Best Friends

Just spent a lovely weekend with my very best friend, Sherry!  We've known each other since we were both 13 years old; for those curious about such things, it will be 40 years next spring!!  And I truly thank God for the day He brought her into my life!  We haven't always agreed on everything and frequently we are poles apart in our thinking, but there is a core, an underlying sense of peace, that has only strengthened as the years have passed.  We know all the good things about each other, as well as a whole lot of the bad, but somehow it never seems to matter because it isn't about pointing fingers or oneupmanship. It's about the gift of love.  We share a history, Sherry and I, which is especially nice because it allows us the privilege of knowing where we're coming from and what we've both been through to get where we are today.  As I see it, having a friend is wonderful.  Having a best friend is a gift from Heaven above.  To Sherry!

Taken during our last trip to one of our favorite shops, World Market, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee!  Sorry Sherry - I know I don't have permission to use this picture of you, but you'll just have to deal! It's one of my favorites and every time I see it, I'm reminded of all the fun we had that particular day!

I found this card on the Internet; it sums things up quite nicely about both of us!

A stem of Morning Glory!  These have the sweetest little purple flowers when they're blooming, but I like the fact the leaves are all shaped like hearts!

May God Bless! Jan

Work on the Courtyard & Outdoor Fireplace Continue!

Just realized I hadn't posted the latest photos, even though these are a month or so old.  I've already decorated it in my mind a hundred different ways!  BTW - Nigel, did you know I plan on decorating your courtyard for you? Hmmmm....we'll talk, okay?  Anyway, see what you think!

 One of the best purchases I think we've made this year is this portable cement mixer (the red thingy at the top right of the picture).  Saves on poor aching muscles trying to get that stuff mixed properly!!

 This is an entrance from one of the sides.

 The rock piled on top of the wall is to go around the fireplace (see picture below), as well as the posts that will support an arbor and anywhere else Nigel wants to put them!  The two small "arms" jutting out from the wall at the right of the photo will eventually support the grill.

Here's the back of the fireplace.  You can see where Nigel is adding the rock. This wall looks rather plain here, but Nigel planted a small "kitchen garden" in front of it (located between the wall and the front of my studio).  I'll try to take photos this weekend and show everyone. We have tomato plants (I just picked two large red ones about an hour ago!!), basil,  bell peppers, mint, squash, and sweet pepper.  Lovely because it's very small, easily accessed and therefore easily taken care of, and close to the kitchen!  Yes, I realize I don't cook anymore, but who has to cook when you can just pick fresh veggies and eat them!  YUM!!

Here's the front of the fireplace, with the two "wood boxes" (i.e., boxes that will hold wood for burning in the future).  Those slabs on top of each "box" are massive! I had to tease Nigel. He actually made them too thick - and therefore MUCH heavier - than necessary.  But working together, I actually helped him get them in place!  Okay, okay.....I only helped a little and probably got in the way more than anything else, but I still helped a little.  Besides, it was great fun teasing him because his work is usually flawless; nice to know he's a "mere mortal" like the rest of us! 

Hope you're all having a lovely evening! Me - I'm enjoying the peace and solitude of an empty house and listening to the rain outside.  Absolutely blissful, especially this time of year!

May God Bless, Jan