...absent but not forgotten

I've been thinking about a friend today.......I'm not sure "friend" is the right word.........a woman in our little town that I greatly admire. She "graduated" a week ago and I find I'm still sad that I'm not going to see her at the grocery store or the beauty salon. Kay was a teenager in World War II Berlin......survived the Allied attacks, the shortage of food, and the invading armies--in East Berlin. Amazing story! Her daughter wrote a book, "We Were Not Alone"........sold through Deseret Book. Kay shared her faith promoting experiences and testimony whenever asked. I don't know what brought her to our town, but shortly after arriving her husband died, leaving her to provide for her children--five, I think. Through it all her testimony never waivered. She made me think that every day was a gift. Her laugh was contagious and made her eyes sparkle. She would probably be surprised to know that she has influenced my life as she has--that I think of her in this way.........without guile, presumption or self-importance.........she lived quietly and was always kind and willing--thinking of others. One Christmas when she and her children received two turkeys, she gathered them around her, explained they couldn't use and didn't need two whole turkeys, and asked them to help her decide who they could share with!!..........she is the kind of woman I want to become. I want all of you to know her too. I give her high marks..........in my book, she graduated with high honors!!

...empty nest.....(ers)........

Our hummingbirds have flown...............we are sad but glad..........you understand..........I went out the other day and the nest was empty. I've seen at least one hummingbird flying around since then, but I have no idea if they are momma or baby. I'm just glad they made it!!!!

This was taken the day after the last one (with Dan in his red shirt standing behind them). They were head to head this time instead of head to tail........(sorry, you probably noticed that already). The next two are two days later.................they are gone..................we wish them well...........I wonder how far they migrate? Anyone know? and where? ....hmmmmm.......lots of things to learn.........

...hummingbirds #3

They are looking so big and alert..........and there really are two and they are both doing well! Such fun to watch them. We see the mother now and then flying around, but I've never seen her even sitting close to the nest much less feeding them. That would be fun to watch!!!

Aren't they beautiful???? Such perfect little beaks, eyes........and just a little down left. They will probably be gone in another week............another testament of the Creator..............

...reunion 2011

We had our family reunion last week................a joyful, noisy four days with too little sleep, too much to eat, jam-packed with fun things to do!

We built and launched rockets...

Fueled--ready for launch

.....hummingbird update

Our two baby birds are doing well! I was afraid they might not survive the grandchildren, but they left them entirely alone after I told them how skittish hummingbird mommies are............I don't know how they fit in that nest! It almost looks like they push themselves out! And one did stick it's wing out for a little stretch. They certainly grow fast! There were even feathers on it! 'Course, I wasn't fast enough to get a picture.........but here you can see their little beaks.........so amazing and miraculous!!

Close by I found our lilies in bloom...........I love lilies...............

And our "flag" at the front door...............Hooray!!!!! for the U.S.A.!!!!!!

J