Spring, then winter and then Spring

 

After a week of mild temps and sunny days - we're again, having a cold spell which could threaten our blooming trees.  Our almond tree is starting to bud, and if this frost kills it, that means another year without yummy fresh almonds off our tree. 

I wish mother nature would make up her mind. Is it spring or is it winter? 

Rosemary hangs around and blooms year-round despite frost. 

Nothing seems to kill these flowers which I didn't plant - they are love dumps - the complement of the birds. It is one of about 15-20 species of perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family also known as marigolds. however, these come back every year.   They are not the marigolds you plant by seed, just a hardier cousin. 

This week, started out with our beloved old van -making a knocking noise. The husband decided to do his own investigating instead of paying someone else. He changed the oil and replaced all the fluids and no more knocking. Like he said, he knows how to work on cars and has done his fair share in his youth - but that doesn't mean he likes doing it. In the last 10 years or so, we've just taken it to a mechanic. But the savings were quite a bit. 

We don't drive the van as much as we used to. We need to get it out more. 

I looked this up and this is a Tithonia in the sunflower family. No doubt another contribution from a bird. Native to Mexico it is also referred to as a Mexican sunflower. It grows wild and in tropical and subtropical areas, it is considered a weed. Whereas, in the west and southwest it is a wildflower. 

Do you get many "gifts" from the birds? 

I get trees and flowers. Every year a new tree will sprout. I now dig up the trees and re-plant them in a pot. We have a garden club and many will give the trees and plants away to others who usually have large properties. 

I'm feeling much better - the other day I was having cramping on my lower left side to where I had to use a gel heating pad. Then it donned on me - I've been having diverticulitis which I had once about 6 years ago. Very painful. Makes a lot of sense now. 

The next morning it was gone and I feel like me again. There is no doubt that my whole interstitial tract is a mess. (excuse the pun) and yes, I probably should go and get it all looked at once again. Knowing me, I won't. I will make the necessary changes in my diet and go from there before I rush out to the doctor. 

I visited Margie at the nursing facility on Sunday. 

They moved her room once again - without telling her. She went to an activity, came back and all her belongings were moved to another room. The good thing is, it is a bigger room and she has a nice roommate. I get really down when I visit her. It sure makes me think of my future - and we've made the plan that if one of us, starts showing signs of dementia - we will move to the Veterans Home. This way, if something happens to my husband first, I can stay. Unfortunately, the widow of a veteran is intelligible for housing if her "qualifying" veteran is dead. It has to be done before. 

Of course, I would love to be able to stay in my house - Both my parents died here and it's where I want to die. You can try and think about all of this beforehand - try to prepare but it will always catch you off guard. We just do what we can - have a plan B or C. 

My sons have said, they would not allow me to live in a nursing home. Well, talk can be cheap and while I love them and know their heart is in the right place - sometimes adult children can change their minds. That is the case with Margie and her adult children. Honestly, I don't believe my boys would do that to me - but I have found I never hold on to expectations - I just don't. I always have other plans in my mind as a safeguard. 

Tonight we are going out for a nice dinner - we're observing our 21st wedding anniversary which is tomorrow but the husband works on Thursday and Friday so we're doing it tonight. 

Yesterday was St. Valentine's Day - we never celebrate it because of our anniversary. Oh, we used to go out for breakfast or lunch - I don't know where my mind was when we picked Feb 16 as our wedding date. 

No, I didn't watch the super bowl - nor did I watch the commercials or the halftime show. Just doesn't interest me anymore. I did enjoy the quiet of everyone off the streets - stores that were empty. Except when the super bowl was over - the illegal fireworks started and like always, we had to drug our poor dog. 

I best be going -  the husband just mentioned a military display at our local museum he wanted to see before we go out for dinner tonight. That would be nice. 

Like always, Take care and I'll see you when I see you. 

Debby