Thank you, those of you who have emailed or reached out in one way or another to check on me, it was deeply appreciated. I've reached back to most of you and will finish up emails to those not yet contacted, right after I finish this post.
Obviously I have not expired, Keith is well too, but life sure got sticky and I took an extended, not entirely intended, blog break. I even considered ceasing this blog entirely but I have decided against that.
I need the outlet.
In May my youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and in that same month our 7th grandchild, a gorgeous wee girl, was born with a serious cleft lip and palate. My sister faces a long run of chemo followed by surgery and our granddaughter faces many future surgeries. The prognosis for both is good but I felt my time was best utilized in the area of support and time availability. I was so grateful that since I work from home I was able to help where needed. We are even more blessed that our children all live within fifteen minutes of us and my sisters and sole brother are all within an hour.
In the midst of those family changes, my mother-in-law required more trips to the doctor (she fell and broke her arm) and another elderly friend needed help back and forth to her doctor appointments. It rained, it poured, but the sky is now lightening up.
Keith and I, in the mean time, have kept busy with continued barn work and projects on the farm. I have lots more to share and will do so in future posts. In the meantime here are a few pics of my flower and herb garden just outside the grain bin. The wonderful colors there are constant reminders that to every thing there is a season, turn, turn turn.
No wonder I'm so dizzy!
It all looks wonderful, especially the house! Welcome back; we've missed you.
ReplyDeleteI missed all of you! Having fun reading my favorite blogs again.
DeleteIt's great to hear from you again, I was a little worried but people take blogging breaks for kinds of reasons, you sure seem to have enough to juggle right now.
ReplyDeleteWishing the best for everyone. The farm looks beautiful too!
Considering I've been blogging for over a decade, I guess being AWOL 3 months isn't too bad, relatively speaking.
DeleteHello Donna! I'm humming along in my head to the Byrds now. I also like Joni Mitchell's Circle Game. Your family sounds close in every respect, not just geographically. It's good to be able to support loved ones, but please be sure to make time and space to replenish your own energy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the beautiful flower photos. I'm very much looking forward to reading about barn progress and everything else that's been happening on the farm. xx
And I am looking forward to writing about it. Working on a barn post now.
DeleteIt's so good to hear from you again! First, I sincerely hope that your sister and your granddaughter do well with their treatments and surgeries and that everyone eventually is strong and healthy and able to carry on as they are meant to.
ReplyDeleteYes, when life gets busy and you are pulled in many directions, nature carries on around you. I'm looking forward to seeing the barn and other projects. -Jenn
Hi Jenn and thanks so much. It's funny how I thought I was busy in my thirties but now that I'm TWICE as old the Merry Go Round has definitely picked up speed. But, it will slow down, it always does.
DeleteWelcome back, Donna, and thanks for the update post even if the family news was disheartening at first read.Sending all best wishes for your sister and granddaughter's successful treatments. Supporting family is so important (friends too) and your priorities of course lie with them. Admittedly, I was concerned on not seeing new posts, but realize that life has other plans. There's always concern when bloggers are not heard from again...glad you and Keith are ok.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? I do love my whole Fam Damily! Very happy that I am able to work from home which allows me more time with those relatives I treasure.
DeleteForgot to add...the flower gardens were so beautiful to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks! We have three bee hives now and although Keith and GK Allana do most of the tending and harvesting, I do my part by adding more and more flowers every year.
DeleteOh sooo welcome back!!!
ReplyDeleteGrazie!
DeleteWelcome back. I'm one of the lurkers hee, but i've missed you. Lots of well-wishes and prayers from my tiny, cold country.
ReplyDeleteLurkers, they are my favorite kind of "follower". :)
DeleteGood to see you back Donna. Sorry to hear about your sister and GD, they both have a tough road ahead but with good prognoses. Such a worrying time but so good that your family is so close. Love the beautiful flowers in your garden.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am blessed to have so many family members that I am both geographically and emotionally close to.
DeleteHi Donna! Your blog is always a treasure of information and very fun to read!!! Your flowers are beautiful! I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, your granddaughter and you mother-in-law...geez...no wonder you were away. I hope everyone heals well, I can't imagine what the kid is going to go through. As adults we can at least understand, but kids...sending hugs xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rain. I haven't checked in on you yet but I will soon!
DeleteSo glad to hear you aren't dead, we missed you. Thoughts and prayers for your loved ones' healing.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy not to be dead too! I still have the fall crop of spinach and lettuces to plan and a new picket fence to paint.
DeleteDonna! So glad you are back to blogging. Gosh, but it sounds like you've really had a lot to worry about and I'm glad the prognosis is good for all concerned. Between that and the routine full speed ahead of homesteading, you've obviously been very busy! It's lovely to see your place in so much glorious color. Looking forward to learning about your projects.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it Leigh, live on the homestead is always running at warp speed. Today the heat index in Central Illinois was 100 so Keith and I hid out inside and did bookwork. The barn will wait until next week when temps drop into the chilly 90's.
DeleteSet up a new computer. Happy I can put your link in my favorites Prayers for family members.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne.
DeleteGorgeous pictures around the farm, Donna. Sad to hear all that news, and the toll it must be taking on everyone. A reminder to enjoy the day you're given, and blessed by having family close at hand. I can see why you considered nixing the blog, while you're processing all that important stuff.
ReplyDeleteTaking your blog back, when the time was more suitable, is a wise move. Especially since it's important to you too. I feel the same about my blog. Whatever is in it, which makes it my blog, calls me back eventually. Once I finiish processing the important stuff. :)
Welcome back sweet lady! You were missed. Sorry I'm just now catching up, been under the weather a bit. Now we seem to have a possible tropical storm heading out way. It's always something in these parts. Wow you have been through so much. I'm so sorry. Please know that we are sending love and light to your family. Sounds like things are going in the right direction now.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you again and your place is looking lovely as ever. Love the color!
Hang in there!