End of May Faves

Two 4-day work weeks in a row.  LOVE it...and now June is upon us!

Today is Friday and time to give thanks for the blessings that come into our lives.  I do this by linking up at Susanne's site where other writers also list FIVE of their FAVE things from the past week.  

Mother's Day 2019

• FAMILY PHOTO!  We finally have an updated family photo!  On Mother's Day, our church had photo stations set up around the lobby where we could get a free photo taken.  Each photographer took 2-3 shots and we chose this one as it appeared to be the best of the bunch.  From left to right:  Claire (a.k.a. "the ballerina", age 20), me, Courtney (a.k.a. "the princess" age 25, and Dave).  We're so thankful this service was performed and we are very thankful all 4 of us were together!

"Mayflowers"

Nature trail at Pack Demonstration Forest
eastern Adirondacks

• SOLO HIKE! I had Friday off and wanted to spend some time in the mountains but not too far north of Lake George because of black fly season.  (black flies typically last from Mother's day until Father's day).  So I went just north of Lake George and hiked a trail I've done before with my niece and one of my good friends.  It's really just a nature preserve.....remote...but because it's a "nature trail" and not a mountain trail, it's very easy to do alone.  I was the only person there!  It was such a lovely walk in the woods.  I saw one of my fave kind of wildflowers growing profusely along the creek and near a lake where I ate lunch.  My mom always called these "Mayflowers" as they only appear in May.  They are very light blue and so delicate. They look prettier in person than in this photo I took. The entire day was so relaxing. I'm thankful I had these few hours to my self!

Saturday morning stillness

• MORNING SUN!  We had a glorious 4 day weekend...sunshine every day and beautiful spring temps.  I sat outside on my deck eating lunch Saturday and Sunday and had my morning coffee out there Friday-Monday. I just loved it.  Our backyard gets the morning sun so sitting on the deck is perfect for reading, Bible study and coffee or breakfast.  I'm so thankful I had such nice mornings while enjoying some solitude. The girls were both home for most of Saturday so they came outside too.  We all just loved being in the sunshine!

Claire (in Dave's red kayak) teaching her friend Suzanna (in my green kayak)
how to paddle and turn. 

Moreau Lake State Park
South-eastern Adirondacks

•  ANNUAL BEACH BBQ!  Dave and I hosted our annual beach bbq at a state park (where we like to kayak) on Memorial Day. The state park has many picnic tables, nature trails, a hiking trail to an overlook, the lake/beach, boats to rent, a nature center, and a campground.  We were in the day use area near the beach.  I took one of my friend's daughter out in our kayaks and it   was heavenly!  Sunny, warm, and lots of good food and fellowship.  We invited everyone in the Fit and Fun Group that I lead (a group of hikers and fitness walkers) and out of the 12 members, 5 came with their families. Some of us go to the same church and a few of the ladies have been in my Bible study group.  A couple of the ladies are hiker friends. My youngest daughter arrived half way through the day and brought her best friend from high school.  This friend had never kayaked before but is a strong swimmer so Claire taught Suzy how to kayak.  Everyone had a great time and we all had our first s'mores of the year, too!  I'm very thankful we have a fun group of friends to fellowship with and "do life" together.

• HONORS LIST!  Claire received her grades from UNH this past week and she made high honors again and is on the Dean's list once again for the 4th time.  It's hard to believe she is now officially a junior in college!  Her GPA for the last semester is a 3.9!  She is doing well balancing a full course load, dancing in the Ballet Company and attending 2 rehearsals a week, volunteering every Friday with Alpha Phi Omega at a food pantry, and working at her work-study job in the Language Center.  She also makes sure she has time for fun with friends.  I'm thankful for her dedication and hard work!

That wraps up my faves for the past week.

Bonus:  my sinus and ear infections are totally cleared up and I'm extra thankful for strong antibiotics and several evenings where I could get to bed a little earlier than normal.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Only 3 more weeks until Summer!!