Just another Thursday

I had said that I would do better with writing my blogs. It's been a coupla weeks now, so time for another. It seems the days fly like the wind, ever faster and faster. But, that's life after 50 I guess.

The summer is quickly coming to a close. While the days are still hot and steamy the nights are cooler and more comfortable. The almanac calls for a harsh winter and I wouldn't be surprised. The garden is just about done. Just a few tomatoes here and there and a few beans drying on the vine for me to shell. God is so good to send us such good food from the work of my dear Henry's hands. I was going to say "our" hands, but in reality, I've had little to do with it. I'm not good in the heat at all.

Life on the croft is good this time of year. Our pantry is full and our time is well spent ministering to those whom we love. The only thing I wish was different was that I wish I had a maid and a cook and then I'd be set. But, that's not going to happen, so I need to be a better manager of my time. (Of course, here I sit in front of the computer...)

This blog will be a bit rambling, as I've no bones to pick, no ideas to discuss ~ it's just busy-ness. Through my life I've had a lot of friends. Some were truer than others and two were lost to circumstances, but by and large I have alot of friends. Nancy has been my friend since I was 7. She moved into the neighborhood just prior to the first subdivision being built. She and I hit it off pretty good considering we didn't go to the same school in the early days. We spent alot of time together ~ she with me on the farm and I with her in her basement playing dress-ups. We still honor one another's birthdays.. Hers November 23rd. Trisha has been my friend since first grade. (Kindergarten was just for city kids back then.) We don't keep in touch much, but we know we'll always "be there". Her birthday? January 1. Funny how those things stick with you. As the years moved on there was Patty, who I still keep in touch with pretty regularly. Then as an adult there was Dotty. I'll never forget Dotty, though I have no clue where she is now, or even if she's still with us. She kept me safe in a time when I wasn't. Then there was Sandy. Sandy and I went through some times together. She was one of the photographers at Justins' wedding. She was pregnant with her first child when I was pregnant with my last. After her came Joyce. Joyce and I are buddies still and talk on the phone at least once a month or more. We were once enemies, but God fixed that all up with a Love Feast and we never have had a harsh word since. After Joyce came Carol up in WV and we are still friends as well. Then came Brenda who I still keep in touch with. During my friendship with Carol I found a new friend. The first friend I ever lost to a disagreement. We had different ideas on child rearing and it destroyed our relationship. I'm sorry that happened, but there was nothing I could do.. Believe me I tried. She was the first friend I'd ever lost. Until that time I had remained friends with all that I had ever been friends with.... many unnamed on this list. It was devastating to me and my family. Recovery was slow and it still stings when I think of it. From that time, in my 40's, friendships came slower, just due to my husband's new call and my wariness, I guess. It was not until coming here that I started developing new friendships ~ Lisa, Dee, Carole, Pam, Carol, Crystal, Beth, Charlotte, Lisa, Joan, Toni, Diane..... and others. They are still with me and what fun we have!! During the years I've made some internet friends ~ Kelly, Jenni, Katie, Joan, Jean, Kimberly, Joanie and many, many others. All I've kept in touch with pretty much, save one ~ who is another friend lost to the fires of disagreement and irreconcilable differences. All these people... not acquaintences who I just spend some time with and move on, but friends. People who respond to me and love me "anyway". I guess the loss of two in 52 years isn't bad, is it?

So, over the years I have been so blessed to have so many friends that I can call on, visit, lean on and be there for. Some people can only say they've have a few friends over the years. I've had many and I am so very thankful. For those of you who have put up with me, I am ever grateful, as I am a task, I know. So, maybe that's what this blog is about. Saying "thanks" for the memories and "thanks" for the love and to say while I'm blessed beyond measure, I'm sorry for the losses.

'Til next time :)