I had high hopes of finally getting a post put together tonight. Blogger and my infected, moving as slow as mud computer shot my plans. My lap top is gobbed up with something that has nearly stopped it. I can't download pictures from my camera as of today. Blogger won't let me post more than one photo at a time. Oh, well...I have actually squeezed in a few hours of birding time in the last two weeks. My daughter and I made a road trip to Monticello (not too far from home) to see the Trumpeter Swans before they leave for the year. The swans were beautiful. These four reminded me of a group of good friends chatting. I'm so proud to say that Molly's pictures were better than mine. She has an eye for composition that amazes me. She told me I could post a few of her photos (with credit 0f course!), but that's not going to happen until I get my lap top fixed. We had such a nice afternoon together. Molly's not particularly interested in birds but is enthusiastic about nature photography. After freezing in the wind coming down the Mississippi River, we stopped for coffee. I love my girl.
Last week I spent a few hours at Mississippi River Regional Park checking out the heron rookery. I was thrilled to be able to walk up and down the river's edge watching these graceful birds and I even grabbed a few good pictures. I hope I can put a post together about that trip too. Sigh...
Update on my sister:
Many of you know that my sister is now in a nursing home. The brain tumor is growing quickly as the surgeon suspected it would so she has been admitted to a hospice program. They thankfully are very aggressive about pain and anxiety control. She seems to be comfortable most of the time and I am so very grateful that her mental illness has retreated quite a bit. I go every day and feed her her lunch and some days are good and some not so good. It's odd to be watching spring creep forward and my sister decline at the same time. The slow and steady progression of the seasons is a constant and I find that comforting.
There is hope in rebirth.
31 comments:
Lynne, you are so observant. I am so glad you can find solace and hope in spring. You are in my thoughts every day. Lovely swans!
Lynne, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. I know that Hospice was a blessing for our family as my father-in-law was dying. I hope it proves a comfort for y'all now. I know what you mean about rebirth -- I lost a grandparent within a few months of the birth of my children and it was so bittersweet -- joy in rebirth/sorrow at death. So painful.
I'm thinking of you!
Lynne,
I'm glad you're getting out and are able to find such wondrous sights for your soul. I'm sure you're witnessing it all through different eyes, with so much sadness so very close at hand.
I hope for the better times with your sister--and for strength and peace for you.
Lynne,
Computers can cause more frustration than anything I know.
-It must be wonderful to have a daughter you can share things with. I love my sons but I wonder what I missed not having a daughter.
-I'm at a loss for words about your sister. I just can't imagine how hard that would be. It puts my trivial life complaints into perspective. We all want to reach out and give you a hug.
Linne, you are OK and know where to find peace. Phyllis will be pain free and calm.
Looking forward to photos of the stinkers. Molly is a good daughter...after all, look who her Mom is?
Lynne,
Even though is painful to hear about your sister (many personal memories come back to me), it is also nice to know that there is people like you, who don't neglect family, specially in hard times and that is caring and loving.
I wish I could send some health for the people you love and care about, but as I can't, I'm sending all the blessings the bloggosphere could carry (and more!).
You are your family are in my prayers, both to ask for relief and to thank for the kind persons you are.
Wish we could meet sometime, kisses from Peru,
Mel
That's too bad about the computer problems.It would be nice if they could come out with the perfect computer that isn't affected by viruses.-
My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.-I'm glad to hear that your sister is comfortable most of the time.
Lynne- My thoughts are with you. I'm so glad you could share a day trip with your daughter to see the swans, but too bad about the computer issues. I know I issue more than a few four letter words in front of my kids when I have computer troubles!
So sorry about your sister, but I'm glad her care is concentrated on her peace and comfort.
There is definitely hope in rebirth. Amen.
Hi Lynne,
I'm glad to see you got a chance to post again and that you and Molly got to see some birds and spend some quality time together.
I'm sorry to hear Phyllis's tumor is growing so quickly. I'm glad you're also able to find time to spend with her and that she has other good caregivers for when you can't be there. I'm keeping you all in my prayers.
Big strong hugs Lynne!
I'm glad to read that you're able to find some solace and the time to do things that take care of you. Please know that we all miss you and are thinking of you.
What a great photo! It makes me imagine you getting together with a few of your favorite blogging buddies on the sunny shores of New Jersey. I hope you get to make that trip soon because such a loving and caring daughter and sister deserves a little joy now and then.
I wish I could call up lots of encouraging words and uplifting pithy quotes.
But I can't. All I can say is that I think of you and wish you peace.
HUGS from Ohio
Lynne, no wonder we haven't heard from you. You have your plate full in more ways than one! I have missed you for one and have checked back often looking for a new post. You have such a mature perspective on the whole situation. I am so sorry about your sister. Hugs and peace to you both.
Hi Lynne,
I think this looks like a mighty fine place to visit too...my eyes are tearing up a bit for you and I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Hug Molly and I'll be back soon. The swans are beautiful.
Lynne my mom is fond of saying that tough times don't last, tough people do. This is a tough time but with the comfort of friends and family you will get through it. You're already showing immense strength during this tough time and we are all thinking about it.
PS: where's the word verification ;-)
Prayers for you Lynne, to give you His strength and to keep your sister comfortable. I hope you get your computer fixed soon. And I love that swan photo. My daughter, Red, is like Molly. She loves taking photos of nature around her, but isn't really a birder. Yet, she has taken some beautiful photos recently on her brief vacation, many of them of various birds.
Dear Lynne,
I am so sorry for the pain you now endure as you watch your sister slipping away. And yet, we all celebrate with you the promise we see and hear outside our windows and still closed doors.
The mystery of suffering and loss; of goodbyes. Through it all, the wonders of Love and Nature carry us forward. How wonderful to have your precious daughter at your side sharing nature's beauty.
Sending you a hug and Love,
Cathy
Lynne--where to begin. Computers--can't live with them, can't live without them. Actually, what I can't fathom is why ANYONE would spend time writing the code to make viruses?!?
The one swan photo is worth it--looking forward to when you can post more, yours or your budding artist.
Your sister--oh so sorry--here's a small prayer for extra strength for you, and wholeness (if not healing) for her.
Glad to hear from you and thanks for the update on your sister! Love your Swan photo!
Beautiful swans Lynne. So glad you all got to have that time together.
I am also glad to hear that your sister is comfortable and that you are able to spend this precious time with her. Love and hugs to you both.
Linne,
I just stopped by to check in and your weather shocked me.
33 DEGREES AND MORE SNOW?????
God Bless You.
May
The Swans looked like they posed for you, Lynne! They are beautiful!
Prayers to you and good luck with the computer, they are certainly frustrating!
Lynne,
I'm glad to see a new post from you. I know it's not easy to notice what's around you during times like this, though somehow the natural world holds solace.
Take care.
Carolyn H.
Lynne,
I'm glad to see a new post from you. I know it's not easy to notice what's around you during times like this, though somehow the natural world holds solace.
Take care.
Carolyn H.
Lynne, I am sorry that things are hard right now too...I wish your sister & your family peace in this hard time.
Weren't those swans amazing? How lucky you got to go on a sunny day.
Lynne, sorry to hear about your family woes and your computer problems. Maybe I can help on one front though. It appears that blogger has changed its upload process a bit. You are probably like me and like to add in as many pictures, up to 5, that you need. Blogger changed this so that you can only add in a picture after you have filled in the prior one.
So you need to choose your first picture and then you can use the add another picture option to add one more. Then choose the second pic and then choose the add another picture option. Using it this way you can still get 5 pictures before you have to upload. I am not sure why they did this but I have run into the same issue.
Now I wish I could help you with your sisters problems but unfortunately all that I can do is pray for her and your family.
That is a nice shot, whoever took it.
I will be thinking of you and your sis.
Good luck with your lap top. I had problems with my computer a few months ago. My husband finally got it straightened out, but I lost hundreds of photos. Now, I keep them on cds.
Good to read new words from you!!
What Susan Gets Native said--and big hugs from PA.
Dear Lynne,
The time spent with your sis is time well spent!
The time spent with Nature and your daughter is healing balm. I have been in similiar shoes as yours and remember each step. Many blessings.
You are a wise woman, teaching your daughter by example.
I respect you. These are not easy days. Do find joy as you are able.
Sherry
Lynne, so sorry about your sis. I hope you get your computer fixed before it crashes! I pray nature soothes your soul and gets you through the days ahead. I pray for mercy and grace upon you both.
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