One of Her Favorite Places is The Hair Salon

Beth had her final appointment with the Dermatologist today. Nothing has changed since she started the cortisone shots but the doctor said she believes the scarring alopecia is dormant. She's been monitoring it for about a year and it looks exactly the same, and it's still the same size. We've been able to cover it with a small pony tail so that's really good news. 

Between meetings with her case worker and various doctors, Beth has had 10 appointments so far this year. Plus she still has three more this month. This is the most she's ever had and I think it's just due to her age and how our health changes the older we get.

After we left the doctor we headed to the hair salon. She got a shampoo, cut and style. We were the only ones there so it was easy to get some pictures. It's a small salon and we've been going there for a few years, the mom owns it and her daughter is the main stylist. They both love the Lord so we kind of feel at home there. 

She's so excited to show her friends! After every hair cut she tells me, "All Aboard will be surprised to see me!" (All Aboard is the day program she goes to for karaoke and art.)

She loves her time at the salon! 

What's Your Favorite?

Hi everyone,

I started to write that there's not a lot happening around here but then I got to thinking of all the things we've been doing lately. I'll have to organize it all in my head and post about it another time. Today I want to tell you about my flowers. I'm probably more excited about them than I should be.  :)

Beth and I continue to do our grocery shopping every Thursday. She's trying to make better choices, some days are better than others.

When we bought our first home back in the early 90's I grabbed some sunflower seeds off the shelf without really looking at the small print. I planted them in the front of the house and they - kept - growing! That's when I looked at the package. I had bought Mammoth Sunflowers! I couldn't believe how big they were. Somewhere I have a picture of a squirrel hanging upside down on one of those flowers, eating the seeds with his two front paws. Those flowers were amazing and we still talk about them today.

Sunflowers are my favorite flower and I grew them for years. These were along the front porch:

Then when we moved into our second home in 2001 I planted them in the backyard against the house:

Then a few years ago I had planted some right where these are, just like I always had. Even after all those years of planting, I would still go out almost every day to check them and I'd get so excited when I saw the little stems about an inch tall. And then one day the stems were gone! I was shocked! I didn't know what had happened. The next year I planted more and saw the wild bunnies eating them! I remember being so crushed.

After that I tried planting them and covering them with mesh, chicken wire, but the bunnies always got to them first. So I eventually stopped trying. It's been a while but this year I decided to try again.

I put them in a pot this time, and only planted a few just in case they didn't survive. I surrounded that pot like a fortress and watched those flowers like a hawk! Then a couple weeks ago I looked out the window to see these beautiful flowers:

 I brought the biggest one inside:

And I took some to work. Every time I look at them they make me smile. There's just something about sunflowers.

Do you have a favorite flower? 

Absolutely Adorable!

 On Saturday, December 17 Adelaide Noelle was born!

 

Diana and Peter had their baby! 

She came just 3 days after her due date and she's absolutely adorable!

They had her at a birthing center and all three are doing well.

 

She's got that precious 'new baby' smell.

She fits perfectly in the crook of your arm!

Just a few days old and already loved and cherished by so many.

 

I haven't asked for permission to post everyone's picture yet -

so I'll just show you these for now.

 

 This one was taken right after breakfast.

"Got milk?"

 

 I'm SO in love!! 💗

The Library Roof To The Rescue!

After a 13 hour day on Friday I pulled out of work and saw the gorgeous sunset! I drove around trying to get a good view when I drove right up to the library.

That's when I remembered our library has a roof that overlooks the water! It was so pretty.

Have a blessed week!

To You She Looks Imperfect

'I know what you are thinking. You need a sign. What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjuror. I gave this one a gift I denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you she looks imperfect - but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done.

She will never pervert or destroy the works of my Father's hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! She will remind you every day that I am who I am, that my ways are not yours and that the smallest dust mote whirled in darkest space does not fall out of my hand.

I have chosen you. You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you. Treasure her!'

From Morris West's The Clowns of God

Beth - 1986