My Grama's Soul

I cannot believe the last time I did a post here was last June.  I have missed  blogging and visiting each of you when I am able.   These are a few of the old items we have lying under our tree this year. When I view some of these things I can almost hear the singing of the United Shoe Workers of 1912;  as well as the sermon that the Reverend H. Bursell must have preached during his travels in 1850. One's life is made of memories and each year during the holidays they are especially acute.   For several hears now...since the death of my son, Scott, the holidays have been something to simply get through...but this year seems different.  Perhaps the grief has finally been able to take a back seat to all the JOY that is in the world and in my life.   We didn't put up a large tree this year as our home is simply too small to do so, but we did purchase a little three and a half foot tree that I have decorated with a few thing...

ENJOY!! Jo

June is always the hottest month in  Arizona. That is why, if you are able, one must surround your home with as much  GREEN  as possible.  Here, in the desert, much of what we see during summer months is brown...brown....brown. So that is why Brad and I chose this little spot in order that we would feel as though we LIVED in a greenhouse. These photos are from both inside and outside our home.  Every room has something live growing.... When you walk into our home you are looking directly into our backyard via huge glass windows. I know....one might feel as though you were in a jungle...but it makes everything feel so very cool and refreshing. These plants are in my kitchen on an elevated bar area...I have a huge skylight...so they get that much needed light.  Moisture from the faucet does not hurt as well. By our front door....requires little light. Good old pothos in the b...

Today is our thirty seventh wedding anniversary.  My how the years have flown by.  It seems like only yesterday we were standing in front of the Justice of the Peace in his KELLY GREEN leisure suit....that's right...it was a hoot!! I should of known  then I was in for one heck of an adventure with my guy.  We have had a wonderful and exciting life together, and it "ain't over yet" as they say. Happy Anniversary Brad... I will love you forever. Jo

My mom passed when I was 31....so she has been gone a long time.  I still miss her...but I, like many of you, have been fortunate enough to have encountered many other surrogate  mother's during my lifetime. My beautiful Aunt Ruth, my wonderful sister-in-law Sandy, my perfect friend Jan...my other  terrific  friend, Mary, just to name a few of the women who have so influenced me during this trip called "life". Thanks to all of you and here is wishing all the mothers out there the very happiest of mothers day. Stay well. xo Jo

My beautiful friend, Mary, sent me  this picture of lilacs for Easter.  Aren't they beautiful....you NEVER see lilacs in Arizona. Wanted to share. Jo

MY GIFT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US........ found somewhere on the web

What a wise quote for the beginning of 2016.  I plan on staying PRESENT this year and enjoying every minute of it. xo Jo quote:  Values.com