Wordless Wednesday - Love You Sunshine

Sleeping with Bread

The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes them by looking at what is giving them consolation in their life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

So, without further ado ...

The Good.

Spring has come and Life is breaking out all over the place.

We got these two burr oaks last year for free. They were sickly, dry and were going to be thrown out. So, I planted them and did everything I could for 'em. When Winter came and they lost the few leaves they did have, I thought that we wouldn't see leaves on them ever again, but I was wrong. They are thriving!

The best flowers so far are these by the front door.

Most importantly, I am so thankful to see Sunshine smile again. It was just for a minute, but it was definitely there. I love that girl and her heart shaped face.

The Bad.

I guess I hadn't thought of it before today. Sunshine's Mom's personality completely filled her house. No matter which room you went into, she seemed to be there somehow - if that makes any sense. Today when we were at the house, it hit me just how empty the house felt. The funeral is on Thursday. This is going to be a tough week.

Sunshine's Mom

Sunshine's mom passed away yesterday after a long illness. Sunshine thanks all those who have prayed for her mother and sent along their best wishes. I know that all those positive thoughts and hopes really did help. Sunshine's mother did not suffer any pain and was always vibrant in thought and spirit.

Sunshine once described her mom, Miss B., as being a mother, a friend, a sister and a confidante. For as long as I have known her, Miss B. was strong in spirit. The light of her personality touched everyone who met her.

She had a hard life with many challenges. She worked hard, raised a family, and loved them dearly. Her voice was strong, her mind was certain and her kindness was real. Whenever darkness would come to smother out her light, she would always shine through.

She loved to read and learn. And she could cook! The best food in town came from her kitchen. She was a remarkable woman who was always active, serving the community and church she loved. It was there that her light touched so many. That's why I will remember her as having lived the words of the old Inspirational:

This little light o' mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine.

And shine she did, and always will on God's golden shore.

How Bad Is The Economy?

Cats are so dramatic!

Chicken & Dumplings

Some days are just this good! As a *completely* unbiased and objective judge of such things, I can honestly say that my beloved Sunshine makes the greatest chicken and dumplings of all time. She's pretty tasty too :-)

Thank You Cinnamon!

Thank you very much for this award Cinnamon. It's great!!!

Blood Donation Time

Time to answer the call again and donate some O negative to the cause. One of the good things about the Evil Corporation is that they will give four hours of free leave to go and make a blood donation. Need to drink some juice and get a little rest now!

Under the Watchful Eyes of Birds

Wow, what a Lent season this year! Today is the first day AFTER Easter, and I was thinking this morning about trying to sum up what I've learned from the experience of the last few weeks. One of the lessons is that we are not alone. We function as members of society and the things we do and say have effects for ourselves and those around us - even when we think that we're alone. This isn't about an "all seeing Eye" or anything like that. Part of the society that we belong to are the animals that share the environment with us. The things we do effect them too. We really need to take care and be good in all our relationships.

Happy Monday! Enjoy your week :-)

A Few of My Favorite Things

After a couple of really tough weeks at work and a BIG FIRE SCARE yesterday, I thought it would be best to think about some of the positives in life. Here are a few of my favorite things.

Togetherness.
I love my Sunshine. Yes, I completely agree. Today is a good day to quit smoking.

Sake & Crab Balls
Crab balls are normally served ONLY at weddings receptions, so I scarfed down this treat thinking about marriage and my Sunshine.

Stuffed Jalapenos
Seriously, does it get any better than this?

Stuffed & Steamed Shitakes

Family
Father and daughter time. She is one of the 8 chicks to fledge this last week.

Having someone ELSE to deal with the crap for a change

Need I say more?