Holiday and Anniversary...

We had a quiet Fourth of July this year. One son had to work, so we quickly threw together a lunch of hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans, and shared a meal before he had to leave. Our day was spent relaxing. We read, chatted, watched a Netflix rental called Get Low, with Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek. When it got dark, we wandered outside to watch a few fireworks being set off around the neighborhood.

We had decided not to do anniversary gifts, since we had to replace our large front room window and get the 52 Chevy repaired again, among other unexpected things. Paul decided to surprise me anyway! He got me a few of my favorite things, three books and a movie. Other girls need diamonds and bling, but give me good films and books any day! The movie, Holy Matrimony, was a fun choice for an anniversary. It stars one of our favorites, Monty Woolley, and an actress we weren't as familiar with, Gracie Fields. I need to see what other films she was in, as I really enjoyed her performance.

Books and a movie from my wish list and a beautiful card!

We decided to have dinner at home. French Dip sandwiches and a simple dessert of sliced pound cake layered with a filling of cream cheese blended with strawberry jam, topped with fresh crushed strawberries. Simple and delicious! While we ate, we watched another favorite movie, North by Northwest. It's a Hitchcock film starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason. A perfect way to spend our day together!

I'm feeling very grateful for my husband, my sons, and the life we share together! Loved and blessed are my words for today! 

Wishing you love and blessings in your life.

Reflections...

Autumn is always a time of reflection for me.  Today is especially poignant.  October 7th was my grandparents anniversary.  They married very young.  They weathered so many things that life tossed at them, and made a decision to stay together, through the wonderful and through the sad.  That decision wasn't made once, on that long ago wedding day.  It was made over, and over again.  When the storm winds came, when doubts assailed, when tears fell like autumn rain, they made the decision to stay. 

As I look back on my life, I can see where their example influenced my decisions to stick it out.  Not easy, but it was right for me.  I'm not saying some folks shouldn't part ways.  I've seen lives begin again, in beautiful ways, when two people realize they are creating more pain than joy.  For me, working through the hard times has made me a stronger, happier person.  I have a husband who really knows me.  He knows me better than my own family does, and so far, he hasn't run screaming from the house.  I am so blessed. 

On this crisp, cloudy, beautiful autumn day, I can say that I am happy for the journey.  For all of it!  Bumps in the road, storms, tears and all.  The hard times have made the sweet, even better.  Remind me of that, the next time I'm having "one of those days" and am feeling inconsolable.  Sunshine and cool breezes are just around the corner.  God doesn't leave us... we leave Him... just tell me to turn around and look.  He is right there.  Love is right there, and it was there all the time.

Summer fun...

Just stopping in for a quick note.  Summertime gets so busy, so my blogging often gets put aside.  I mentioned before, that we canceled our anniversary trip because of having to buy a new AC unit.  Since then, we also had to replace our 16 year old dishwasher and replace our front windshield! Lol! We were definitely not meant to take that trip!

I'm buying my sweetheart an engine for his 52 Chevy.  It's "near new" and will be available to put in his car in September!  A friend decided his new engine wasn't racy enough and is putting an even more powerful one in.  He's selling his to us!  I also got a huge discount on a helicopter lesson for Paul.  He has always wanted to fly in one, so next week he gets a 30 minute lesson, then a 30 minute flight where he will be allowed to take the controls for a bit.  He is so excited!

We have been having fun doing some long neglected home repairs, watching episodes of some of our favorite TV shows (love that streaming video), etc.  Paul barbequed some beautiful T-Bone steaks for our anniversary dinner.  Delicious! 

Earlier this year, I purchased a wooden Chinese Checkers Board, painted and distressed. It hangs above my fireplace in an arrangement.  I suddenly remembered my wooden Aggravation Board from my childhood.  I got it out, and Paul painted it a flat black.  It looks so nice.  I plan to add some color to it later on and attach a hanger to it.  I'll post a photo when it's done.

Well, gotta get back to all those home improvement projects!  Have a wonderful July afternoon!