May Memories...

May has brought a myriad of life's scenarios.

(Rhododendrons abound in spring!

It's been 4 weeks since I last blogged because I have been busy living life. One main focus has taken my attention, but here's a few things that went on in Vancouver before that.

My garage storage of junk finally overwhelmed me.  Having come across an ad for a junk hauling service...the best in VC...I decided to take advantage of them.

They came and in about an hour left with a fourth full load of Geo's junk... 

Now to organize retained junk and seasonal decorations so that I don't need that service ever again! 

I'm redecorating my back deck into a tropical oasis.  That's nice because I can see it from inside the house.

All set for summer relaxing and company.

Carole and I finally enjoyed a Thai lunch for her B-day gift 16 months ago!

Also had a tea visit with a friend I haven't connected with for 18 months because of the virus.  So nice to have life open up again.

Caught my first predawn full moon one 4AM.  Nice to see but I'd rather be sleeping...

Great granddaughter, Autumn came for an afternoon visit...

May 4 my loyal airport transport took me to board a plane for Indianapolis. This trip was bitter-sweet.

My sister, Rose, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has metastasized. She is 86 and her husband Frank is 88.

She is in hospice.  I was able to visit her almost everyday for the 8 days I was home.  It made her happy to know I was enjoying visiting with all the family.

A few highlights

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An overnight visit with brother John and wife, Susie.  John has taken on responsibility for coordinating Rose and Frank's care.  

Nick made his signature stuffed peppers for us. 

Betsy, Kate and Gram G visiting our oldest sister, Joan, who resides in assisted living

 in Nashville, IN

A reassuring rainbow

to go along with the storm cloud...

 I got invited to Jim and Stephanie's Mother's Day cookout...part of the Jarosinski Clan 

They let me win a long game of Catan...and blamed the length on me

One can't visit Indy and not enjoy a "White Castle" or 2.  Indulging with Kate, Vicki and sister, Paula.

The great German hall in the Rathskeller restaurant downtown. 

German cuisine with Stephanie, Kate and Betsy

I had the sauerbraten...spicy and tender

Steph took us for a couple whirls around the Circle.

I remember riding the city bus there to go to the Circle Theater.  Great Fun

 Great view of the Indianapolis skyline...leaving for my return to Vancouver.



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Upon returning home...

Finally got a Mother's Day card designed personally for me!!

 

Thanks, Bill, Amanda and Berklee!!

Our little finches are back.  Lovely, loud song birds

I tried one of the latest offerings...home grocery delivery.  The store offered a $20 discount and free delivery.  Worked pretty well.  A few items weren't what I expected.   Fun to try, to save $20.

I spent a few hours at the Vancouver Waterfront with Zach, Victoria and baby Autumn

Cruise ship on Columbia River passing through the open "railroad" bridge with train stopped

 I'm getting back into church life and playing piano on Mondays for the homeless outreach.  Also working up final touches on a few new Christian songs that the Lord gave me this past year.

To fill up my time I am going bonkers giving my house a refreshing for summer visitors.  Great fun, but also a bit stressful.  Ya all come to visit! 

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REFLECTIONS...

    I went to Indianapolis to visit my sister, Rosie, who has recently been diagnosed with 4th stage metastasized lung cancer.  It is a difficult time since she is the first of 6 sisters to pass on.  There are also 2 living brothers.  We are all over 70 years.

    I didn't grow up with my family but I do recall the occasions during short times at home of staying overnight at Frank and Rose's and how safe and secure I felt.  

   They were the caretakers of mom and our family for any concerns.  They also helped others who were in need. 

    They had no children and are the world to each other.  It is sad to see the sickness of Rosie and the turmoil Frank is going through.

    I am grateful for this recent visit and time with them and the rest of the family.  I am glad I had the chance to tell Rosie what those times with her meant to me and to thank her.  

    It is sobering to realize we siblings are all in our last quarter of life here on earth. I am grateful to know there is a God who loves us and we will meet up with each other again in a better life that will last forever!

This has been a good 4 Geogram weeks in the life of Gram G.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.' "  (John 11:12)