Missing Emily

I just looked back into earlier posts and saw a picture of my dear friend Emily. I've been very negligent about posting this summer, but I'm reminded with her picture as to why. Emily entered the hospital on May 9 and lost her long battle with breast cancer on June 26 - one day after her birthday. To say I miss her is an understatement. We walked together, we painted together, we shopped at Michael's and Hobby Lobby, we traveled together we were just about the same age and had things in common that no one could or would have ever believed and now there is a horrible void. All weekend with the hurricane I kept thinking of things I wanted to say to Emily. There are things I can only share with her and that only she could understand. I am thankful for the time I had her and I'm thankful for her son, daughter and sister who remain in my life but I miss her more than words can say. I miss talking to her on the phone, I miss her encouragement for my painting and I'm having a hard time even thinking about doing a marathon without her - she was my encourager there too! The picture is the next to the last 1/2 marathon we did together - this was at the end of the Nike 2007 race being congratulated by John Bingham. This was a really big deal for Emily to complete this race. We did one more in December - the Victory Junction 1/2 as balloon cuties (second picture). We're coming in to the finish line holding "Vic's" hooves. Don't ask about the funny hats! Oh my what wonderful memories!

Bev

After Ike

What a week, especially the weekend! A week ago it looked like Ike might head toward the Texas coast - today we are in recovery mode. My family and I were very blessed. We only lost power for a short period of time the night of the storm and for about twelve hours on Sunday. I don't know why we were so fortunate, but we're very thankful. Most all of our friends across the Houston area are without power still tonight. Another praise is incredible weather we are having during this clean up period. We are about 11 degrees below normal during the day and night and the humidity has left us for a few days. What a blessing for those who must sleep with the windows open and for those of who like to sleep with the windows open.

I lost a beloved rubber tree that was up above our second story and nearly as wide. The winds uprooted the tree and we have been trimming branches off ever since! We have stacks of potential rubber trees out by the curb, but they will be lost among the other many piles in the neighborhood. Usually when I trim it I try to either give away the trimmings but right now no ones wants to work in the yard after "working" in the yard!

It's heartbreaking to see the pictures of Galveston and Boliver. We have friends with homes at both places who have no idea what has happened at this point. It incredible what can change in nearly he blink of an eye. On the other hand look at the small plants in these planters - not a leaf was changed from before the storm! Makes no sense how somethings are blown apart and others left alone!

Keep the prayers coming for all of those across the country who have fallen victim to Ike. I will post more tomorrow.

Peace, Bev

Bluebonnet Show

Interestingly our bluebonnets came up in our walking paths this year, so we walk in the small amount of grass we have left to view them all. When the plants first came up I thought I would dig up and transplant, but life sometimes gets in the way of plans and by the time I had time I was afraid we would lose the blooms. Hopefully, I can catch the seeds and scatter where I would prefer to have the flowers next year. In the last picture in this post - the background tree is our rubber plant (tree). It's now taller than the house - planted 18 years ago - froze to the ground the first year and hasn't been affected by weather since. Getting ready to cut off many of the big limbs over the patio - wish I could pass them on to those view the blog - they would make great plants!

The Last of Tucson 2008

Happy to show that there were people with me - two very good friends, Beth & Emily. My mom always says I only take pictures of flowers and scenery - see here's proof that I do take pix of people too!

More Tucson

More Tucson

Tucson AZ

These are just a few of the shots I got in Tucson a couple of weeks ago. I love the desert, amazing since I live in humid, tropical Houston!

Love our Bluebonnets

This is one of the first bluebonnets in our yard this year!

Opening Photo Shot!

Had to start this blog with a shot of our family dog in his Doggles! Jack Daniels aka runner dog loves to have his head outside the car, so he must wear his doggles. Is this a "hot dog" or what?