Hello from “just over the hilltop” where the beauty of Robert Frost’s poem came to my mind as I drove to the ladies luncheon today. I’m sure I quote this poem each spring but the feeling it gives me never grows old. “Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.”
The rapid changes of early spring are so incredible. The gold of the maples has already changed to a rusty brown as the flower unfolds a leaf. The hues of green along the roadside capture my attention and I marvel that God could create the perfect green to help the violets, the dandelions, and the pussytoes look so beautiful. Such a lovely sight to behold before it changes, as “nothing gold can stay”.
I marvel that God could create the perfect green to help the violets, the dandelions, and the pussytoes look so beautiful
The monthly West Potsdam Retired Ladies luncheon was at Eileen’s and our two “snow birds” have returned to the North Country and were present today. The eight of us enjoyed a lengthy and relaxing visit catching up on the events of the last month. New building projects in the area, property purchases, red squirrel dilemmas, and Linda Richards as well as scheduling our next five months luncheons were covered in the conversations. I love these luncheons and am blessed that they decided to change our monthly lunches to a Tuesday so I can still take part. What a special group of ladies!
Dick finished physical therapy last week and is continuing with exercises and using the arm as much as he can. He mowed the bookstore and weed whacked the bank here at home, built two crates for display use in the store, built the extra fence for the driveway, and just painted an eagle on a kite that a friend had made. He is keeping himself busy and not thinking about the lack of use of his arm. My friend Bonnie said it took a year for her full range of motion to return. So he only has about nine more months to go!
More good times
Tuesday the woman’s class review went very well, I think. But then I was the instructor, leader, overseer and I had a good time. I wanted to be sure the ladies were caring for themselves so they could care for those around them with grace, peace, and love instead of stress, anger, or frustration. Like the song says, “leaning on the everlasting arms,” I trust that as we lean on God we’ll find all we need to finish the day, the week, the course. Thank you, Lord, for giving us your arms to fall into.
this seems like a Gaither Homecoming sing-along. Yes. we’re all old!
Friday evening the bookstore hosted its first event; an old-time gospel gathering. We were so pleased with the response and the great singing! Seventeen of us lifted our voices and hearts as three guitars, a violin/fiddle, and harmonica led us along. One guest remarked that this seems like a Gaither Homecoming sing-along. Another said, “yes, we’re all old.” Our closing song was an old favorite of mine, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” It is a good reminder that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and when my name is called, I’ll be there. Our next sing-along will be on June 8th and we invite you to join us.
Saturday after closing the store Dick and I went to Rte. 56 diner for supper and afterward stopped by to visit with some friends. We intended for it to be a driveway visit but ended up inside, sitting down, and talking for quite a while. I’m so thankful for dear friends to relax with. At our age we seem to like relaxing at the end of the day more and more. Even the porch gets used in the evenings, in the quiet of the night.
My mother
I’ve been thinking ………….. Sunday was a day set aside to honor and appreciate moms and the intent is very welcoming. One of the things I noticed in scrolling through facebook posts was just how much so many people love and appreciate their mothers, whether they were still here or had passed on. Wonderful photos were shared. Words of praise and thanksgiving abounded. All said they had the best mom ever! My mom has mentioned that she’d rather I not write about her and so I usually honor her request. But I would like to mention that I, too, think she was the best. She certainly was the best for me and I’ve not seen or been drawn to any other to wish they had been mine. Though I did not mention her on facebook Sunday, I say today that she is my inspiration in living a life to its fullest, being content in and what you have, and trusting God completely. She loved when I was unlovable, encouraged when I was finding my way in life, and firm when I was messing up. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” I will substitute “place” for my Mom of whom I am very proud. I will continue to live my life so that she may be proud of me. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
Have a great week and may it include glimpsing and appreciating the fleeting gold of this glorious spring. Love to all, Sharon