This morning I was looking at my end of summer tan with the sad thought that it would soon be fading. The Florida tan is an accumulation of precious days spent in the sun; days that I will remember as gifts from God, my loving Father.
My summer began with a family celebration in honor of Todd and Luba; my son and his fiance, two very precious young people who have made my life full of pride. What a wonderful day it was shared by all our family members; true treasure day. I am thankful too for days spent on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico; for fabulous meals at sidewalk cafes in South Beach, Winter Park, Tarpon Springs, and Coconut Grove.
I enjoyed cool mountain mornings in Shady Valley; a dip in the "Blue Hole" with my lovely sister/friend Bonnie. I have never had a more perfect spa experience than the outdoor shower on the deck. I celebrated our freedom with our neighbors in TN and gazed and awed at the annual fireworks from our perch high above the valley. Grammy camp with my granddaughters included making fudge, chocolate chip pancakes, pillowcases, and watching "Secretariat" at least 6 times.
I visited wineries, the sponge docks, and had a sunset seafood dinner in Treasure Island. I shared a lunch with my oldest and dearest friend Patti; loved catching up with her and all the wonderful news of her sweet family. My toes were pedicured while I shared precious time with my sister Pam. My downtown Winter Haven visits to my Mama's ballroom, Tsunami sushi, and key lime pie at Linda and Elmo's were such a treat.
I shopped for scrubs with my Desiree and watched her begin her journey as a medical student. I shared her joys as she reported on the days blessed events in labor and delivery and held her as she cried over the first tragedy. We made homemade bread, orange marmalade, mini banana puddings, and ate crazy good truffle cheese drizzled with honey while playing card games. I made a new German friend (and you can never have too many of them); love you Lea Marie. I also made a new friend from France courtesy of my niece Jennifer.
I spent much time with my Daddy as he helped me whenever I called. He was continuously patient and giving of his time as I fumbled through the job of maintaining this home, equipment, and property that we are so blessed to have. The horses and the dogs were sources of comfort and I apologize for the times that I grumbled during the heat and summer storms to take care of their needs.
Jeff was working in New Jersey, so I didn't have many days with my wonderful husband, but the ones I did have were all the more precious. We ended our summer with a road trip for me from Florida to Charleston to Tennessee to join him in New Jersey to a wonderful 4 days of camping and vacationing old school in Maine. Our time with Scott, Amanda, and Conor was relaxing, simple, and good...so good!
My summer was not without it's heartaches as I said goodbye to my beloved Uncle Esmond and shared in the grief of the Bilbrey Family who said goodbye to their lovely Donna Marie. My heart ached when my great nephew was born needing a very scary surgery. My heart sings as I think of how beautifully he did and the years of joy that he will bring to this family.
So thank you God for the sunrises and the sunsets and for a summer of days that are memories for a lifetime.
