A Flirt With Festivals

The Lilac Festival ends on Sunday in Rochester, NY.  I love the festivals.  What a great service towns, associations and groups offer by throwing these celebrations through out the year.  They are often held over holiday weekends for those of us looking for a new experience.   Google the specific festival you have in mind and there are hundreds to choose from all over the country.  No doubt there will be some 'in your neck of the woods'. 

The bird festivals, food fests, Shakespeare, arts, music, harvest, native country, balloon and so many more kinds held that would boggle the mind.  It gives us places to go and things to see.  Sharing hands-on experiences and skills with other like minded folks.  We learn all about the why's and hows.  It is a good way to meet people and see the rich heritage available to us in this great country.  Thank you sponsors for bringing us these great opportunities and memories.  See you at the 'Festival'!

Blooming Beauty Brings Hope

Thank you to this blooming beauty of a tree for bringing a bright spot to the lives of many aged at the assisted living center we visit many folks on a monthly basis.  It brought joy and hope as the residents ate their meals (lower level large windows).  

It isn't easy to gradually lose your ability to care for yourself and home.  Some have been quite angry and depressed to have their freedom taken away.  This usually happens after a fall or event that warrants no longer living alone.  Charlie, ninety now is such a great sport.  Over the past few years has sold his home to cover expenses, seen his wife moved to another facility to help with her dementia and forced to rely on a walker to keep stable.  Once a successful engineer, he now spends his days basically doing nothing.    It has to be the hardest thing to lose your mobility and freedom, not to mention your health and spouse to old age. 

This promenant pink tree fairly glowed as he caught site of it out his apartment window (upper center) a few weeks ago.  What joy it brought to him and the many residents.  Thank you for giving them hope. 

The Widow's Way

My mom was a widow for over twenty years. It's a fact of life for most elderly women, to live without their mate for many moons. No one wants to be in their shoes, but some day we may tread the same path. The Bible commands us to take care of the widows and the fatherless. Three cheers to the eighty year old woman, sad to say new widow, who landed her husband's plane after he passed out leaving her at the helm. These old gals can and do many great and gracious things such as: Take care of each other, their families, their bank accounts and wave to all the parade floats every Fourth of July. At least my mom did. May our dear widows continue to find 'Joy in the Journey Their Way' while celebrating their 'Three Bags Full' Award.

Viva for Volunteers!!

Let'a all give three cheers for volunteers. Thanks Volunteers - It's National Volunteer Week April 15-21. Without YOU who would sit with all those children as they learn to read, navigate the computer, run the PTSA or plan parties? Room Mothers, take a bow, NOW!. Many charities would fail, because who would go around collecting donations or assist in the events that keep you running? Here's to state and government programs that would disappear without those of us who deliver meals, supply taxi service, friendship and such. Nursery helpers, gift shop workers, and interns that work for experience only in hospitals and care centers 24/7 sharing love and a little bit of home to the ill. Where would the homeless be without our contributions and the meals provided, even more helpless and hopeless? The list goes on with the great accomplishments made by you, selfless volunteers every single day year in and year out.

These 'super-heroes' take the initiative to serve their fellow man with love, kindness and respect.

Hurray, for Hobby Lobby

For many years now taking out a full page ad in numerous major newspapers to celebrate the true reason for the season, Hobby Lobby has been a leader in bravely showing gratitude to our Lord publicly for the gifts He has given each person on earth, namely eternal life through the birth and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 'Alive in Christ', 'True Meaning of Christmas' and 'God Gave Us Life' are just a few of the most recent. Check them all out at http://www.hobbylobby.com/holiday_messages/holiday_messages.cfm

Few other large companies have done anything this courageous or remotely close to celebrating God's great gift to humanity. Most cower in silence or blast us with unsavory stuff there's no need to bother looking at. Save your money guys. Next time you need any craft, creative juice making or decor item, take your business to Hobby Lobby. They have earned our business. Here's to you with our 'Three Bags Full' Award.

Scenes in Cement

From a distance this artwork is bright and beautiful. Up close it is truly amazing that some creative people used discarded cement pipes to paint such colorful and inviting pieces. Half dozen of these tunnels have a second chance to change the lives of children as they climb through and around while enjoying the talents of others. Thank You, Teaneck, New Jersey and anyone else for restoring a skeleton of the past for our kids future growth.

Undaunted

Every morning I pass a fellow cycling to work. He is truly dedicated because he has ridden his bike to work every day all winter long. On a very snowy morning, I had my camera handy in case I saw him with the bright yellow signature coat he wears. Sure enough, he was on the side of busy 4500 South dodging not only cars but ice and snow, too.

I pulled over to snap these pictures on the little street we both work on, which caused him to veer out into the road to get by me. Sorry, about that. The same morning there were a few other bicylists out as well. One lady with a pink bike, had to hop off hers, to push it through the deep snow that hadn't been cleared from the sidewalk. Because I was driving at the time, I couldn't photo her. Here's to the "Undaunted Cyclists" that don't give up no matter the weather. They continue to use the best form of transportation. Thank you, 'Three Bags Full' Winners.