Flowers, Family and Friends Fairing in February

One perfect pink bud is on our Camellia bush which got a thorough pruning last year; while across the street our neighbor's Camellia hedge is becoming a profusion of pink blooms.

The Hyacinth bulbs I enjoyed seeing and smelling indoors last Spring, and then planted outside after the blooms were spent, are preparing to scent the air out in the garden with their pretty purple blooms.

The Daffodils in our yard are leaping up toward the sky to reflect the yellow sunshine as they dance around several trees. [I am a woman of faith in God who believes that He will provide enough sunshine...even in this rainy season in Oregon, so that we will see yellow Daffodil blooms]

A flower pot full of Snow Drops from the kind Kasner's farm will soon be planted in our front flower garden, and a new puffy red crocheted heart from Teresa has joined the loving blooms on my indoor heart bush.

In February I have faired better at receiving than giving gifts. I am grateful for the many lovely gifts [cards, calls, and Facebook notices, too] that have been given to me to help me celebrate my sixty-fifth birthday. I enjoyed making a Queen Anne's Lace scarf out of Knit Pick's Billow 100% cotton yarn to help a good friend celebrate her...much younger...birthday. I finished the preemie blanket I made as a gift, sent off a book and a card, but I have more gift giving to do!

One afternoon, Mary Kathrine, my oldest daughter, made a lovely tea for her four-older-little girls.  The menu included apple slices, raisins, and heart-shaped slices of carrot.  She took a carrot and carved it into a heart shape log which she then sliced.  Brilliant!  I was so impressed.

So far in February, our family friend, Grantie, took me out to tea at the sweet English Garden Tea Cafe in nearby Clackamas, OR.  Another friend treated me to lunch, I met friends at another restaurant for lunch, and my youngest son in law treated me to a delicious lettuce wrapped hamburger from one of our favorite hamburger shops.

 We have had three special dinners at home celebrating birthdays and Valentine's Day in February, and for my birthday for the first time, baby Sarah sat next to me in a highchair while we ate.  Note that she is a girl after this Gramma's heart; she is a sheep hugger!

Thanks to those of you who offered prayers and good wishes for us.  All four of us who caught the last cold virus are much better.

How are you and yours fairing this February?

xx
Gracie