Through thick and through thin.....

 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 💜

Get out there and mix it up!

 

I live in a retirement community in a comfortable home. And there are times when it would be easier to stay at home and relax. But I don't like to sit still and do nothing. I like to be active.

And I can't remember when I've had a more interesting and unusual week as this past week.

We hiked a familiar trail and saw log trucks. 

Way back on the land that constitutes the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve are some pine forests. Here's a photo of the locked gate they go through, it's not open to the public.

But we happened to be there to see 3 big trucks haul Texas Toothpicks out of the forest. (that's what we always called the tall skinny pine trees)

And then there was an early morning meeting with a very special young man.

One of my sons was passing through and I got to have breakfast with him and hug him about 100 times! 

That really made the week AMAZING!

And then I got to do a good deed. I'm not at liberty to say what I did. But I will say I didn't hesitate to do the right thing. And even though I will not know the outcome, I hope and pray someone is very thankful for the hiker in the pink cap this week. I know God blesses us when we live our lives caring for others and following the Golden Rule. 

So I have had lots of good feelings and special blessings this past week. 

Have you had a chance to let your light shine?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

Also I like Thursdays HERE.  

Happy Thanksgiving from Florida!

I love taking part in Thankful Thursday every week. 

 It's wonderful to count our blessings every day and share them on Thursdays.

The Robins showed up this week by the hundreds!

 

 I spent some time with my Florida Wildflower book and the closest I came to an ID for this pretty purple flower is Deer Tongue. If you have any other ideas, please let me know.

I hope your day is filled with joy and happiness....and good memories. Have a blessed day wherever you live!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays .