We Needed This Monday!

Monday has long been one of my favorite days of the week.

Even for the few brief years when I worked at Larry Dodson's State Farm Insurance Office - I loved Mondays! A fresh new week full of potential and possibilities. 

When we left the ranch last Monday, I told Dean we would be hitting the floor running and so we have. However, today - this Monday - has been a calm gift in the hurry scurry of Life.

My dear friend, Candie, and I have been trying to squeeze in visits to no avail all spring and summer this far. Either she was out of town or I was. FINALLY! Today worked for both of us!

She brought the makings of the most delicious Berry Salad! ALL berries!!

Louis Dean had made a tuna salad yesterday and I added another big can of good tuna to it today along with chopped onion, apples, cucumber and a bit of celery + some dilly bits seasonings. I save the seasonings at the bottom of a bag for just such times as this. I used some in my squash casserole not long ago.

Louis Dean had made tuna salad and I did a garden salad with onions and tomatoes picked fresh from the garden. We had a lovely lunch together - Candie, Mother and Louis Dean and I.

I asked Louis Dean if he preferred to eat in the den or in the dining room with us.

He asked, "Do I have time to comb my hair?"

A perfect answer!

I haven't taken pictures yet of all the beautiful clothing Candie gave me from her mother.

She gifted me with a total and complete new wardrobe for ALL four seasons!

If I did not have another stitch of clothing in my closet - I would be set up in style!

Candie came bearing all sorts of gifts - fruit, clothing and a knitting lesson which included needles and yarn!

I follow my friend, Debbie in All About Purple and I love her knitted washcloths and have long longed to know how to make these! 

Candie brought an assortment for me to choose from!

I chose this design. She assured me it was easy.

It didn't LOOK easy to me! But I trust her and the lesson began.

So far so good!

By the end of this day - I was half way through with the washcloth!

I found that knitting allowed me to relax and listen, talk, and think.

Candie gifted me with this scrubbie.

I am going to Dallas on Thursday and will be shopping Walmart for needles and yarn.

It needs to be cotton and Sugar and Cream or Peaches and Cream label.

Walmart has the best prices and I am so happy to be knitting again.

I knitted back in the 70's but not well. I went on to crochet which I had better luck with but I yearned to KNIT! Thank you, Candie!!!

Now THIS is what my master teacher is knitting!!

A beautiful work of art!

So we had lunch and then a lovely afternoon sitting and visiting while our knitting needles were clicking away. Summer had a doctor appointment and came over later. She had regressed in her pain and the new doctor seems to know why. We are encouraged but still concerned.

Summer arrived in a great deal of pain.

Every time I lift my camera - she smiles! No matter what!

Truth be told - she was actually in tears from the pain and the emotional drain of being in such constant pain. It messes with your brain and your emotions!

We were glad Louis Dean was here to comfort and encourage her.

He is the father she wished she had.....and perhaps she does now.

This was a wonderful Monday!

I needed this and Summer needed this and I think Mother needed this.

We celebrated friendship, a meal together around the table, and the gift of working with our hands.

Mother enjoyed seeing and visiting with all of us.

Candie was a very real blessing today and I thank you for your visit!

We all so NEEDED you today and you were here for us!

I wish I could say this evening ended as perfectly as the day was.

It didn't.

Mother acted out after Candie left and she had Summer as an audience but we handled it.

All is well as I write this right before I go to bed......but all is NOT really well.

I am determined to be real after spending so many years covering others in the garment of our righteousness. These are difficult days and this is a difficult time.

I did not talk to Mother as I intended to this afternoon.

I will share the WHY later.

I am determined to have the 'conversation' in the morning over coffee in for  the kitchen.

The events of this evening will give added weight to what I have to say to her.

***Deanie, I know you may be reading this and wondering what is going on. You do not need to be concerned. All is well.***

Thank you,all,  for any prayer prayed for this day.

It worked out just as God had planned.

And a quiet sleep is what I am praying for tonight.....