Thanksgiving at the Shore

We decided this year to get a rental through VRBO for Thanksgiving. I was in need of a new atmosphere for the holiday. It was becoming so predictable it was making me depressed. Not that I don’t like the holidays, I just needed something different that we could all enjoy. We live in the northeast, so I had many choices. I chose the beach; I hadn’t been to the shore yet this year, so I could fill my need to see the ocean while celebrating gratitude, how perfect.

We arrived on Wednesday, and on Thursday, Thanksgiving, we woke up to sunshine, cool air and wind. I had to get out to see the water and feel the weather on my face as soon as possible, so I bundled up and out I went.

Sunrise from our bedroom window.

It was a wonderful day. I was able to walk a few times each day while there and fill my soul with gratitude the way I imagined. It was special being able to spend time with my one son and husband in a new place and perhaps a new beginning.


This is a wetlands area that was restored after eradication of phragmites. I am currently studying eradication practices on open space in hopes to restore a field and waterfront at one of our parks where I live.

Until next time: I find the more grateful I am, the happier I am. May happiness be in your soul so you can share it without ever trying.



Popular posts from this blog

The Lavendula "Hidcote" at the Healing Garden

Image
 I designed a large garden for the Veterans Healthcare Facility in Rocky Hill Connecticut in 2018.  It wasn't only my doing, many volunteers came together to build this wonderful spot.  If you believe in angels, then you will believe me when I say, there were many.  There were many in human form and in spirit.  Without getting into all of the story, I thought I would put an update here about the Lavender after three years of thriving. The lavender, "Hidcote", pictured above, did wonderful in the beginning of this summer.  It was a showstopper.  Then the rains came and wiped them out.  Not all of them, but most.  I cut all the dead parts back, took out the plants that didn't make it and will wait a little while before planting new.  I'm so glad I took this picture though, they were truly amazing. This is what it looked like after the rains.
Read more

Season's End 2019

Image
I closed up the Healing Garden last week. I emptied pots, pulled annuals, and did some final weeding. I planted more bulbs, grape hyacinths, and a few more blue flowering bulbs. The garden did so well this year. The soil was perfect, the weather couldn’t have cooperated better, and everything took root and did exactly what it was supposed to do. Even the grass looked good. I worked the gardens every week as promised, and I met some great veterans that always managed to say thank you.  It’s wonderful to do something for someone that appreciates what you do, isn’t it? So until Spring arrives next year, I will be hibernating and educating myself on what to do for next year. Here are some photos from throughout the season.
Read more

Christmas 2019

Image
I’ve scaled down in my holiday decorating. I chose a few things to decorate and did them up nice. I used to make dozens of wreaths. Not all for me of course but for customers and family. This year I made two, one for me and one for a dear friend. After making many wreaths for years, this year seemed so easy. I didn’t need a lot of greens. I walked my yard and collected some nice twigs and greens, and a friend offered me some greens from a black pine that he needed to cut down. I decided to use ribbon as the contrasting color. I’ve used berries and variegated plants before, but this year I didn’t have many choices. I made the wreaths extra full with greenery and used more ribbon than usual. Merry Christmas 2019. May the season be peaceful and the new year be a healthy, happy, and a prosperous one.
Read more