Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Our sweet Carly turned FIVE yesterday!! Both Handsome and I were home all day, so we could spend the day pampering our girl. She got a great workout in the yard in the morning, and finished the day with extra treats. In between were snuggles and a few other 'triever-approved snacks.

She had so much fun, in fact, that she's already looking forward to Number 6. Us, not so much. Time passes much too quickly as it is, and we're content to slow time down for our pups. The more time we have with them, the better.

I'll share more photographs tomorrow from the weekend, but today it's all about our pretty Carlita Puppita Mamacita. That's my nickname for her. She likes it, too!

I'm working today to fill in for a co-worker who's already given her notice and now can't make it to work today. Nice, huh? I don't mind at all, though. Then, I'll have my regular hours tomorrow and Friday evening. I'm planning to get some "bluebird time" in mid-week, but for now I'd better get moving. Don't want to be late for my "Donna to the rescue" hours!

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 89:15 from Photoswithgodsword.com

 

Goddaughters...

These are my two beautiful nieces, who are also both my Goddaughters. Jen on the right is the elder of the two. Jordan is the other. We had the most wonderful time visiting last night! Of course, I was also visiting with my mum and stepdad, one more niece (Jen's sister, Aimee), my sister Jan, and Jen's two kids. 

Jen and Aimee's stepdad (the man who raised them, not my sister's widow), also joined us for dinner. It's always been good to see him, as we've always continued to consider him family. My great-nephew went home with him afterward to spend an overnight with his granddad - away from the hen parties.

The ladies visited with their nana before I got there, and I love this photograph to commemorate this visit. There was a rousing round of Jeopardy played on the television as we all ate dinner together, followed by jocularity and hugs.

I can't wait to see all of them again today. I'll head back to town after lunch as they decide the what's and where's of our next activity. I think roller skating (for them) is on our agenda. I'll be an enthusiastic bystander. Lord knows what I hurt next if I were foolish enough to participate!

I'll be sure to take more photographs from the sidelines, and share with you on Monday. Here's hoping your weekend will be equally rewarding. 

Family Time...

Photograph of Handsome and me with our two eldest nieces from 2023

I'm working today, but I'm looking forward to seeing these two beauties, my other niece/goddaughter, and great niece and nephew this evening.

The tall niece next to Handsome is flying in from Colorado, and the smiling face next to me is my eldest niece/Goddaughter who's also coming from out of state with two of her kids. One more Goddaughter, not in this photograph will be joining the gathering this weekend, too. They'll all be staying with my mum and stepdad. Sister Jan will also be joining the festivities.

Tonight there'll be a pizza party, and tomorrow afternoon, I'll go to watch them all roller skate at a local rink. No worries, though. This ol' bird will not be lacing on any roller skates. I'll be a cheerleader only!

Now to head off to work and put in my seven hours before I get to visit with some really important people. Go cup in one hand, and my handbag in the other. I'm on my way. Happy weekend! 

April Classmate Dinner...

Back row: Al, Donna, Bruce, Max, Janet and Jeff. Front row: Cal, Brad, Deb, Mary and John

The weather was perfect for dinner next to the lake yesterday. Our regular spot for dinner is a restaurant located right along the south shore of Lake Winnebago, and it was so nice to see moving water where there was ice only a short time ago.

We had eleven classmates in attendance, and as always, we spent the time sharing stories, family news, and other interesting (to us) things. Seems health is always a subject, too. "Did you hear about...?" "How is <insert spouse name here>?" You know. Thankfully, conversation soon turns to something other than our shared aches and pains, and "How did we get old so fast?". Things that comes from life and times shared.

Our meals together usually last about two hours, and just like the old folks we used to giggle about (Early Bird Diners), we were all heading home by 5 pm. Rather than talking about the old times, we're busy making new memories we'll be able to look back on in the years ahead. Of course, we took this photograph to share in our classmate Facebook page, and to have a record of this month's gathering. We'll do it all over again in May.

Loads of Spools...

I've acquired a few little spools for my spool animal projects. These two jars are loaded with them!! I put Otis in front of them so you have a size comparison. I'll be able to populate Noah's Ark with all the little animals I'll be able to create!

So, here's my thinking...There are only so many spoolies that will fit on my shelf, and after I complete all my first attempts (thinking prototypes), I could make more available for sale through my blog. I wouldn't list these on Etsy, only here. I could do oh, say, ten at a time and list them once a month or something. What do you think of that idea?

Next are two questions...I know that I usually have two to three hours in creating each one. What would you suggest would be a good price point? I'll tell you I'm thinking $39 each, including packaging and postage. Heck. Do you think anyone would even want to purchase them?

I'm interested in your thoughts on these matters. Please leave a note with suggestions in the comments today. It's okay to be honest. I asked, after all.

Tonight is the monthly classmate dinner, but I'll be taking it easy until then. Yesterday was tiring, but I'm not going to overdo it today. I don't work again until Friday, so I'll get lots of downtime in until then.

Thanks for contemplating my questions and leaving comments for me! Classmate dinner group photo tomorrow.

My Spoolie Shelf...

L-R: Ursa Polar Bear w/seal, Bella Labrador, King Scarface, Valentine Rabbit, Taylor Mouse, Otis Opossum, Spot the Dog, Sebastian Squirrel, and Daisy Skunk

I'm just leaving a quick post today. I'm going back to work this morning, and I want to give myself plenty of time.

Only two I've made aren't on this shelf...Theodore Badger and Henrietta Chicken, which were both gifted to special people. I will be making another of each for my shelf, though, so they will be represented.

I did rework King Scarface, adding more dark fur and fine tuning his facial features. I'm much happier with his look now.

I have no idea which animal I'll do next, but I am thinking on it. I also want to get back to the bluebirds, so there's that, too. 

I'm not sure how I'll do with work today. Handsome and I went out for breakfast and ran one quick errand. When we got home, I curled up on the sofa and slept for two hours. My boss offered to come in early for me today if I think I need it, but I'm going to try not to do that, but I asked Handsome to have something figured out for dinner, just in case I didn't have meal prep in me by the time we get home. 

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. See you later!

King Scarface...

As always, once I see the photographs of my "finished" pieces, I notice things I'd like to fine tune. Such is the case with my latest spool animal..."King Scarface". My original plan was to create a lion that I'd name "Aslan" after The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe stories. Then, I learned about an extraordinary, legendary, wild lion and changed my plans.

My spoolie looks just a bit too "happy", so I'm going to fine tune the nose and mouth area on him, as I add more black fur into the top of his head. Of course, a king needs a crown, so my little lion has one, too.

King Scarface from the Masai Marah Reserve

This is what the real King Scarface looked like. Rather than try to tell you what was so extraordinary about this lion, I'm going to quote the words written by the people who knew him best on the Maasai Mara Reserve:

"The legend Scarface, the king of the Savannah and ruler of the Maasai Mara Reserve, killed 400 hyenas and 130 lions and controlled an area of ​​400 square kilometers. He had 900 lions under his command. He is also considered the only lion who was able to kill an adult hippopotamus in a single battle and expel crocodiles from his reserve because they preyed on a young cub. In 2012, Scarface got into a fight with a lion called Marsupial, who was 3 years younger than Marsupial and bigger than him. Everyone thought that Scarface would lose the fight. Scarface was injured in his foot, but he emerged victorious and kept Marsupial’s head for two weeks before throwing it away. In 2016, he and his brothers Sekiu, Hunter and Murami got into a fight with 6 lions and killed 2 of them on their own. A few days before his death, Scarface walked several miles back to his home and birthplace. On his way, the lions gave him food instead of attacking him. This is unusual in the animal world, but Scarface broke the rule and gained great respect from everyone. He also did not… A cat attacks a human being and is announced dead after a sad roar from the lionesses. He was buried by the National Geographic team in honor of his legendary life, the lion who was only defeated by death. This is from my report and personally I followed his life until his death." - Writer unknown to me

If you'd like to see one of the last videos of this magnificent lion, you can click HERE to view it on Instagram. (I don't think you have to have an account to watch the video.) 

I consider my little spool animal a pale tribute to how wonderful King Scarface really was, but I will keep it to honor his memory.

Easter Sunday Scripture...

Matthew 28:6

 

 He is the Risen Christ.

HAPPY EASTER!

Mostly Sleeping...

Sleeping Beauty Web Image

Seems I've been mostly sleeping. I haven't accomplished anything but advancing my healing, and for now, that's plenty. I'm up for meals that Handsome makes sure I eat, and for hot tea he brings to soothe my (formerly intubated) throat. I'm feeling better as I get out from under the anesthesia.

Easter will be quiet this year. Just the two of us, and that's always been enough. We'll spend the day in the farmhouse. Dinner will be simple and we'll thank God for our blessings, and for His Risen Son.

For today, I'll continue with the current program. I've been reading all your comments and am grateful, as always. I'll answer soon, I promise.

Blessings to you and yours,

All Is Well...

Hickory Hill Farm - Lily ©2024

Just a quick check-in to let you know that everything went really well yesterday. The surgical team loved the jokes I told so I could drift off to la la land listening to their laughter. The anesthesiologist said he'd definitely be repeating them. My doctor even told me a joke when he came into my room for the pre-op consult! He had us laughing out loud, and I told him I'd be telling that one again, too.

Surgery began exactly at the 7:15 scheduled time, and Handsome and I were back in the farmhouse by noon. I've only been up long enough to have a bite to eat for dinner, and then write this post. Sleep is how I heal best, so I'm going back to bed as soon as I sign off here. 

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes. I know you know just how much they're appreciated. I'm actually feeling good, except that I'm groggy from the anesthesia and the one pain pill they gave me before I left. Tylenol should cover it for Friday. I'm extremely grateful for the skilled hands and excellent care given to me by the entire team at BayCare Hospital in Green Bay. Everlasting gratitude to Handsome, too. I couldn't do any of this without him.

I'm heading back to bed now and if I'm up to it, I'll work on my new spoolie during the day. (Hint: You'll roar when you see this one.) Otherwise, I'll spend one more day sleeping. I know you understand. Hugs.

Guess What's Next...

So, this is the fabric I've pulled for the next spoolie. I'm going to let you all guess what this one is going to be. I've chosen a name, too, but I'm not going to share it yet.

I'm going to be spending a little time in my recliner, so I'll have plenty of time to work on this and a few others while I'm lolly gagging about.

I'm Thinking About It...

This is what my workspace usually looks like when I'm embroidering various color threads into a piece. I sat down Monday afternoon and stitched (and unstitched) for a few hours, making only this little progress on my bluebird piece.

What you don't see is my lighted magnifier and the fact that my needlework is slightly tilted toward my chair so I might sit as upright as possible. Otherwise, my back would be aching. As it is, I remind myself to stop and stretch - walk around the house - for a little while every hour or so.

After making this bit of progress on the wings after two or three hours (I lost count), I decided to step away for the rest of the day. Sitting this close to my work, while it requires so many color decisions can get a bit overwhelming after a while, so I needed a break. You can see the image I'm using for reference, and all the color threads I've pulled to use in the piece, and I think you can see why stepping back was necessary.

That doesn't mean I ignored it for the rest of the day, or even yesterday, as I looked at it whenever I passed it to see my work from a distance. Even at this point, I'm thinking about color decisions. I knew that creating the translucent wings might be a difficult task. Perhaps that's why I hadn't worked on it since last November. 

I know I'm not going to let it linger, though. I may work on it a little today, trying a few colors on the feathers to see how they "work". You already know, though that I'm not reticent to remove threads if I see they don't fit with my vision. 

Tomorrow is the "big day", so I may not feel like sitting and leaning forward for a day or so. I'll have stitches in my back near my waistline, so I'm assuming that posture might pull a bit. We'll see. 

Otherwise, I do the option to make spoolies instead. I definitely want to make another badger, and there are a few others on my list, too. Cow, pig, walrus, lion...so I may just recline and have fun with those for a while.

Don't fret if I don't respond to comments right away. I may be too groggy to be coherent for a bit. I'll be back as soon as I can, though. See you in a day or so!

"Theodore Badger"...

 

Meet "Theodore Badger", my latest spool animal. I'm so in love with this guy. I know. I say that about all of them, but truly, this one just makes me smile. 

Theodore is a gift for someone celebrating a Birthday later this week, and will already in the mail on Monday, but I just had to take photographs before boxing him up so you could see him, too.

I made a wee vest for him, and even included buttons and a chain for his pocket watch. And what learned badger doesn't need his own pinz nez glasses perched on his nose? (I did sew those on so they wouldn't fall off.)

Handsome has already told me I'm going to have to make a second one for my spoolie shelf. I always show them to him first, and he declared there should be two. I'll probably work on this one's brother while I'm recuperating from my procedure this week. It's a great project when one is sitting in a semi-reclined position, I think. I'll be thinking about a good name for Theodore's brother, too. (I'm not inclined to go with Alvin or Simon. Those are the names of the three chipmunks, which I may save for when I might make a chipmunk!) I'd love ideas, though.

I'm working today, so I won't get to the bluebird's wings again until tomorrow. Have a great day, my friends. See you tomorrow.

 

Much Better (I Think)...

After frogging the "too white", I went back over the weekend and redid the female's lower body. I'm much happier with the result. 

*** See Marilyn! I love and use the beautiful needle book you gifted me. Thanks again, dear.

Next, I'll begin work on the wings. I've been contemplating these for months and think I'm finally ready to take needle and thread to fabric. What's the worst that could happen? More frogging. I'm going to be optimistic though.  

I'm going to start on feathers today. I work tomorrow and it's going to quickly slide past mid-week into my surgery day. Just so you know, I'm planning a few "auto-post" entries this week, so please don't worry if I don't respond to comments right away. I promise I'll get to them by the weekend.

If I'm share whatever I get stitched on the wings this week, I'd better get working on it today. I've got something really fun to share with you tomorrow. I also worked on a Birthday gift for someone special, and I can't stop giggling. Gotta run for now!

Palm Sunday...

Psalm 148

 

One Step Forward...

This is where I was when last I worked on my bluebird embroidery. If I recall correctly, I set it aside in November so I could get busy with Christmas projects. I brought my stand downstairs so I could stitch in natural light streaming in the dining room windows. I set up my magnifier, threads, and tools, and set about stitching. I stitched for nearly three hours, taking it easy before my work shift last night.

This was the area I was working on. Three hours of embroidery and at around 2 pm I sat back to critique my progress. I realized the colors I'd put into this area (similar to the male out of view above) was too bright. The female is the one flying into the image, and her colors need to be more drab than the male's.

Soooooo, I spent the next hour unstitching my work. When I was finished, she looked nearly like this again. One step forward...two steps back. It's okay. I'd much rather remove threads now than forge ahead and be unhappy in the end.

I'll work on her again today, but I've chosen some different colors. I'll settle back in and see how it goes, and then share what I accomplish on Monday. 

Have a great weekend! 

Well, That's Disappointing...

Web Image from imgflip.com

Handsome had a doctor's appointment first yesterday morning, and then we headed right to my MRI appointment an hour away. Once there, the tech came out and asked if I had the controllers for my Interstim unit so they could be sure it was turned off.

Have I told you this story before? Please stop me if you've already heard it. I had an Interstim unit installed in my upper hip/lower back in 2022 as part of the treatments for the bladder issues that we refer to as "The Troubles". (I know I've told that story). Fast forward to 2024...

I began having heart palpitations, and I knew the Interstim wasn't doing its job no matter how many times I changed the settings. As I sat having yet another episode of palpitations, it occurred to me that the Interstim might be to blame, so I completed shut it down. The palpitations stopped. Just to be sure, I turned it back on two weeks later, and the palpitations started up again. 

I don't know whether or not you've ever had palpitations (or AFIB), but it's not pleasant. I turned the Interstim off for good in June and haven't turned it back on since.

In January of 2025, I contacted my dear Uro/gyno who I knew was scheduled to retire and we discussed the issue with the Interstim. (For the record, he wasn't the doctor who installed it.) I told him I'd searched the internet and was unable to find this as a side effect of the unit in my hip. 

He explained that the lead meant to help with the bladder issues might be too close to the vagus nerve, and that would cause the heart issue. I told him I hadn't had the thing on for months now, and wanted to know if he could remove it. He informed me that he'd already relinquished his surgery privileges in anticipation of retiring, but he trusted his partner to accomplish the task. 

I made an appointment to see his partner (after Handsome returned home from Florida). He told me he'd consulted with my favorite doc, and read my voluminous file. He was now familiar with my trials and tribulations. He agreed the Interstim should come out. As I'd had the thing turned off for so long, I left the controllers with him and made the surgical appointment (which is next week).

In the meantime, my clumsy arse twisted this knee causing what is suspected to be a torn meniscus. Hence the reason for the MRI. However, when we were called to go in for the test at the hospital yesterday, the tech requested the controllers for the Interstim because they needed to confirm it was off. I explained it was, but that the controllers were with my uro-gynecologist and the unit is being removed next week.

They went in the back, made some phone calls to the manufacturer, and were told they would have to reset it to "MRI MODE". As that wasn't possible without the controllers, they couldn't do the MRI on my knee yesterday. I wasn't upset, and said I completely understood. I mean, when I turned over the controllers, who would have thought I would need a test requiring them before the unit was removed? What would they have done had it been a medical emergency, I wonder?

Well, we cancelled the MRI for now, and I contacted the orthopedist's office to cancel the appointment I was supposed to have post MRI, explaining why. 

I'll have my surgery next week to remove all the bits and pieces associated with the Interstim, give myself time to heal the incision(s), and then reschedule the MRI. The ladies who would have performed the test told me that if scheduling puts it too far out on the calendar, I can call them directly and they'll squeeze me in sooner. So, there's that.

Handsome and I trudged back to the truck to drive home, but not before a well-needed side trip for lunch, which, for me included a vanilla malt with extra powder. I was hungry and being fed helped me feel better, plus I managed a little nap on the way home. Once inside, more Tylenol™, elevating my feet, adding a little heat ,and a lovely cuppa tea delivered by my Handsome was just what I needed. I'll set my sights on next week. One (careful) step at a time...

March Artist Trading Card Exchanges...

Treasures March Artist Trading Card Exchanges

There may be one card missing from this lot, but these are the cards I received for last month. The theme was "Shamrock", and I think each and every one was a unique endeavor by all the artists. I love them all! 

As I'm sure each recipient has come to know my style, I'm becoming more familiar with each of theirs, too. I think they're all fun and creative, and are great additions to my collection.

My April Artist Trading Card

I was really late getting my cards out last month, so I decided to get busy early this month. I finished them yesterday, and they're in the mailbox now to go out to the trade recipients.

The first thing I did was search out an image that I thought would best exemplify our April theme: "Rain". I purchased this sweet bunny artwork from VintageArtRealm on Etsy. I knew I was going to add raindrops, so I first affixed the image (printed on cotton fabric) to the base fabric, using a shimmering Madeira thread. Then, I used a holographic thread from Kreinik to make stitches above the umbrella. Each stitch is anchored with a sparkling bead.

All my cards are in addressed envelopes and will be heading to the swap participants today. Now that this project is complete, I think I'm going to turn my focus to my bluebird embroidery. It's about time, don't you think?

I have my MRI and doctor's appointment today, so I may not be embroidering today. I know there won't be the stress that I had with the other one, but I may just choose to take it easy when I get home. We'll see. Either way, I have a feeling you'll see an image of my bluebird embroidery tomorrow...just to remind you what I'm going to be dancing with next.

Fungi...

Image property of Sophie Wheatley

I belong to the Felted Fungi Club curated by Sophie Wheatley from the UK. These are some of the designs she offers in her club. I've belonged for a while, and have learned many great techniques from her. However, I've yet to actually create one of her fungi designs myself...so far.

My list is long, I know, but after I finish the bluebirds (no, I haven't forgotten them), then I'll play with one of these designs.

I had a really great day at work yesterday. We got a lot accomplished, and that's always rewarding. My knees held up well until after I got in the truck at the end of my shift. Handsome dropped me off and picked me up late afternoon. I was tired and a little sore. It's okay, though. I'll rest today and work on getting my April artist trading cards done so I can share them with you. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be sitting in my studio.

A Gift For A Friend...

I was recently browsing on Instagram and came across a lovely Protection Pocket on a page belonging to @marielle. I really liked it and shared it with a few friends. My sister, Di's best friend, Brenda commented on how much she loved it. 

@marielle "Hope's Protection Pocket"

Sorry for the blurry photograph. The original image was on a video, and I screen capped it after Brenda commented about it. I just want to be sure that no one thinks I'm taking credit for an original idea that belongs to another.

Brenda had surgery yesterday, so I sat down and created my version of the pocket to send to her with get well wishes. Rather than a bird charm, I used a vintage bird pin with the pin back removed. I've also tucked a small heart charm into the heart pocket for her. Of course, I added my signature acorn charm to the back.

It's going out in today's post and will wing its way to Minnesota for her. I sure hope she loves it.

Today's my work day, so I'm going to go get ready. Another busy week on the calendar. I'm sure this week, as usual will simply whistle by. Yippee. See you tomorrow!

Sweet As A Daisy...

I had all sorts of suggestions for my future spool animals, so I started Saturday night. Meet "Daisy the Skunk"!

I told this story on Facebook, but I want to share it here, too. When I was a preschooler, my Dad - who was also a college student/veteran with two daughters and a wife - owned a pet shop in Stevens Point. We had lots of fish in aquariums, budgies (like parakeets), and even a pet monkey. 

I've heard stories of how I fell into a salt water tank (right after a fish delivery, no less) and needed stitches above my eye. I also had to have my young stomach pumped because I'd eaten a container of water purification tablets (chlorine). Not too bright then, I guess. The monkey tried to pull out my mum's long hair in a fit of pique, and when someone asked me  what my name was and where I lived, I'd reply, "Donna Uby, Budgie Shop". (My maiden name was Newby, but hey. I was only about three.)

So, among other critters, Dad also had a de-scented skunk he named "Daisy". My grandparents lived on a the south side of Stevens Point, and I vividly remember our family visiting them with Daisy in tow. Somehow she got loose, so Dad went out looking for her. My grandparents lived near a dump, so naturally, Dad headed that way. 

When he saw Daisy, he was so happy. He ran up to her and scooped her up. Thing is...that wasn't Daisy. He got sprayed...a lot...and came back to the house, stinking to high heaven. Mum, my sister and I all squealed at the smell, and Grandma flatly refused to let him in the house to take a shower. She made him strip down outside and handed him a big container of tomato juice. I don't think we ever saw Daisy again, but Dad managed to get back into Grandma's graces after a tomato bath. This is my little tribute to Dad's little skunk...the one that didn't smell. 

I have more animals on my list now, but this is the only one I did this weekend. I also completed Bobbi's travel sewing case which shipped today, but I'm not going to share photographs of it until I know it's in her hands. (I sure hope she loves it!)

Sunday Scripture...

 

1 Samuel 16:7

I'm Still Here...

Daisies From Last Summer

I'm sorry for another tardy submission. Here's the skinny on my day yesterday. Let me begin by saying if anyone ever offers you a recreational "EMG", please feel free to turn it down. I'm glad I didn't do any internet research prior to the procedure, because it wasn't fun.

I'm not afraid of needles unless they're the huge, hollow type, so that wasn't the issue. The needles involved were comparable to those used in acupuncture - which I found helpful and quite enjoyed when we lived in Florida. However, they were soon attached to electrodes to ascertain whether or not I had nerve damage in my left knee. 

Each time the doctor engaged the electricity, I flopped around like a fish out of water. I tolerated that well until he got to the area where I injured myself. I ended up in tears. The great news is that there is no nerve damage. This doctor suspects soft tissue damage, which aligns with the orthopedic doctor's suspicion of a torn meniscus. That will be confirmed (or denied) when I have the MRI on the 10th.

Once it was all over, my dear husband helped me back into my sweats (I had to wear shorts for the procedure), and he took me home.

We walked in the back door to the farmhouse around 9:15 am, I took two (dr. approved) Tylenol; went upstair;, changed clothes and went to bed. I nearly instantly fell asleep and didn't move until around 1:30 pm. 

My gallant white knight stayed close while I showered, and then helped me put on my socks (I could handle the rest of my clothes), and I got dressed for my three-hour shift feeling 1000% better. He even made ham and eggs with toast for me so I'd have some nourishment before going to work. Two more Tylenol and it was off to the store.

He was there right on time to bring me home, and I had two fish dinners in tow so neither of us would need to cook. After dinner, I went back upstairs to bed, watched a little television and went to sleep. Just what this body needed after a strenuous appointment.

I'm feeling so much better today, so I'm not going to overdo anything. I'm planning to sit in the living room and make a few more spoolies. Your suggestions here and in the Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group have been written down, and I'll work through the list. I'll share my completed critters on Monday.

I hope you have a restful, peaceful, love-filled weekend. Of one thing I'm absolutely sure...Love is best shown when someone you care for needs it most. It's shown through unselfish acts of kindness and concern. How you treat them (or are treated) exemplifies the depth of affection. Handsome shows me every day just how much he loves me. I pray every day to be equal to it.

Thank you to everyone who left comments yesterday. You shared your concern for me, and I'm so grateful.

See you Monday!