Isn't that true friendship? Blog friends that see you through thick and thin?
You'll never know how much you have all meant to me this past year, I can't thank you enough for sticking with me through the saddest time in my life.
White Ibis in my backyard
But time passes. And we are forever facing more challenges. I know you are all going through hard times, whether you share it in a blog post or not. And I continue to pray for each of you.
I was so exhausted after months of my husband's illness that when he passed away, I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I even spent one long afternoon in the emergency room having test after test done to find out what was wrong. But the doctor gave me a bill of good health and said I was normal.
He said to go home and take care of myself so that's what I've done recently.
MaMa Deer on the Greenway
My family and friends have been so great at supporting me and encouraging me. I'm finally back to walking the trails at a moderate rate and enjoying nature with a renewed spirit.
OH MY!
The spotted Fawn is running as fast as it can to keep up! What a fun siting!
And this isn't a big announcement but I've reconnected with an old friend I've know for over 25 years and that's made all the difference. He's visited me from Virginia and I've drug him down more than one forest trail and haven't scared him off yet. What fun it is to hike with someone who enjoys nature as much as I do.
The 'You are in Bear country' sign didn't even scare him off!
So please tell me how you are in your comments. I'll spend the weekend visiting my blog buddies and catching up! I can't wait!
Take care and God bless you all. Words cannot express the love I feel for each and every one of you.
So here's a big Southern HUG for you all!
Sweet hugs, Diane π
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64 comments:
Good morning everyone!
This was such a heartfelt post. I’m so glad to hear you’re finding your way back to the things that bring you peace, especially your walks and time in nature. Your photos are beautiful, and it’s wonderful seeing a little more light returning to your days.
Hello Diane,
I have been praying for you all this while.
Thank you for the update.
I will continue to pray. I am always here if you need to chat.
Love, Carla
Good morning, I had not been here for quite a long time and I was greatly saddened for your loss. It is wonderful that you have reconnected with your friend and getting back in nature is balm for the soul. Hugs, Denise
I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's death. That must have been very difficult.
You're a hiker!! I founded and run my own mountain climbing hiking Group (although we do flat hikes too!) and on Wed we have a BIG mt to climb (almost 3500') in Vermont, about an hour and 20 min east of my home here in eastern NY. I can't wait. So far this year I've led 14 hikes since end of March. It's glorious.
You probably don't do mt hiking in florida I'm guessing??
I hope you continue t enjoy good health and happy hiking!
I'm glad you are doing well and thanks for sharing your fun trail walk. Hugs from all of us.
LOVE all you've said here, Diane! As I type this comment, I am in the process of wrapping up my own blog post with mention of you. It is a blessing to me and to all who know you to see how the Lord is bringing you through a really tough time to see happiness once again. Thanks for sharing with us! Love you, girl!
I just sent you a couple of email...forgive me for my stupidity on the first one! Anyway, I am glad that you got a clean bill of health and that you are back hiking and enjoying life a bit. You are doing well in persuading someone to make a journey to hike with you in the Florida heat and humidity. lol. I am back to walking about 3 miles a day after spending almost a year not able to walk more than a block because of pain. Life is something sometimes, right?! Much love to you- Diana
I have Missed your posts! Love the deer pictures. So glad you're getting out and about and back to the trails! And a friend to enjoy it with. It's been π₯ hot here and lots of storms. HUGS π π π π
SOOO glad to see a post from you! It is wonderful to know that you are moving forward into living life to its fullest. You got this, girlie....xo Diana
Oh my! I am overwhelmed by all of this sweetness! You are all the best! Nana Diana....you came through for me! hahaha!
Your health and well being is a joy to know about. Your strong spirit is inspirational.
The fawn dashing after the mom is precious. Thank you for the smiles
Not scared away by bear signs is a plus.
May
I am so happy to hear that you are doing well and back to hiking. It's a difficult adjustment but it does get easier as time goes on. A good support system helps. Nice that you've reconnected with an old friend and have common interests.
Oh how wonderful to hear from you. Glad to hear you are getting back to walking and how great to have a friend to go with you. I wish you the best. :)
Welcome back to Blogland. It's so good to see your post and visit (comment reply coming soon!). Grief is its own beast and it takes its own time. We all handle things differently but it can take not only an emotional toll but a huge physical toll. I'm glad your check-up was OK and that you are taking care of yourself, honoring yourself with tenderness. It matters. And glad that you have someone to enjoy your hikes with. Nature does help cure, I think, and it's nice to be able to share it with someone.
Oh my friend. It is so nice to see you pop in. I often stopped by just to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Blogger doesn't always update new posts. My heart leapt when you commented and I knew you were okay! I know you have been through so much and I cannot imagine. I am glad you are back on the trails. When my health gets back to a level place I can't wait to get back out there. I am biting the chomps. Blessings and hugs. Beautiful photos!! Glad you have a friend enjoying nature along with you!
...Diane, I always feel awkward and don't know what to say when someone loses a loved one. Be strong and enjoy each day that you are given.
Lovely to see this post from you.
Great that you have reconnected with an old friend and have been on hikes together. Lovely photographs on your post.
Sending good wishes to you.
All the best Jan
Welcome back! Thanks for commenting on my post today!! I would love to meet up with you in person one of these days and offer you hospitality here, too! You would love hiking Circle B Bar, I think!! Sending love and a hug! xo
So nice to see you back to blogging, Diane! Many people suffer from a real medical condition called "Broken Heart Syndrome" after the death of a loved one. Mayo Clinic defines iut as "Broken heart syndrome is a heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions." I'm glad you took time to rest and get your strength back and are feeling better. It's so nice you reconnected with an old friend and are walking again.on your nature trails!
Hello Diane,
You were able to take beautiful photos of the deer.
It is so nice to hear that you are doing well and that you can go for walks again, and also that you met an old friend again.
I wish you a wonderful weekend.
All the best, Irma
Hi Diane, nice to see you again on the blog. I am glad you feel a little better after hard times and you have an old friend to enjoy nature with. Have a nice weekend.
I'm so glad you're finding strength in family, friends, nature, and old friendships. The photos are beautiful, but your renewed spirit is even more beautiful to see.
So glad to hear from you and that after such a tough time, and you are managing now to get on with your life again, plus you have an 'old' friend to walk with. I have a friend here that has just gone through what you have. She is still battling with all the paperwork, but so difficult for her as it is all in French and her French is very average. She knows though any problems we are in the next village. My husband speaks quite good French! Love your photos, glad you are back blogging again. Take care, love from t'other Diane xx
Loss and grief is so difficult. Reconnecting with a friend to share some companionship and like minded activities sounds like it is a big help. So glad to see you posting again. We have missed you too. Sending hugs .
Diane ~ so good to 'see you' and hear from you that you are moving on with your life ~ the deer photos are awesome and having a friend to enjoy nature with is a gift ~ thanks for your prayers ~ need them always and prayers for you also ~ '
Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects ~ https://anartistreflects.com
A big, strong hug, Diane.
Amalia
xo
I wish you strength and good health and better times in the future!
Hello, my friend. You have ben on my mind and heart, and I am happy to see you here today. Hugs and happy thoughts!
I know it's been a long and difficult year for you, and I am SO happy to hear that you're getting out and about again. Summer is here - let the fun begin! I love you my dear friend.
I am so sorry about your loss. I lost my brother back in November after a six year illness and things just take time to grieve. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself and you are doing what you love to do.
Dear Diane, it is SO good to hear from you, and to know that you are doing well..so glad you got a clean bill of health. Stress and anxiety can create all kinds of scenarios in our health, so I am thankful for you that you took the Doctor's orders and got back to "living" and doing the things you enjoy. And how wonderful that the Lord sent a friend to you who enjoys doing the things that you enjoy! May God bless you and keep you always in His loving care, and may He continue to bless you with good health and strength and peace of mind. Thank you for sharing these good reports with us. We will continue to lift you up in prayer in the days ahead.
Hi Diane! The Lord has blessed you, as he walked with you through the grief of loosing your husband. He's giving you the strength, courage, and wisdom to move on. All that is reflected in this beautiful post you've written. Shalom!
I was so happy to see this post, Diane! I have thought of you many times and wondered how you were doing. Getting out for your hikes will give you strength again. Be well friend.
Hi Diane,
My 89-year-old mother was hit by a bus and was badly injured. So that's why I haven't visited your blog for a long time, and that's why I didn't know that your husband had died. I send you my warmest thoughts, and my deepest condolences.
Take care of yourself and enjoy nature! Beautiful pictures!
Hugs, Marit
Hello Diane,
Welcome back, I missed you! I am so happy you have so many friends and family surrounding you with love. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Great post sharing your White Ibis and all the deer! Sending lots of hugs! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Dear Diane!
Of course! You're not old. You look wonderful. And dreams have no age. Take advantage while you still can and see the Amalfi Coast! Amalfi and other towns are a true paradise on Earth. A properly planned trip will allow anyone to fully enjoy this charming spot.
https://czarownyswiat.blogspot.com/2025/04/spacer-po-positano.html
I wish you a beautiful summer and send you warmest regards.
I´m with you... slowly with my back-pain...
Bear country sounds scary!!!!
Hugs!
Looking forward to getting to know you, Diane. Have a beautiful weekend!
Good to know you are starting to feel in good health. Friendship and nature will see us through!
Sounds like you are doing well as a widow, coping with all that life throws at you. Look forward to reading your blog more regularly.
I hope that you will continue to find solace in nature. Regardless of other circumstances in your life it will always be there for you. It has been for me and has never let me down. Keep on getting better and look forward and not backward. Best wishes - David
A great Ibis shot!
Of course, there is nothing wrong with you.
Everything has to take it's time, and everything is normal.
Hugs,
Irene
I'm glad to hear you are doing better, Diane. It's so hard to lose a loved one after so many years. Oh my, that deer was so special to see on your post today. I have been seeing them around a lot lately in May and June, and they visit me on my lawn! The white ibis is wonderful too, and how neat that you saw him in your backyard! I like the Bear sign. Have a peaceful weekend, and I'm glad to see a post from you again. : )
When I catch tenderness on your blog for Good morning on the first day of summer, can there be anything more beautiful?
Summer greetings from my Slovenia and welcome to my blog, hug, Andreja!
Good to know you are doing much better. Friends go a long way in stabilizing oneself.
Oh look at that sweet fawn dashing off after Mom, a blurrrrr of beauty! Enjoying friendship and nature are ways to take care of yourself. It was so nice to read your post and thank you for dropping by my blog for a visit!
i was so very happy to see your name in the critter linky today. so happy, to know that maybe you went for a hike, that you felt well enough to join in!! i waited until today to comment, when i had a little time!! i have thought about you every saturday, always hoping i would see you here. nature is such a great reset for the soul. a place where what you see and hear will never let you down. i sometimes get lost in the moment, enjoying the scenery so much. this is a place you both loved, when you are here you are nearer to your husband and it is wonderful to have someone you can share this with!! your husband would be thrilled...to know you have someone to share these special walks with. your images today are really special, we don't see baby deer until late august, early september!! take care of you diane, there is nothing more important than you!! have a wonderful sunday!!
Dearest Diane,
I didn't know about your loss, and I'm far sure you've been passing such a hard time, I hug you dearly! I was thinking of you a few days ago, since I didn't see any update from your blog for months, I supposed due to a Google issue. But you weren't blogging because of your grief, and finally you're back with us, I'm glad you've found the strenght necessary to go on. I'm sure that your love for Nature is a big help to comfort you.
May the Lord grant you a blessed Sunday
XO Daniela @ ~ My little old world ~
Happy Monday
I am at the linky
HERE
Much love
Hello! I came from Barbara's post that mentioned you. I am sorry for the loss of your husband and am glad to see that you are healing and enjoying life again.
Although I’m very sad that you lost your husband, I’m glad that you’re taking care of yourself. I think it’s great that a friend came to help you get back out on the trails. Nature is a good way to stay in touch with the Earth and its wholeness.
The deer are beautiful. Sending hugs and prayers.
"Oh, my heart goes out to you. π That exhaustion you felt—the kind that settles into your bones after months of caregiving—is so real, and I'm so glad you listened to your body and got checked out. Even when the tests come back 'normal,' the weight of everything you've been through is anything but.
And now, taking care of you... that's exactly right. That's not selfish—that's necessary. You've given so much, and now it's time to let the healing begin, one small step at a time.
Seeing a White Ibis in your backyard feels like a quiet gift—a reminder that life and beauty are still moving around you, gently and steadily. Sending you so much warmth, rest, and peace in the days ahead. You're not alone. π€π️"
https://nanajee.com/2025/01/08/2025-travel-bucket-list-hidden-gems-to-explore/
I am so happy to see you posting.I have been gone on vacation and then catching back up on life. So glad to see you back outside on the trial!
I am glad to hear that your check up was good. It's great that you are getting out for hikes with your friend. Walking in nature must be healing. Sending hugs your way.
I enjoyed stopping by your blog today (by way of Sandy's blog, I believe). So nice to read that your feeling encouraged, enjoying hiking and getting outside, and feeling blessed as well!!
Sometimes life has a special way of opening new doors in our adventure of living it. I'm glad you have reconnected with nature along with a rekindled friendship to share it with. Much love and hugs.
Oh Diane, I did not know about your husband! I am so sorry. The stress and grief must be unbearable. I will be praying for you.
Jeannie @ GetMeToTheCountry
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Grief is all consuming and it takes a toll. I am glad that your check-ups were normal.
I happy to see you again and that you are outside hiking again. So wonderful that you reconnected with nature and an old friend who shares the same joy of hiking as you do.
Hugs, Soma
I am so sorry about your husband. I have been away from blogging for a few months, and did not know. Prayers for you, my friend.
Me alegra saber que te encuentras mejor. Los paseos por la naturaleza son sanadores, yo ΓΊltimamente no puedo ir mis rodillas no estΓ‘n muy bien, una estΓ‘ operada y la otra esperando. Besos.
Thank you for this post, Diane. Grief can be utterly draining and oh, so stressful. I'm glad you were told to take care of yourself, and that you are starting to feel better. Hiking on your beautiful trails will help.
This sounds so hopeful. I know someone who lost an adult daughter, and she never got over it. OK, that is wrong. She never accepted it. They wouldn't want us to suffer so.
You have been so strong Diane, but with the help of family and friends you have come through it all the more stronger.
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