Leaving a Legacy of Love

 

Well, here we are. Another weekend is here. I am still working on getting better to be able to go home. But, for the time being, I could not be in a better, more beautiful place than up on Wolf Tree Ranch. I have been seeing my family each day and it's awesome. My daughter, Dawn comes up all the time, helps with showers, and keeps me company while Marina and John get a much-needed, well-deserved chance to go out together. 

Meanwhile, on the ranch, I can do a little bit of work again, thanks to Marina. She bought me a lap desk to fit my phone and laptop directly in front of me so I could pick up files and go to work. I have been missing the time spent working, however, it does get in the way of all the occupational therapist, nurse, and physical therapy appointments. They all come out to the home and work with me. 

(The mousepad has a slot above to keep my phone upright and visible while working. The laptop desk is soft on my legs while supporting all I need during my hours of completing daily tasks. It's an awesome addition!) 

Yesterday I was put to the test in walking with one leg on the walker with the bad foot held up. Now this doesn't sound difficult, but when you have a heavy load from the cast on a bad foot you cannot touch to the ground, it gives you a workout. Not to mention the several walks I was expected to complete. It all came together to give me quite the workout. 

This may seem silly and yes, you can snicker. I am out of shape. In fact, "shape" left me a long time ago. But the workout actually caused a little pain in my foot last night. Pain has been non-existent since surgery but I felt it as I lay in bed. Not suffering by any means and I do have painkillers if needed, but a bit of pain hit making things more uncomfortable. No big issue, but odd in terms of what has been painless up until then. 

That being said, the first surgeon appointment is coming on the 8th of this month, so five days away. I get to have my stitches removed or so it has been said. I guess they will put another cast on, a solid, hard cast. Now I am fitted with a cast running up the back of my leg and each side, but it's soft in front. Hopefully, the next cast won't be any heavier as this one is often difficult to swing into place when transferring. But I've been doing well. 

Now onto better things. My hubby is returning to the ranch today! I can't wait to see him again. The week seems so long when we are not together! He remains in the home to take care of our babies and to manage the household, plus he does work in Roseburg. My work can travel with me, thank goodness. We do miss each other immensely and keep in touch daily through calls, texts, and even video calls. 

My cutie pie grand-dogs keep me company. Charley Girl loves to lay in her bed and watch everyone. 

While Franklin the St. Berdoodle prefers to get involved with us around the house, such as is the case at dinner time. He's so tall that he can lay his chin down and dream about each bite Grandma takes. 

Then they both run to mom and dad while they watch TV. It's a perfect, beautiful thing. 

I sat at the back window yesterday (Thursday) and watched as a fog bank rolled across the tops of the surrounding hills. 

As nighttime rolled around, the magic of nature's design left us with a beautiful night, even as it contained a threat of rain. 

That touch of light shining through the dark clouds created a nice piece of art. Even the picture here doesn't fully represent what beauty came from this scene. I love the ranch because of the sunrises and sunsets, the breathtaking hills covered with fir trees, and the view of the town of Lowell below. Hardly any neighbors, no traffic so to speak, and the serene ambiance of living out of town makes my trips to Wolf Tree unforgettable. Each visit, each day or night, paints a masterpiece for us to enjoy. Life is truly wonderful. Blessings are all around, we just need to take the time to notice them. 

Saturday rolled around and once again Marina was up at the break of dawn, working hard to make the feast she presented at a birthday gathering of John, my son-in-law. Pierogies were on the menu, along with an apple cake. The pierogies came in a mushroom variety or a traditional Polish potato style. Marina ran the dough through her pasta roller, cut them, filled them with the mixture of choice, and then set them on tray after tray for boiling later. Some she would fry and others she would leave just boiled. Both ways were a delicious treat!

The party included some friends and family, but a small gathering. Terry was coming from Roseburg, and we were all excited to see everyone. After two days of cooking, Marina accomplished her goal. Now it was time to clean the house. The house is large and it sure took most of the day to finish. But the time was here for everyone to arrive. 

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Won't you be mine? Won't you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor?" 

Gorgeous sunny day today. A bit cold still, but sunny and leaving us with the ability to view the valley town of Lowell. It felt so good to get outside into the sun, even just for a bit. That sun warms my skin, causing some goosebumps to appear on my arms. I love it. The absorption of vitamins D and E couldn't feel better!

When Terry arrived, he grabbed me a blankie and a coat and off we went onto the back deck. He was taking advantage of being out there so he could smoke his cigar and I enjoyed the company plus the sun. Soon my granddaughter, Kaylie Rose, and her boyfriend, Brian showed up. Then came Dawn, Andy, and my other granddaughter, Kylee. Eventually, Marina and John's friends showed up to join us in the festivities. Awesome group and a fun party. 

Marina came out to let us know that the food was ready to devour and we did. Everyone at the event stood in line to grab the meat wraps, seven-layer bean dip and chips, pierogies, taco salad, bread, chicken wings, and all the other delicious foods sitting out on the long island. 

Since it was around dinner time and everyone was saving their appetites for this gathering, knowing we would be eating a potluck dinner here, we attacked the plates like a swarm of locusts on a field of grass. I think I saw a chicken bone spin around on the serving tray after we all filled our plates and sat down to attack our food. 

The food was amazing, as it usually is when eating at Marina and John's place. Marina really overdid herself on this one, since the pierogies were plentiful. Some were the mushrooms and along with the tiny pieces of shrooms were the evident flavors of garlic and butter. The other pierogies were made with potato and onion, which is a more traditional style. However, the mushrooms were so tasty that everyone grabbed at them first and came back for more. Not to say the potato pierogies were forgotten! Excellent meal. 

For dessert, there were choices of homemade key lime pie or the apple cake Marina made. I chose the apple cake. Later in the evening, the key lime pie made it to my plate as well. I'm not sure how that happened, but yum, it was there! Poof! 😗😕😏😛My dietician would be proud, I'm sure. 

Once the partygoers filled their bellies, the drinks were served and the attendees headed downstairs to the man cave. The man cave is set up mostly for John, but typically everyone goes down there. In the darkness of the lower level, there is a nice bar, a large TV with surround sound speakers, bar stools, a couch, and a nice set of two chairs that are vintage in appearance. In the corner you can see a nice karaoke machine that John and his friend, Brian, love to use or abuse, however you wish to look at it. 

The two will sing together and actually sound pretty good. Plenty of laughter goes around the room when Brian picks a song such as Madonna's hit song, "Like a Virgin," when he makes a high-pitched voice to accomplish the goal. Brian and John are pretty good though and we can't really tear apart their efforts much. 

I couldn't go down the stairs in a wheelchair, so I was wheeled outside by Terry to enjoy his company while he smoked. It was lovely outside. The fresh air was great even though it was chilly. The sun was setting over the hills, creating some colder air swirling through across the hill. Terry snagged a fuzzy blanket for me from inside the house so I could remain outdoors with him. We also turned on the heaters hanging from the ceiling of the deck. It was nice. 

I took advantage of the time by taking some more photos of how beautiful it was. 

The colors of the sky were so bright tonight. Mother Nature was just showing off. 

Up the hill, in the direction the sun was setting, the oranges and pinks, white, and even a touch of gray painted the sky with remarkable glory and grace. These scenic moments always give me great joy. 

Inside, the love and laughter of close friends and family reverberated throughout the house. Outside, the pergola Terry and I were married under stands strong against the gorgeous mountains behind the property. One of our favorite family fur babies, owned by Marina and John, is buried under a young magnolia tree on this same hillside. Life has been lived here. Love has been bonded to the grounds and the home. Our blessings are abundant here, as a family.

But is it the home that brings these blessings? No. We have held our gatherings out in the snow, up in the mountains. We have shared our love for one another in the middle of a small park, with a simple table set up that added beauty and birthday wishes for Dawn, yet made some of the best memories we have had. All of this isn't due to any building, no hillside, nothing money can buy. Our love and bond with each other give us these blessings. This is what we build our family on, that family bond, that love as our foundation. It's strong enough to withstand anything and that's where it should be. 

As a family and extended family grouping, our respect and love for each other will survive throughout many generations I hope. I feel as we raise our children with the same love of family that we introduce to them through these gatherings, intimate talks, laughter, and overall fun, I do believe that it will give them their foundation to build on as they raise their own children or live their lives. As a matriarch, I believe I have passed on the value of sharing love with each other and staying together even when the worst of times hit. When I'm ready to cross over, I know this family will continue to share their love and light with each other and with those they feel close to. I feel I have done my job. 

You don't have to be a part of a large family to feel the love and count the blessings you have in your life. This can be a solitary involvement as well. Shine your light, and share your love with those around you. Soon, those blessings and relationships will blossom with love shared back with you. Spread your love and live in the bounty! 

Sunday morning rolled around far too quickly. I was missing Terry since he drove off the hill in the darkness of last night. We had an awesome visit and the time flew by far too quickly. He has our babies to get home to and work to prepare for. The party lasted for a while and everyone had fun last night though, so it was a good time had by all. 

This morning, Marina cooked us a wonderful breakfast before she and John took off to walk the dogs in town. 

With bacon, fried potato slices, and scrambled eggs, I was full very quickly. The three of us ate before starting our day. 

Typically I don't work until Monday, but the day was rather relaxed, so I thought, "Why not?" I found a file and began typing. The day played out with a good start to my work week, a good meal, and a relaxing afternoon. 

Until our next post, hugs to all, and have an awesome week. Your blessings are in front of you. Remember not to take your breath, or the ability to walk, talk, hear, or speak for granted! I know we are all guilty of that at times. Take care. Share your light!