And life goes on…

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the thoughts, well-wishes, prayers and support that you have sent my way.  I am overwhelmed and above all, so very thankful.  I can’t begin to explain how much each and every one of your comments has meant to me.  

I wish I had more to tell you but at this time, I am still undergoing tests in order to find out the primary source of the cancer.  I’m going back to the hospital this afternoon for a second and different biopsy and I’m actually hoping that this will show something in order to be able to move forward.

And life goes on. 

Mr. Painted Quilt and I have been spending a lot of time outdoors working on the grounds.  There are several areas on the almost 5 acres that have been neglected over the years and we are working our patooties off to bring things back to the way they were meant to be.  It’s hard work but oh soooo gratifying!

The crew finally finished shingling the roof last week and not too long after they left, another crew arrived to pressure wash the house and workshop.  Our 175 year old house now sparkles.

The peonies are in full bloom and they add so much to the ambiance of the front gardens.  The hostas were transplanted earlier this spring. They were given to me by a hooking friend and are thoroughly enjoying their new environment. The soil here in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is so fertile and everything seems to flourish.

Most of the plants in this part of the front garden are new and that is why they appear so small. I can’t wait until they mature and fill in the empty spaces.  I still have a few more perennials to plant in this area and now that the outside workers are gone, guess what’s on my ‘to do’ list for tomorrow? 

Can you see Mac at the very end of the garden? The groomer  got a little carried away and gave him a summer crew cut.

We moved the wheel barrow to the front yard and it is now perched on a large boulder in the grassy area located between the house and the road.  It looks much better there and the towering maples provide the necessary protection for the shade-loving begonias.

The workshop looks so pristine after the pressure washing…almost like a sentinel protecting the house and grounds. 

Most of the plants in the garden on the side of the house are new this year as well.  It took me almost two days to weed the beds after the roofers and pressure washing crews completed their work.   I absolutely love the natural look of the black cedar mulch that I laid down to both keep the moisture in and the weeds out.  Now if only it would stay that way!

The rose garden is coming along.  I neglected to get a picture when all five bushes were in bloom at the same time.  We are still working on the barn in the background getting it ready for some laying hens.  We decided to throw caution to the wind and proceed with all the plans we had before receiving the ‘news’…because life goes on.

I can’t remember the name of this hybrid tea rose that’s a little past it’s prime in this photo but it’s still gorgeous.  I

This one is called “Oklahoma” and it’s a knockout.   The colors are magnificent, ranging from a medium red to a deep red to almost black in come areas.  The petals look and feel like velvet.

The kitchen garden is flourishing as well.  We’ve had one meal from a head of red leafy lettuce and it was sooooo tasty.  How gratifying it is to be able to harvest things from your own garden and we already have plans to extend this little patch for next year. 

And thankfully,  life goes on. 

I have just about finished the line drawings for a new quilt and if everything goes as planned, I hope to start cutting and piecing next week.

I am in great spirits and the only difference I can physically feel is that I seem to tire quickly and have had to resort to afternoon naps.   I’m not sure how much all the physical activity and ‘age’ have contributed to this.  *wink*

Wish me luck as we’ll be leaving for the hospital in a couple of hours.  Big hugs to you all.