Forty-two years ago May 6th, I became a mother for the first time. And JJ was everything a new mother (and father) could ask for. The years have flown by too quickly, and its been 10 years since I've been able to give JJ a hug, or hear his voice, or just have him physically in my life. How I miss him. He is still with me, even now, but of course, I can not see him or hug him. I was blessed to have him in my life. We all were. I put the lilacs from the Land on top of JJ's chapel, which overlooks the pond. I go there so often to sit and talk with him and Jack, Mom and Papa. It gives me solace.
This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, so it seems fitting that tomorrow on Memorial Day I will again put flowers on JJ's chapel, in honor of Jack who served in the Navy in WWII, in honor of all of those who have given their lives for our country, and for my more recent losses - JJ and Mom. The Land looks beautiful, and the chapel is so serene. I know you, too, dear Reader, are thinking of those you have loved and who are no longer here. My thoughts are with you.
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On a brighter note, Jeff, Angela, Katie, Chloe and Jack will be here in less than a week. I am so looking forward to their visit.
While cleaning up the area in front of the farmhouse in Iowa, I discovered a tiny nest in a bush. There were hummingbird eggs in there! They were so little and delicate! I hope they haven't hatched yet so I can show the kids when they arrive.
I have also been busy putting new gravel down at the farm, setting up the screen house by the farm pond, making a new campfire pit, adding some flowers along the new sidewalk, and displaying Katie, Chloe and Jack's new little playhouse (along with the grill for Daddy to cook on!). Shhhh! Don't tell the triplets they have a playhouse waiting for them! It's a surprise! Also, the last time Dave was at the farm, he worked on the fairy house roof. Now I need three little munchkins to help make it a real fairy house!
Meanwhile Katie, Chloe and Jack have posed in their graduation caps, which are JUST SO ADORABLE! They will start kindergarten in the fall.
And today - ah, today - has been busy with all kinds of people dropping in to fish - first Karl Hawbaker and his cousins from Tennessee (his cousin caught a small bass and was so happy!). Then Chris and Smitty and friends showed up almost at the same time Karl arrived. It was looking pretty wild around here. Later, Chris Hildreith brought his kids over to fish and jump in the pond. They are so cute! They love it here. And Chris caught a huge catfish (there is grass on it as they dragged it through the newly cut grass). Henry is holding it.
Oh, and by the way, I was looking out the cottage window a couple of days ago, and what did I see? 4 deer right outside! They looked quite relaxed. What wonderful views right from the dining room table!
So all in all, a very busy couple of days! Dave came over and we cleaned up lots of different areas with his pole saw and chain saw. The Land was mowed yesterday (by Kern Lawn Care) and it looks beautiful! Great timing for all the guests that showed up!
May you have a relaxing, enjoyable Memorial Day, dear Reader!