Adventures: Part One

It's often said that laughter is the best medicine.

And that a change of scenery is good for rejuvenation.

Combine the two and travel to Martha's Vineyard with friends near and dear to our hearts and call it a successful healing getaway. 

Such a charming island with it's quaint villages,

and stunning shorelines.

Fabulous drive arounds, marvelous meals most often involving lobster, lovely liquid refreshments,

and Lots and Lots of Laughter.

Many thanks G's!

Sharing a beautiful place with two such beautiful people was wonderful.

 

Onward and Upward

Literally.

{Seneca Rocks, West Virginia}

When there's no place to go but up,

that's what we do.

First through a meadow

and then across a low water bridge,

into the woods on a little hike to the base of the rock wall.

Time is a gift we have been given and we will use it wisely.

Regaining strength and endurance with each step,

pausing to rest when needed and take in at the beauty all around.

{ a critter condo!}

Knowing that obstacles are just inconveniences along the way,

and that the body need time to heal, just as nature does.

{scars evident from wildfires years ago}

Life is Good.

Worth every challenge and happy to be back on track.

Lots more adventures planned.

We are ready.

Onward. Upward.

Outward.

Kesterfest

Sometimes one just needs time.

Time to relax.

Time to play.

Time away from the norm.

Time to celebrate.

Time with Family.

Our Kesterfest 2017, a long weekend in a historic home on Maryland's Eastern Shore

with all of  our ever growing family gathered

turned into an unexpected jubilation as

Fritz received news that he is, for the moment, cancer free.

We are humbled by the love and the help from so many during the last six plus months of treatments,

 and we are especially thankful for the Prayers from all.

We look forward to more adventures where ever the road of life takes us!

~Joan

And Then Came the Roses

I only have six rose bushes, but what a show they have put on!

 These beauties live outside my kitchen sink window.

Their scent is just heavenly.

Such a good reminder to just breathe.

 Many thanks to Connie for helping me believe I could grow lovely roses.

These two she started me with are thriving without much fuss.

I hope your day is filled with all kinds of beautiful moments.

~Joan

Blue, Purple...Periwinkle!

Last year around this time, I set about focusing on my flower beds and borders. Planted some new roses and perennials, realigned some edges and moved a few already established plants left long ago by the predecessors of my home in this beautiful valley.

I had kind of forgotten about all that work.

Then May happened,

and all the blooms have been a delightful surprise.

{Thank you Lynne}

I have been drawn to the many shades of blue and purple all around me.

{ a future cabled pullover and a light lacey shawl}

You see, Periwinkle is the color of support for Stomach and Esophageal Cancers.

That ugliness has invaded the very core of our family.

For the past several months, we have had a compassionate and knowledgeable medical care team, and help and love from dear ones at a moments notice.

Most of all, we have a Faith filled Family and a good outlook for the future.

{Gifts of encouragement}

But if a color could cure my beloved,

we have that covered.☺

Happy Monday