—from the bottom of our hearts.

We are appreciative for the love and support of family and friends, near and far. Without you, this stressful time would have been even more harrowing. Thank you.

We are grateful beyond words to the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly on our behalf. You bring our goal within reach, and give us hope for the future. Thank you.

We appreciate all the heartfelt moments, gestures of kindness and gifts of laughter that have found their way to us these past months. They keep us smiling, and make even the rough days easier. Thank you.

We are thankful for so much that if we began a list no one would get to the dinner table on time…and we don’t want that to happen, do we?

Today, as we gather around our Thanksgiving table, our hearts will overflow and we will be truly, deeply, eternally grateful…for so much, and to so many. We hope you will feel some of the joy that graces our table at your own celebration.

From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Three Kids and a Kite

Oh, I know the title says three "kids" and a kite but I've got to come clean.

The truth is...

It was three adults and a kite.

And a blustery day.

At the top of a hill.

Get it?

Oh, how I wish you could've heard us laugh! Especially when we dropped the kite string...

and had to tumble down the hill,

across the meadow,

through the brushy, brambly berry patch...

giggling like children.

Luckily, the string got caught on a branch!

Whew!

So...

three kids and a kite kind of fits, doesn't it?

When was the last time you had so much fun doing something so silly? Hmm?

Well? What are you waiting for?

Find the breeze! Get your kite a tail!

But remember...

Hold onto the kite string!

Always Ours

When a couple marries, families blend. Unconnected people suddenly become connected, and eventually everyone learns to coexist.

Still, there is an invisible division of sorts. You know the one.

It’s the Yours-Mine Line, the subtle separation that exists despite time, marriage or circumstance. It occurs naturally and is generally accepted as an ordinary part of life.

Your brother Kevin. My Uncle Harold. My sister’s best friend, Jane. Your crazy grandmother. See? The Yours-Mine conundrum.

However, at our house there is a slightly different story to tell…

From the first meeting, they were truly family. If not by blood, by something deeper and possibly more meaningful. Their hearts linked and they shared love, laughter and respect. They understood each other, on so many levels.

There was no yours or mine. She was ours—right from the very first hug.

For over two decades my husband and I shared Our Aunt Shirley. She held our hearts in the palm of her hand, taught us more than we ever thought to know about so many things and kept us laughing, even when this journey called life inspired tears. Our Aunt Shirley regaled us with tales from her past, brought joy to the present and foretold our future by peering into the bottoms of our teacups.

She was our family treasure.

Last weekend the sun dimmed, the stars in the night sky twinkled less brilliantly and our world became smaller. Our Aunt Shirley passed on. While we knew in our hearts the sad day had to come, we prayed it would be later rather than sooner.

There are no words to express how much we loved her, or to say how deeply she will be missed.

But while she is gone from this life, Our Aunt Shirley lives on in the hearts of all she touched with her unfailing sense of humor, steadfast love and kind hands. She left a legacy of joy and a wealth of cherished memories. She was a grand woman, and lived an amazing life.

We have no doubt that Our Aunt Shirley is peering down from Heaven, watching over us and giving us guidance and encouragement, love and support. We know she is safe and happy, and entertaining the angels. We feel she has a gentle fingertip on each member of her family, and will always be with us. In our hearts, we believe all this to be true.

Still…

There will never be a day in our lives when we won’t remember—and miss—Our Aunt Shirley. Our Aunt Shirley was truly the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a blessing to be shared—and one for whom the Yours-Mine Line was no match at all.

Angels in Hardhats

Most of us have prayed for help at one time or another.

Sometimes, if you're especially lucky, that help arrives in a red truck.

Pulling some big equipment.

The answer to your prayers is fearless and attacks the rocky soil with determination and enthusiasm. The truck-driving, to-the-rescue crew does what you can't, and you are grateful beyond words for their help.

They drill. They pour concrete. Despite man-hungry mosquitoes and a blazing sun, they smile.

When they're done, they leave in a big, white truck. You wave, happy that they've come to your rescue but sad to see them go.

The reminder that when you prayed, there was an answer. You needed help, and there were those who didn't turn a blind eye or deaf ear. There was a need, and it was taken care of.

Thank you, Jim, Tim and Shamus. We will be forever grateful.

Quiet...Too Quiet

My dad is back in Florida, so it seems kind of empty around here. We keep looking at each other and shaking our heads, just missing the sound of my dad's laughter. If we could, we'd keep him here with us. He is happy in Florida, though, so it would be horribly selfish of us to try and hold him captive here out in the middle of nowhere.

*Sigh*

Good news is he'll be back again in a few weeks. Actually, in August, in time to pick the gardens' bounty. He'll probably be here at jam-making time, now that I think about it. What fun we'll have! Who knows? Maybe we'll can some tomatoes when he comes back. Take long boat rides. Walk the meadows. Go searching for bears. Eat too much. Laugh all day long.

Yeah, it'll be good again. Now, though, I've got to admit I'm missing the guy. A lot.

So, what's a girl to do? I'm setting my eye toward June. Making a to-do list that will be full enough that I feel satisfied but empty enough that I'll be able to kick back and enjoy the lazy days of summer.

What about you? What's going on in your world today? Hmm?