Book blogging buddies
There has been a lot of LIFE happening in the last few months, some of it difficult and some of it absolutely lovely but also time-consuming. As a result I have gone missing from my blog once again! But I have continued with my reading, just not with writing about it, and have quietly visited many of your blogs when time allowed. But after meeting two lovely blogging friends for lunch yesterday, Les @Coastal Horizons, and Kay @Kay’s Reading LIfe, I am inspired again to return to my writing and sharing about books and life. Thank you, Les and Kay! But before I tell you what books I’ve been enjoying (I promise another post devoted to the books I’ve read since April), I must tell you what LIFE has been like around here recently.
The major focus for me in the last few months has been my mother’s health. Those of you who have followed me over the years, know that my mother is a great reader, my mentor and best friend, and my reading buddy. Since we live in different states, this blog was started as another way to communicate with her and share what we are reading. My amazing and resilient mother is turning 99 years old in August! And she continues to be an avid reader. We always talk about books during our daily phone conversations, but recently she has begun to have some more serious health problems, so we fully realize that these days and our daily conversations are precious.
In the last six months, I have made a number of special trips to see her. On one trip, I took my daughter, and then a few months later, I took my son and grandson to see her. Each trip was wonderful and full of special memories. My husband and I visited her in May, and we are heading out next week for another, longer, visit with her. My brothers and their wives will all be there as well, so it will truly be a celebration of family and an early birthday celebration for her. She and I will definitely be talking about books during that visit and I will treasure those moments.
The other focus in the last few months has been on my garden! Yes, gardening is definitely therapy for anxiety and anticipated loss, but it is also my new passion. My husband, my daughter, and I all share in the work on these garden projects, and it’s been a delightful way to spend our time!
The garden project we’ve been working on (started last Fall) is my “Butterfly Garden,” a project inspired by the butterfly garden built by the 2nd graders in my school before I retired. We have turned a narrow piece of our property, on the south side of the garage and along the alley way, into a beautiful garden! We can’t see it from the house, so we’ve put chairs out there so we can sit and watch the flowers grow, the bees do their thing, and a few butterflies that are finding their way to a place designed specifically for them. I hope you enjoy this slideshow of the butterfly garden as it has progressed!
A Fondness For Reading 
I am so glad you were able to meet up with me and Kay, Robin! I had a wonderful time and McMinnville is always a fun place for a visit. We’ll have to plan another visit once we’re both back from our travels.
Your garden is so beautiful. I love the flowers, but I also love that fence! So, so lovely.
Safe travels and enjoy every precious moment with your mom!
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Thanks, Les! I love seeing you again and meeting Kay. Happy travels to you, too!
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Blogger meet-ups are so fun and are definitely motivating! Enjoy your trip next week and every moment with your mom. She looks fantastic for almost-99. 🙂
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Thanks, Kristen! We must definitely meet up again, too! I so enjoyed our time together last year. And, yes, our time with Mom this week is precious. She is amazing for almost-99! I’ll tell her you said that! Thanks!
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Robin – I had such a good time at lunch with you and Les! It was perfect and our walk through town and shopping time was great! So happy we got to spend time together and share things about our lives and reading and blogs and family and, and, and…LOL! Yes, your garden is gorgeous. I loved seeing all the beauty in Oregon – made me miss it – especially when we got off the plane in Texas and the hot. Ha! Please give you Mom and hug for me and tell her that we all remember her and are amazed. Take care – glad you’re getting to spend special time with her. Remember you can email me at any time just to chat or share. Truly. Many hugs!
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Kay, it was a lovely time together! I’m so glad we had the opportunity to finally meet in person! Thank you for your kind insights and thoughts about this stage of life with my Mom. I gave her your hug and shared your greetings! She loved that!
I will be in touch! Much love!
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What a happy photo – just love this! Blogger meet-ups are always a treat, you are three lucky ladies. I’ve enjoyed following your garden photos on Instagram, but it’s even more impressive to watch the progression in a slide show. You and your mom are in my thoughts…
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Thanks, JoAnn! I agree that blogger meet-ups are a real treat. Very special friends, all of us who know each other through our love of books and writing! Thanks for keeping mom and me in your thoughts. Hugs.
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This post is the perfect example of why blogging is so special and why FB and IG can never replace it. A blog is a place to go for depth and meaning. Pictures are lovely and quick postings are fine, but oh, how I love to read a blog post like this one. I’m sorry your mother is declining. I used to love reading her book reviews. Please let her know that there are many of us who enjoyed her ‘company.’
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Oh Nan, I so agree with you! There’s nothing quite like blogging, and the book blogging community is unique! And it’s a wonderful treat when we can meet in person!
I gave Mom your message and she loved it. Although increasingly frail, she is still very “with it,” so she really appreciated you reaching out to her. Hugs to you from both of us!
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Love this post and special meet up. How wonderful to still have these special mom book moments together Robin. The photos of your butterfly garden are lovely as well.
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Thanks, Diane!
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