Another Week of Blessings

This has been a whirlwind week.  And it has been a week of blessings.  Here are my Friday Fave Fives from week of many activities.  The link will take you to Susanne's blog where you will find lots and lots more weekly blessings

1.  Today we have had sunshine!  After many cold and cloudy days, it was wonderful to wake up to sun.  Driving home this morning from my Bible Study group, I reveled in the bright green of lawns and trees and in the white, pink, blue, purple and yellow blossoms which sparkled in the sun.  Sometimes, we forget to appreciate the beauty that is right in front of our eyes, and this morning I was thankful for this reminder.

2.  On Saturday, a friend and I drove an hour north to Amish country to attend a health/wellness/herbalism conference.  The conference was great and I learned some important information. An added bonus is that we were across the road from Lehman's which is a large store stocked with so much interesting stuff.  I needed a replacement chimney for my old oil lamp (which I love to use) and this store is the only place I have been able to find one.  I always enjoy my trips with this friend.

Amish farmer plowing his field

Drive slowly and carefully in Amish Country because there is often slow traffic on the roads.

3.  Our local beekeeper came this week to check on our hive.  Every time he comes, I learn something more about the bees.  We were also pleased to know and see that our hive is healthy and thriving.

4.  After two weeks of not being able to meet with our coffee friends T and S because of sickness at their house, we had a great coffee and conversation time with them (and one other friend) on Thursday morning.  Their fellowship always is an encouragement and joy to both The Professor and me.

5.  We always enjoy walking with our children grandchildren and granddogs.  This week we have had a few opportunities to get out and walk with them.  Yesterday, we walked 4.25 miles on part of the TJ Evans Trail which weaves along the local stream, Raccoon Creek.  The weather was perfect.  The scenery was joyous.  The puppies behaved.

Bonus:  there are always fascinating barns everywhere!

Note the hawk flying in sky

below

NOTE:  if you didn't see the post I wrote about my fair isle sweater, you will find it just below this post.

Go-Go and Good Friday Faves

 It has been a go-go-go week here at Willow's Cottage.  I have had to remind myself a few times to Stop. Breathe. Focus. Be thankful.  That is what Friday Fave Fives is about.  Focus on the week's blessings. (follow the link to be part of it)  And it is Good Friday, a most important day in the year's calendar.

1.  On Friday (a week ago!), a friend and I drove about an hour and a half northeast of home to attend the Whole Health Conference.  Wow!  It was great!  We took the making herbal medicine class which was very hands on.  We created an oil using essential oils and also watched our teacher make a salve from herbs, oils, and beeswax (exactly how I make mine).  The dinner and snacks were exceptionally yummy.  All in all, it was a great day and we plan to attend the full weekend conference next year.  And the conversations to and from in the car were so uplifting.

2.  Saturday was the wedding of the older son of our 'family' from Southern California who moved here last year.  It was a Star Wars themed wedding.  The Professor and Older Daughter had helped to set things up on Friday and we all showed up for the 10:30am wedding and stayed after to clear the space for church service that evening.

3.  I have only one sibling.  An older brother.  We have always been close and he is so good about calling and talking with me on a regular basis.  This week, I called him and we chatted for a good long time.  What a blessing it is to me to have a sibling with whom I have such a great relationship.

4.  Because of busy schedules, we have not had a chance for family dinner with our daughters and grands, lately.  But this Wednesday, we all carved out time on Wednesday evening to eat together and enjoy each other's company and conversation. (the grands requested Panda Express, so The Professor did a take out run to grab their favorites)

5.  It is Holy Week and we attended the Maundy Thursday service at our church last night.  Since The Professor was on lighting duty, I sat alone.  Scriptures were read, walking us through the day and night of The Last Supper and Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Then we took communion.  This time was the highlight of our week.  And finally, I slowed down and just focused on my thankfulness for Jesus' sacrifice of His life for me.

Happy Easter to all!