Here we are at another Friday already. Let’s slow time a moment and savor the blessings from the last week with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story.
1. Family outings. My oldest son, Jeremy, was with us through last weekend before going back to RI. Friday night, Jesse, my youngest, had us over for jambalaya. This was the first time Jeremy had gotten to see Jesse’s new house.
Then Saturday we went to a Hummingbird Festival at a local nature center. Didn’t see any hummingbirds. š But we did see some owls, turtles, and other nature displays. The guys went on a guided nature hike.
Then we went to the new-to-us Mexican food restaurant I mentioned a couple of weeks ago where I had the scrumptious shrimp, onion, rice, and cheese dish. Yes, I had that again, and Jesse tried and loved it, too.
2. My birthday was after Jeremy was scheduled to leave, so we celebrated it the Sunday before he left. After church, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, then headed home for presents and cake. Mittu usually makes my traditional birthday Texas Sheet Cake, but she was still sick, so Jim and Jeremy made it.
On my actual birthday, Jim brought me flowers and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast biscuit. š
Then Jason, Mittu, and Timothy dropped by after the Kid’s Club at church with a card made by Mittu and a couple of Chick-Fil-A goodies (a chocolate chunk cookie and a brownie).
Then in a fun coincidence, the Strands game had a birthday theme on my birthday. At first I thought maybe that was on purpose, though I couldn’t remember having entered by birthday on their site. But when I looked it up, I saw that was just the theme that day.
3. Luscious weather. The day of the Hummingbird Festival was pretty fair weather. We still got hot and sweaty, but some delightful breezes blew occasionally. Rain had been predicted but didn’t come, except for a few drops. The cloud cover helped a lot.
Then Sunday afternoon, we went into the back yard for family photos and for Jeremy to try out his new drone. Rain was forecast again and the clouds looked threatening. But the wind and temperatures felt so good. I know we’re a long way from fall and we’ll have a lot more hot and humid days til then, but that respite felt so good.
4. Family humor. We laugh a lot when we’re all together. š As an example, when we went to the bird festival, the volunteers explained that a bird banding event was extra–they try to catch a hummingbird in a net and attach a band around its leg. That doesn’t sound too pleasant for the hummingbird, but the sessions would explain why it’s done. We didn’t sign up for that part. After we paid for our general admission tickets, volunteers placed a band around our wrists. Jeremy joked that when you’re a nature center and banding is your only tool, you band everything and everyone, including visitors. š
Then while waiting in line, I pointed out to Jesse one of the features the sign listed was a “live animal display.” I commented that the wording seemed funny–why would they designate “live?” The first display we saw had a stuffed bat and bat skeleton and a glass case with pinned butterflies specimens. Jesse said, “What happened to the live animals?” š We did see some later.
5. Connect Four is a program at church were ladies who want to participate can sign up, then they are divided into groups of four. Each group is supposed to meet once a month over the next four months, to do whatever the group wants to do. Probably most meet for lunch at someone’s home or at a restaurant, but some do other activities like hike or play games. Our group had they first get-together yesterday. Thankfully I had at least met and talked with everyone, so none was a complete stranger to me. But it was fun getting to know everyone better. The conversation flowed for a couple of hours.
It’s been a nice blend of activities and rest. I hope you’ve had a good week as well.
Stray Thoughts 
Hummingbirds are my favorite. I’ve never attended a hummingbird festival. That would be awesome! Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you–you, too!
A wonderful week for you! And how sweet that Jim and Jesse made your cake! I’m sure Mittu was disappointed she couldn’t make it.
The hummingbird and nature center looked interesting. It seems so many places “band” you these days! I’ve always wanted to get a hummingbird feeder to watch them. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to band those little legs!
I’m glad you enjoyed your Connect Four. Sounds like a lot of fun. My former church in Florida did something like that.
Have a lovely weekend!
I’d be curious to know why they banded them. Though I suppose I could look it up. One fun fact I did learn there–hummingbird legs are too short for them to walk.
A belated happy birthday to you, Barbara! I hope the coming year is full of many blessings for you and your loved ones. Looking forward to seeing you at our next writing group meeting. š
Thanks so much! I am looking forward to the next meeting, too. The break has been helpful for getting other things done, but I need to get back on the writing track.
Your week sounds wonderful, Barbara! I’m so glad that your son from RI was able to come in for his visit and that he was able to see Jesse’s new home!
I had to laugh out loud when I read about the fun you all had when you went to the Hummingbird Festival…especially Jeremy’s comment about banding! LOL I will chuckle all day over that one.
A belated Happy Birthday to you. I loved seeing all of the pictures of you and how your family enjoyed celebrating YOU! So sweet…and Mittu’s drawing of you is precious! She’s quite good!
I’ve chuckled over the banding comment many times, too. And Mittu does do such a great job! My drawing is limited to stick figures.
HAPPY (belated!) BIRHTDAY, Barbara!!
My youngest daughter and I play Strands every morning after devotions (she lives in her own apt) and we text our results. the “Winner” is whomever gets the span first. For example, on the Birthday one, I won because I got the span on the first try, then found all the other words. Today I was the loser because my daughter got the span on her 2nd try and hubby got it on the 3rd try. I got it last. I thought today’s was hard!!
Timmy looks like a teenager now!! He’s only 10 though, correct? handsome boy.
I love the idea of CONNECT FOUR that your church does. fantastic idea!! great way to meet new ladies and fellowship.
Thank you! Yes, Timothy just turned ten a few months ago, and he’s something over 5 ft. already.
It usually takes me guessing some of the other words in Strands first before I get the spangram.
Happiest of birthdays to you! It sounds like your family celebrated you in style and that you are well-loved. The birding event sounds great. We’ve had lots of hummingbirds at our feeder this summer.
I hope Mittu is getting better. I remember you mentioned she was sick last week, too. Sending good wishes.
Thanks so much. Mittu is better, though she still has a lingering cough. Now Timothy has a cold. š¦ I hope it doesn’t last as long as Mittu’s.
Happy Birthday to you! Your family really knows how to celebrate. I love that. And I’m glad your oldest boy was there to spend the time with you.
And wow, Timothy looks so grown up!
Have a great week! Willow
Thank you! I loved having all the family there.
A very nice birthday celebration for you !
A very Happy Birthday to you. Sounds like you had a nice celebration. The Connect Four groups sound fun and it’s such a great idea. Timothy really looks a lot like his Dad in that picture! He’s getting so grown up.
I liked seeing your reflection behind the owl — at a hummingbird festival, no less! š
How fun to have a sheet cake for your birthday! Looks like a lovely extended celebration.
Glad you survived your banding!
I like the idea of Connect Four. Our fellowship class does Supper Six.