Happy flowers

I'm in a floral period, right now—can you tell? I haven't had a chance to get out on the trail lately, and it's killing me. It's so hot here, too, that it makes being outside just way too oppressive. And don't get me started on the bugs! I know—I'm a wuss.

I've also been terribly busy with work, taking care of a toddler, and getting ready for a move. That's why I haven't been posting a lot of pictures lately. I did happen to snap this one just recently on a walk through our apartment complex. There's this one secluded little courtyard, and someone has planted these in a large area in the front of their townhome. They just make me happy!

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.

—Alfred Lord Tennyson

I graduated from a small Bible college in Birmingham, AL. My major was Pre-Seminary. I loved my education there, even though I didn't think I would. I kicked against the goads to avoid going to that school, but my heart was turned in the end. And, I've never regretted it! I learned so much—both in and out of the classroom. That was many years ago, now.

So, I'm grieving today (along with many, many others) over the death of our beloved English professor, who passed away suddenly last week. Our hearts are broken! But, we also know that he is rejoicing today—rejoicing to be in the arms of the Savior he so dearly loved. So, we have mixed emotions. We are so happy to know that he is no longer a part of this broken world, but we are sad to have to give him up for ourselves.

Dr. Greene was one of the kindest people I've known (he would laugh to know that I debated over saying "most kind," "kindest," or "most kindest"). He was truly kind . . . to everyone. He loved fun, music, literature, Jesus, and his students.

When I heard about his passing, I was shocked, emotional, and very sad. But, then I started celebrating his life and the fact that he was able to leave this world so peacefully, and wake up in the next. I also went through my Facebook profile, looking for anything he might have said to me in the prior months. There were a few things he said, but one that really means the most: "I'm very proud of you. . . ."

Dr. Greene, I've no doubt you are reveling at seeing your "Pilot face-to-face." We'll all miss you terribly, but can't wait to see you again once we have also "crost the bar."

Please keep the Greene family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

Anyways . . .

A walk

I was recently at the Arboretum, snapping some family photos for some friends of mine, on a beautiful Lexington evening. It was humid, but the lighting was great, and we had fun. But, I have to be honest . . . I had to REALLY reign myself in from snapping photos of every botanical object we passed. Everything was gorgeous! I didn't realize that so much was still blooming there—guess I figured that since our garden was ravaged that nothing was blooming anywhere else. :o) But, I did quickly snap a picture of this beautiful succulent (not sure of the name), because it just inspired me. Then, on with snapping more family pictures. So, now the thought of all those beautiful plants and scenes are plaguing me, haunting my dreams, and I have to get back there really soon.

It bloomed!

We've had this guacamole hosta for about a year and a half. It was part of my birthday present way back when. And, it looked like none of our hostas were going to bloom this year. We expected that they wouldn't last year, just because they were brand new. But, we had hoped they would this year, and had given up hope that they would, until . . .

I glanced out of our slider the other day, just looking outside, and voila! There it was . . . blooming! Since just about everything else in our garden got eaten, it was exciting to see these guys thriving, but even better to see one pop into bloom!

Oak Leaves

Oh the humidity around here is making me cranky!! Summer is nice and all, but I REALLY enjoy Fall. Maybe I'll be able to be outside again in October. :o)