Lefse in Heaven

My previous post was written while my 97 1/2 year old grandmother was in the hospital with an infection. Though she was strong, stubborn, and fairly healthy, her small frame was no match for MRSA. We lost her on Wednesday, May 12th. It was such an honor to be by her side as she took her last breath.

Tomorrow will be filled with emotion as we attend her memorial service. Though there is sadness for a time, we rejoice in knowing that she is with her Father in Heaven. No doubt, she is serving up her AMAZING lefse for all the saints. Brings a smile to think of Jesus enjoying some. I wonder if He likes His with butter and cinnamon and sugar too. :)

Never to be replaced, but cherished in our hearts forever more. We love you, Gram, and can't wait to see you again!

These Hands

These hands, always busy.
Knowing not the ways of idle.
Strong and beautiful.
Etched in my mind.
Countless ways, the love they've made.
Grasped in "Let's say grace".
Secretly lifted to the Father's face.
Now delicate as her fragile home land bread.
These hands, a legacy makes.

Sunshine!

It's been a long wait, but we finally had a GORGEOUS day here! My garden received some much needed attention. But first, my girl and I had our first visit of the season to the local Farmer's Market. Picked up several tomato plants (3 romas, 2 brandywines, 2 early girls, and 1 sungold), a cilantro plant, lemon verbena, and some climbing trumpety thing just to pretty up the chicken run. A productive visit, indeed! Those almond filled croissants weren't bad either. :)

The rest of the day found us hanging clothes on the line, tending the strawberry patch, digging another row for more raspberries, and watching my wonderful son build an adorable fence around the garden. Hopefully, a picture will follow soon. So what's going on around your place? For now, I think I'll go bury my nose in that pile of freshly folded, line-dried clothes. It's like heaven in a basket.

BIG & Cheap

Oh, Winco, your overflowing parking lots, grand opening banners, and wonder of what could possibly lie inside those ominous four walls lured me in and wooed me. You'd be more accurate to plaster "BIG & Cheap" on the facade. Your prices are impressive, but your size overwhelms.

I will do my best to resist your temptations for mine eyes have been opened and I commit to making changes where I can. Though the pocketbook may squeal, I'll make my vote count where I can, for as long as I can.

But herein lies the quandry: Can I be thankful for the 250 jobs you bring and not want to grace your doors at the same time? For an instant, I live in a Utopian world, and I say YES!

Farewell, Mrs. Pleasantview!

I think it's been about 2 years since I stumbled across Mrs. Pleasantview's blog (not her real name, but what I've come to affectionately call her). She has seemed like a dear, reliable friend ever since. She posted faithfully most everyday, except Sunday. And if the joys of life kept her away, she was sure to let us know when she would return.

Hers was a blog filled with beauty and grace. Sure to inspire all who entered. So thank you, Mrs. Pleasantview of Pleasantview Schoolhouse, for sharing your life with us over the last 5 years. Blessings to you in whatever journey the Lord leads.

I hope the rest of you will take time to explore her many pages of beauty and come away refreshed and inspired.

Killer Cat

I LOVE this little farm cat. We got him about a year ago from Dalyn. Well, we actually started out with three, but the food chain will have its way. Anyway, this little guy is such a lover, sticks close to home, and just generally thinks he is king of all. And to top it all off, he is awesome at what we got him for! Rats, mice, and even the occasional chipmunk (as pictured above in its last rights) can't escape his clutch. He is truly the perfect "farm" cat. The last feline standing.