A Julie Gem

 As I decluttered the sock box in my closet, I came across this pillow/sachet gift.

Considering the date, it was very likely a handcrafted Easter gift. These were some of Julie's first efforts in hand sewing and embroidery. Finding it again warms my heart.

It's approximately 4" x 6", made of a gauzy-ish fabric, stitched with a single strand of brown sewing thread, stuffed with polyester fiberfill. 

What a precious gift from my "11-1/2" year old daughter.

Mimi-Abby Time

Jodie and Kenny received some much needed rest and recouperation while I had a couple hours with Abby at their neighborhood park. This little two year old is such a joy!

On our walk to the park, she named the colors of each flower we walked by.

She took quite a bit of time following a bee who was flying from dandelion to dandelion. She'd bend w-a-y over and remind herself, "Don't touch!" even though she kept reaching out.

Take off! 

She liked blowing the seeds of the ripened dandelions, too.

We played on slides and the rock wall and the ladder and the twirling pole and the bouncing bug. We counted holes in the play structure's platform. We went from tree to tree, finding big sticks. She paraded around with the stick that was even taller than she is.

But her favorite thing to do at the park is to play in the sandbox. I helped her form a forest of sticks ... which she counted as she pulled them out and tossed them.

Dale and I are incredibly blessed to live near this little sparkle girl. The sun and the outdoor play were good for both of us. Mommy said Abby was well worn out and took a good nap that afternoon.

Azalea's Turn

In the parking lot at our doctor's office ...

the azaleas are bursting with color

and whispering the secrets of Spring.

Charmed Life: An Anniversary Stroll

On Monday, Dale and I will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something a little special -- like go to Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock or maybe check out the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival just south of Portland. Unfortunately, at this point in his treatment, Dale is easily fatigued. Even driving on day trips becomes too strenuous. 

So today between visiting the oncologist and having lunch, we stopped by Eugene's Owen Rose Garden. It's still a park. It's still admiring flowers. But it's a lot closer to home and has paved paths that allow for steady walking.

The roses, of course, are not yet in bloom. Some of them are trying, though! Bundles of buds are beginning to form.

The early Spring flowers are already fading, like the narcissus and magnolias.

The gigantic Owen Cherry Tree, designated as an Oregon Heritage Tree, is barely beginning to bloom.

The tulips and bluebells and violets are in their full glory

And wildlife is making itself comfortable in the shade.

Dale and I plan to treat ourselves to a few more simple pleasures over the weekend for our anniversary. He'll need plenty of time to rest, though. His fourth chemo infusion begins on Monday.

Charmed Life: Tuesday Flowers

Yesterday we received a surprise delivery - a huge bouquet of flowers!

Collogues from Dale's former workplace sent them! They are total surprise and so appreciated.

We set them on the dining room table where the late afternoon light made them glow.

I also received another flower surprise in my backyard. It turns out that different colors of tulips bloom at different times. First the red tulips appeared, then the whites. A few days later the red-and-yellow color and the frilly edged ones bloomed. Yesterday? Purple!

Dale and I still find beauty in our world  every day in the midst of this challenging time.

Charmed Life: Egg Hunt

Dale and I spent Easter morning with Jodie's family. Ken made a wonderful yummy brunch of French toast, homemade berry compote, bacon, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Afterwards,  two year old Abby opened her Easter basket. That was followed by an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

She found over two dozen eggs! (Isn't that the cutest sweater? Jodie crocheted it for her!)

It's a chemo week for Dale, so he tired out after a few hours and we headed home early. 

But look what our sweet neighbor boy left for us on our threshold!

We still live a charmed life! ❤️

Charmed Life: Tulips

Last Fall I decided to try growing tulips in six of the planters that line our patio. They're growing!