It's been a rather busy week.
We were out of state for a few days to help out Dave's parents (ages 89 and almost 90!).
Once we were back home, I had a lot of chores, errands, had appointments/events, and outdoor tasks. I'm glad it's the weekend even though it's gearing up to be a busy one as we have events both days, plus church!
Let's pause this morning, and find FIVE of our FAVE blessings from the week.
I'm sharing my five blessings with you today and linking up at Susanne's place because she is the host of this wonderful weekly writing exercise.
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| Azalea bush Monday late morning |
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| Daffodils |
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| Hyacinths |
- SHORT TRIP: Sunday after the early service, my husband and I drove out to Massachusetts (Plymouth County) to spend a few days. We were mainly there to help out at his parents' home but we also included some planning and dinner time with his older brother and his wife, whom we get along with great and who has the brunt of the work for the parents as they live about a mile away. We had a safe trip, to and from, a good hotel stay, and lots of laughs and good seafood over dinner. I was so busy helping with tasks around their home and chatting with everyone that I didn't bother taking photos other than of their beautiful spring blooms. Sunday night we went to an amazing seafood place for dinner and drinks; Monday evening we went to one of our fave local places that's been there since Dave was a little boy! Yes, his parents still live in the same town and house where Dave grew up. I'm thankful it was a productive and fun trip!
Beaver activity in the Erie Canal
Wednesday afternoon
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| Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve Wednesday afternoon |
- FITNESS WALKS: On Wednesday afternoon, after my chiropractor appointment, I went on a quick paced fitness walk at the nature preserve in that town. The day was cloudy one minute then perfect blue skies and sun the next, and then somewhere in between as you can see by the photo above. I walked the main Erie Canal trail for 1.8 miles and while walking I saw many different birds (bluejays, robins, woodpeckers, a bluebird, mallard ducks, and a goose family). On my way back to my car, but still on the walking path, I heard a splash and was able to snap one pic of a beaver swimming very fast away from the shoreline. Hopefully you can see him in the first pic. And then yesterday in the late morning, I had to run 2 errands (one to church and one to the library) so decided to do my walk at the Crossings Park. Crossings is our town's largest park. Lots of pear trees in bloom, maples and birches all budding and beginning to show green leaves, and turtles!! Yesterday's weather was a lot better although a bit cooler. I'm thankful for beautiful nature preserves and parks!
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| Wednesday afternoon A family of geese (note the goslings!) |
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| Turtle on the shoreline Crossings Park, Colonie Thursday early afternoon |
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| Crossings Park Pond |
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| Path through The Ramble at Crossings Park |
- SMALL GROUP SOCIAL! Wednesday evening was the last night to meet as a small group. We had voted on what type of social event we wanted to do and dinner out at this fave place was the one that won! All 6 of us were there and the ladies surprised me with a special gift basket as a "thank you" for being their leader. They gave me a nice bottle of wine, a body lotion, and a fun sign (pic below). I told them they really didn't have to get me anything...it's my job as a small group leader to lead Bible studies/book studies and it's a pleasure and honor to come alongside them. But they are very giving and generous ladies. I'm thankful we had such a great semester and a good night out!
- ENCOURAGING EMAIL: I had an encouraging email from a blogger I have followed for several years now. It really warmed my heart and I'm thankful for sisters in Christ who reach out and tell me they're praying for me, or have a word/Scripture/video. There's nothing like being united in Christ and it was something I really needed to hear.
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| front flower garden......Thursday morning |
- BLOOMS! All of my tulips in the front garden and in the small rock garden under the cherry tree are in full bloom. I hope they last at least another week. Tulips tend to be short-lived. I love them. They're my favorite flower (must be the Dutch in me and the fact that I was drawn to Albany where we are known for Tulip Fest). They're so colorful and happy looking and I'm thankful for this creation from God.
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| Afternoon opening! |
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| Thursday afternoon |
That wraps up my week of blessings that stood out to me and made me smile.
I hope you have a wonderful Spring weekend enjoying family, friends and sunshine!
8 comments:
I always enjoy all the beautiful pictures in your post! How fun to have a group social. I don't have any of those where I am at. Wonderful that your in-laws are blessed in years!
You have inspired me to get out and checkout the local park and do some walking. I need to! LOL!
I love your sign and how nice to be appreciated by your group. I'm sure you make a great leader. Your tulips look lovely. Have a good weekend.
I'm glad your trip to your in-law's went well and you had some fun excursions there as well. The small group social sounds fun. Our Bible study is coming to an end this Wednesday with a potluck. We have something like twelve people if they all come. Our church has a prayer meeting Wed. nights through the summer and then Bible studies start back in the fall.
It's nice to get a personal note that someone is thinking about or praying for you or reaching out to encourage you.
We had a few tulips, but they don't come up any more. They were "mini" ones that we harvested from an arrangement someone gave Jim's mom when she was here. I love them, but they do fall over quickly.
Nothing thrills my heart more than hearing of my dear friends exploits at church and with their church buddies.. YOU certainly did have a busy week. I remember well the opportunities Lynn and I had to help with our parents and other family needs but that all ended in 2015. All of a sudden we had no family except for our kids in Massachusetts. Speaking of MA! I do not think you can find finer seafood than there! Oh my we have enjoyed that as well! So glad you had a good visit! Have a great weekend! Chat again next week!!! Schotsy!
It sounds like your trip to see your in-laws was productive in many ways. How nice to spend time with your family.
It's always encouraging to see how communities make nature a priority with preserves and parks and trails. It looks like your area is abundant with these. Love seeing your photos.
Now, I'm going to be humming the Erie Canal tune!!
It sounds like a very fruitful visit to Massachusetts to help family. I visited Plymouth rock many years ago. I'm guessing it's in Plymouth County? Anyway - it was so small and not what I expected. LOL
Your Azalea blooms are beautiful! My house in Florida had Azalea's all across the front and I looked forward to them every year! I sure miss them.
What fun to catch a glimpse of a beaver. Too bad he didn't stick around for a photo shoot!
Words of encouragement are so special. I remember sending cards and letters to friends. I think the art of letter writing is lost.
In answer to your question - I saw the Shadowlands film (the one with Anthony Hopkins) years ago. Recently I watched another version on You Tube.
It was good too.
Have a great weekend!
I'm glad you were able to see Dave's parents and his brother and sil and help them. Then it's nice to have the fun times too.
Your gift from your group is cute. It's nice to know they appreciate you and all the effort you put in to the leadership.
Your walks are always so pretty. We did 4+ miles by the creek (I think of it as a river as it is larger than a creek) and the beauty always makes me smile.
Have a good weekend!
Glad you had a great trip that mixed helping with some great family. How fun to see a beaver. I have yet to see one though I have found some of their dams in the river valley. What a sweet gift from your group. They really are aware of the work running a group takes and obviously appreciate your efforts. Love your tulips! One of my favorite flowers also. I'm going to try to plant some this fall.
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