Heart Procedure Update

University of Colorado Hospital

Good news is always good news.  I am so grateful to have good news to report.  

Morning came early the day of surgery.  I'm just not an early morning person, but I had an appointment to make, so around 5:00 a.m. I rolled out of bed at the Springhill Suites across the street from the hospital and got myself ready for my big day.  

The air felt crisp and cool as I gazed a the beautiful front range of the Rocky Mountains as we walked to the car.  Reflective thoughts soothed me as I gazed at towering outlines of mountains against a sky just beginning to lighten in the dawn of day.  The verses I meditated on before bed entered my heart:  I will lift my eyes until the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from The Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)  That Psalm, my Psalm, always calms my heart and reminds me I am in God's hands.  The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.  

Once we entered the hospital, there were moments of anxiety when I wanted to say,  "I've changed my mind.  I'm not doing this."  Did you ever feel that way before a medical procedure?  Thankfully, I was surrounded by a wonderful team of doctors and anesthesiologists.  This kept my fears at bay even when I entered the surgical room.  Talk about an intimidating place!  It was huge and full of all kinds of equipment and machines and people.  I barely could see the skinny little bed where I would lie as the procedure was performed.

Once I'd entered the surgical room, and just prior to the surgery, several ice cold, large disc shaped patches were attached to my back and front.  I had been warned that I was going into a very cold room where very cold patches would be placed on me.  I asked if we could take pictures and just use this experience as my ice bucket challenge.  These discs or magnets are actually defibrillators and magnets that allow for 3-D pictures of my heart.

This catheterization, was not, as the saying goes,  my first rodeo.  I'd had a heart catheterization a year ago.  This most recent one was much more intense to me, but I was told the other procedure was actually more tricky because of the side of the heart that is catherized for an artery study.  The procedure that I had on Friday was an electrical study.

The surgery itself ended up lasting four hours.  I think my dear husband was beside himself with worry.  I was out cold for it all since I was given propofol. Or, if I were awake, I have absolutely no memory of anything, thank heavens.  The doctor had to perform a heart ablation.   This ablation should have destroyed those places in my heart that were causing arrhythmias.  During the study, I did go into atrial fibrillation (aFib) with my heart beating 200 beats a minute.  The doctors were unable to slow down the rapid beat with medication while I was in surgery, so they had to shock my heart back into rhythm using those discs that been attached to my body prior to surgery.  I'd say it is handy to have a defibrillator attached to your body!

Because the procedure was done by a catheter being fed up to my heart via an entrance in the groin, I had to lie flat on my back another four hours after surgery.  I was constantly monitored so I wouldn't cross my legs or try to bend them, or attempt to get up.  I had exceptional care during the entire time I was in the hospital.  There are only three patients for every nurse on the cardiac recovery unit.    I felt very safe and cared for.

I spent the night after surgery in the hospital.  This is always done after an ablation.  Reportedly, I had no palpitations at all, and my heart rate was good the entire time.  I did have some bouts with low blood pressure during the morning hours on the day after surgery.  My readings were as low as 88/48.  I have problems with low blood pressure at times, so this was not a new thing.  Once I was up and moving around, my blood pressure improved.

The doctor put me on a diabetic diet while I was in the hospital.  Smart move on his part, and actually, the food I had while I was there was exceptional.  For lunch just before I left to go home, I had crab cakes, delicious crab cakes, arranged on a bed of romaine lettuce, and served with fresh asparagus spears grilled to perfection, and fresh steamed spinach.  I was even allowed one half of a slice of carrot cake.  It was all very good tasting and quite satisfying.

I'm so very grateful to have this procedure behind me.  For years, my doctor has discussed the possibility of doing such a procedure, but she never felt the time had come when I needed it.  I was referred to Dr. X. by way of my wonderful G.I. doctor at National Jewish.  (She referred me to a NJH cardiologist.  He went through my records.  During a consultation with the NJH cardiologist, he said I needed to go the University of Colorado Hospital to their electrophysiology doctors and even made sure I saw Dr. X.)  There were actually two doctors of cardiac electrophysiology who attended me during my surgery, and neither one expected to find what they did once they were able to do the electrical study of my heart.  The problems just were not showing up on the holter monitors that I have worn so often.  

I look forward to again being able to walk at longer distances, hike up some hills, and just live life without episodes of tachycardia (rapid heart beat) stopping me in my tracks.  I hope to no longer be bothered by constant palpitations.  I hope to have fewer dizzy spells.  I think my quality of life just got better, much better.  I am so grateful.

Thank you to all of you that sent me good wishes.  Soon, I will be back to being able to exercise and walk.  The next battle is with the weight I've put on.  Along with that battle, I'll be battling pre-diabetes.  Onward and upward…

**I am not a medical doctor, and I have limited understanding of all that took place during my surgery.  It has been explained to me.  One doctor even drew a picture for me.  My knowledge and understanding of the procedure remains quite limited.  I've only conveyed to you what I understand.  I'm sure there were wonderful technical things done of which I have no knowledge.  Thankfully, I can leave all that knowledge to my doctors while I remain the one who benefited from their education, skill, and expertise.  

We have an early morning appointment tomorrow at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver.  I'm having my old ticker checked on  Yes, tomorrow morning I will have an electrical study of my heart.  This has been a long time coming, and quite frankly, I'll be glad to have it done.

As some of you know, I've struggled with arrhythmia problems, rapid heart beat, and dizzy spells for a number of years now.  I've worn a holter monitor multiple times since I was in my 40's.  I've worn a 30 day event monitor more times than I can count.  I don't want to begin to calculate how many visits to the ER I've made.  Then, there have been all the other cardiac tests that have been inconclusive.  We know I have arrhythmia problems, and supra ventricular tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and we know that at times my blood pressure drops way too low, but so far, nothing has helped my heart spells.  

Finally, I was referred to a specialist at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver.  Tomorrow, he will insert a heart catheter into my heart to do an electrical study.  If he finds it necessary, he will do a heart ablation.  He also plans on inserting a looping monitor implant under the skin over the heart area.  I've never heard of such a device before meeting Dr. S, and I certainly can't explain to you what it does.  I did provide a link if you are interested.  I am hopeful that we will get to the bottom of my re-occurring problems and find answers for that which has compromised my quality of life for too long.

I am grateful to have been referred to this doctor.  I am also grateful that he seems to think that we can get things fixed up for me.  The facility itself is huge, but we are learning our way around the place, and know how to get where we are going early tomorrow morning.  I know I will be in good hands.  

If an ablation is done, I will be hospitalized overnight.  Otherwise, I will be released after I recover from the catheterization.  We plan on spending Friday night in Denver even if I am not hospitalized.  Neither of us want to fight holiday traffic after a day at the hospital.

Now, I must get to bed.  I am getting just a bit nervous, but thankfully I know what to expect since I had a catheterization a year ago.  5:00 a.m. comes early.  We are staying just across the street from the main facility.  That will give us a short commute.  So, off to bed I go.  I'll update you as soon as I can.  

Summer Memories for 2014 ~ Part One

Summer began for me when we as a family all came together to celebrate the marriage of my oldest son Ryan and his beautiful bride Sheridan.  It was the family event of the year.  For me, it was a precious few days with my children and grandchildren.  Those times are so rare.  Those times are so treasured.

Grandsons were reunited.

There were times of fishing, hiking, and just hanging out like boys love to do.

Male bonding time is so important.

The family wedding gave four of my favorite boys time for that.

The other two favorite boys of mine, grandson Atticus, and son Jon,  were absent from this gathering,

but we would see them later in the summer.

In August, the noon time meal that I shared with just Parker and Mason in June has become a precious memory.

We talked about life.

I love when I can spend time talking to my grandsons.

I love that my grandsons sometimes want to spend time talking with me.

Of course the granddaughters were there too.

My regret is that I didn't get the camera out and take more photos of them.
The laughed and giggled,
sat in front of the fire and made smores.

They helped with wedding preparations.

Sometimes, I don't like to constantly be taking photos.

The grandchildren dread the camera coming out.

Later, I wish I had more photos.

My daughters also had a time of being together that included hiking, and getting dressed up for the big event.

Later in the summer, my youngest son and his son came out for a visit.

I had not seen them for two years.

That is way too long to go without a visit.

Jon and Atticus had not been seen our new home.

I must admit I was a bit nervous that they wouldn't like it.

Our old home had been such a great "grandma" kind of house.

This new place has a lot to offer.

What's not to like about the places where we walk in the evening?

 The surroundings are serene, and peaceful.

The views of the city are spectacular.

And then, there are the ubiquitous deer

that are so common to us, but a delight for others to see.

There was a large expanse of green grass where Jonathan could practice his handstand.

One day of their visit was spent at Water World.

Hannah and Atticus were able to spend the day exploring the many exciting parts of Water World with Jon.

Grandma Sally took no pictures, and mostly sat under a tree trying to stay cool.

She did venture into the water a few times.

We've had so much rain this summer, and it seemed to rain everyday while Jonathan and Atticus were here.  We ventured out for a hike with Grandpa Jim, but we only got a photo taken and then the rain came down.  No hiking was done.

So, off we went to Manitou.

The penny arcade is always a nice destination when it rains.

Jon said this was a game he loved to play when he was the age of Atticus.

Looks like he still likes to play it.

I asked my only left handed grandchild if he played skee ball with his left hand or his right.

He wasn't sure.

He tried using the left hand and then the right to toss the ball.

I guess he is ambidextrous when it comes to skee ball.

I don't know that Atticus has developed a taste for the mineral water we call Manitou water yet,

but he drinks it every summer.  It is part of the ritual that is a part of coming to Colorado.

Jon wanted to take us to a place we'd never been.

It is a place where 'stoners' and 'graffiti artists' once hung out.

Now it is a family destination.

I guess the place had changed a lot since Jon was last there;

he'd never seen so many families there before.

The graffiti remains.

He hiked up on the rocks and looked around before helping Atticus across the creek.

We had to hurry home because daughter/sister Amy was coming down for a short visit.

Time with Jon and Amy together is truly rare and precious.

It brings a big smile to my face.

Too soon, Jon and Atticus had to leave for home.

They had flown from back east, but they would drive home in our trusty Subaru.

This car will now be Jon's mode of transportation.
It has served Jim well for many years.

Now, we hope it will also serve Jon just as well in those Pennsylvania winters.

Before Jon and Atticus made the trip across the U.S.A., it was time with some photos with Boston and his buddy Atticus.

Boston really enjoyed his time with Atticus.
He didn't even bother to report to our bedroom at bedtime.
He went directly downstairs and slept with Atticus.
Yep, he jumped up and slept on the same bed.
(This is totally against the rules for Boston, but the rules were slackened while Atticus was here.)
He really misses his buddy.

This grandma is grateful for every minute she had this summer with her grandchildren.
Now, summertime memories are stored away for another year.
Soon, we all will be in our assigned places for fall.
Summer will be a memory,
a precious memory of time spent with those I love most.

Unspeakable and Unimaginable

Unspeakable.
The unspeakable has happened again.
Our hearts are broken anew.
Another brilliant, gifted, valiant soul has lost his battle with depression.

Unimaginable.
The unimaginable has happened again.
Unimaginable.  That is the word my daughter used to describe suicide.

When I first heard of the death by suicide of Robin Williams, after the initial sudden wave of shock and sadness that hit me had passed, concern for those who suffer from depression, bi-polar disease, addiction, suicide ideation, or other forms of mental illness filled my mind with an all too familiar fear for their safety and well-being.  My mind began asking questions.  How will those who suffer deeply and struggle daily with these battles, these demons, respond to the news?  Will the insidious face of suicide ideation stalk the minds of those who struggle with an illness that can become so debilitating?  Will they know where to get help?  Will they get help?  Will suicide somehow become glorified?  Will the news media handle this news and all that might accompany it responsibly?

Within five minutes of hearing the news of the death of Robin Williams, my phone rang.  Having just driven into the driveway after a day spent on the road returning from a few days spent with my mother, and having just greeted my husband with a hug and a kiss, I took my phone from my purse and saw that the call was from my former husband, the father of my children. With my head still full of those questions I had just asked myself, and with a heart full of concern for others, the name on my phone screen triggered a deep reaction.  I think fear entered my mind when I saw his name because somehow I knew the call was linked to the news that we all were just hearing.  My mouth was suddenly dry when I said hello.  I struggled to remain calm as I awaited to hear the purpose for the call.  Fear was raging through my emotions.  Was something wrong?

Today, I have struggled over whether or not I should write this post.  I've questioned adding my voice to all the other voices that have been heard since yesterday's news of William's death became public.  I decided to write this post about suicide because I believe that part of my own healing involves me adding my voice to the throngs of others whom have lost a loved one to suicide.  I write this to bring suicide out of the darkness and into the light.  When we don't speak of what has been the unspeakable, those who struggle with depression and mental illness feel more alone.  The stigma of suicide becomes stronger than the message that there is hope and there is help for those who struggle.

On the evening before the day that marked what would have been the forty-eighth wedding anniversary for my former husband and myself, we spoke in voices to each other that expressed support and concern over our children.  News such as the news that has been all over the media traumatizes survivors of suicide.  My former husband, my children, other family members, and friends are all survivors of suicide.  Those who suffer the death of loved one by suicide are called survivors.  We also are quite familiar with the effects of PTSD that can be triggered very easily.  As my one daughter said to me today, "We have to give Mom and Dad a pass on this.  They have suffered deeply.  They will never get over Julie's death.  They will always fear for the rest of us.  We have to give them a pass."

I've read many things today about a subject that is just way too close to home for me.  Friends have reached out to me today expressing thoughts of concern and support.  I spoke with a trusted helper today who helped me understand why I seek to deal with those things which cannot be understood.

I will never fully understand why my daughter took her life.  I will never fully understand the pain and suffering that she endured in her life.  I will grieve her death until the day I die.  I will also celebrate the life and memory of the beautiful, talented, intelligent, funny, articulate, hardworking daughter that graced my life.  I will continue to give thanks for remaining four children whose lives enrich my life and bring me much joy and pride.

I was woefully unknowledgeable about mental illness when Julie was alive.  I am cognizant that awareness about mental health issues is where I must now focus my attention.  We all need to recognize warning signs of suicide.  We need to arm ourselves with effective interventions and treatments.  I carry a card with the warning signs of suicide in my wallet.  I have a list of them next to my computer.  I refer to the list of indicators of serious depression when I think I recognize it in others.  I ask hard questions when I think they need to be asked.  I try to keep my head out of the sand and my eyes open.  I try to keep my heart in tune so I recognize those who need a helping hand.  I will not let the stigma that once surrounded suicide silence me.

The topic of suicide has been unspeakable for too long.

The unimaginable pain that a suicide brings to those left behind is just that:  unimaginable.

Please join me in doing what you can to prevent suicide by arming yourself with information.  Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to print out this information.

If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

For My Grandchildren

This is a letter to my grandchildren, or perhaps, it is a letter to myself.  I’m not so sure my grandchildren will ever even read these words I have to say.  The words in my heart must be expressed even if the ones for whom they are intended never read them.

My grandchildren, my dear grandchildren, you are on the cusp of life.  

The point of transition where all of you now stand is quite dramatic.  

There was a time a few years back, when together you climbed a fence to see what was on the other side.  With curiosity, together you all climbed higher to have a better view of what was beyond where you had been standing on your side of the fence.

Today, you are all four year older.
You are on the side of the fence that represents childhood.
You will quickly go over that fence between childhood and move into adulthood.

One of you has graduated from high school and is going off to college.  

Two of you are going to be getting your license to drive. 

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 I will have four of you in high school this year. 

I will have two of you in middle school.  

I look at this place where you all stand right now, this place where you will soon make the transition into the next stage of your growing up years, and recognize that those days when I was your grandma who took you on adventures to Lagoon, or to penny arcade, or out for an ice cream cone, or to the zoo are fading into the past. 

I must admit that I have tears in my eyes when I write these words.  I wish we would have had more times together.  You all lived far from me, so times together were not always easy to come-by.  Every single moment I have ever had with each one of you is a treasured memory in my heart.

These tears that are falling from my eyes are a grandma thing.  They are sort of like lipstick kisses, and grandma taking too many pictures of you.

The tears are there because I have loved and treasured my days with you as a grandmother.  I hope to have many more days with you all as you move into your futures.  As your grandmother, I also am taking this opportunity to speak to you about the lives I hope to see you live.

I have no doubt that you all will work hard and accomplish much.  You are a talented, intelligent, good hearted bunch of kids.  All of you have so much going for you.  I am very proud of that.  

Of course I want you to 

study hard,

read many good books,

write,

learn those math equations,

turn in your homework,

get to class,

don't skip school, 

put on your seat belts in the car,

drive carefully,

stay away from drugs and alcohol,

make good friends,

respect your teachers,

and 

make wise choices.

There is one more reason why I am writing this letter. 

There is a very important thing I don’t want you to neglect as you move on with your life: family.

We live in such a disconnected world these days.  It is easy to get busy living our own lives and forget about building those relationships that matter.  

Family matters.  

This summer, while most of us were at Ryan and Sheridan’s wedding, I was so thrilled to see how many good times you had with your cousins.  You hiked, fished, toasted marshmallows, played games, stayed up late, and talked, and laughed.  Times like these are more rare than I wish they were, but at least we have them now and again.

While we were together, I had the gift of having lunch with two of you.  We talked about divorce.  We talked about how hard it is for families who go through a divorce.  Divorce has touched our family more times than I wish it had, yet we have also seen new relationships bless our family after a divorce.

I never had to deal with the divorce of my parents.  For that I am grateful.  Even though I have not had to deal with what you are dealing with after your parents have divorced, I know one thing for sure, one must learn to forgive the failures of one’s parents and do one’s own part to make the relationship between the parent and the child a strong one.  Parents disappoint and hurt us.  It is a part of life.  We disappoint and hurt our parents.  That is why we have the opportunity to learn about forgiveness.  

As you move on into life, you have the opportunity to become mature adults and make your own way, but for now, all but one of you need the guidance and wisdom that comes from your mom and your dad.  

I left home at eighteen when I went off to college.  In those days, it was not easy to keep in touch with my parents.  Long distance phone calls were expensive and were only used for emergencies.  I wrote letters to my mom and dad.  I learned that from my father who always wrote letters to his mother until she died.  He was faithful to stay in touch with her on a weekly basis by writing long letters every week even though he was nearly seventy years old.  

As you know, my mom is nearly one hundred years old.  For nearly fifty years, I have made many car trips to see her.  She has never learned to drive and has not been to see me in my home over twelve years.  It has not always been easy for me to make these trips, but as a daughter who honors her mother for who she is in my life, I take the responsibility of making sure I see her as often as I can.

You are all just beginning the adventures you will have in your future.  As you move on into the next year, I am so excited for all of you.  I hope you have much success and a lot of fun discovering who you are and what you want out of life.  I hope you will stay in touch with me.  I love texts, phone calls, or video calls.  I am here.  Call me.  I’ll try not to bug you much, but I will check in once in a while with a text or a call.

More importantly, keep communication open with your mom and your dad.  They are the ones who love you more than any other person in this world.  They have made great sacrifices for you so you have the wonderful material things that you have had in this life.  They have worried over you and cried over you when you are hurting.  They still do this, and they will always continue to do worry over you while they allow you to spread your wings and fly into the future.  As you soar off into those teen years and adult years remember, becoming a responsible teenager/adult involves learning how to love and show honor and respect to your parents.  

Our family has had a lot of sadness in the past few years.  I hope if there is one truth that you all know for sure, it is this:

We are all here for you.

You have grandparents who adore and love you and would do anything to help you.

You have aunts and uncles who adore and love you and are there for you.

You have cousins who will be there after your grandparents, your moms, your dads, and your aunts and uncles are gone.

Your family will always be here for you.  

Each and every single one of you.

My life has been rich in friendship.  My life has given me many great relationships.  The most difficult, and yet the most treasured relationships in my life, have been within the family.  Our family is not perfect, but I hope you all remember that we are all here for you cheering you on as you move into this next chapter of your lives.  Make it a good one.  

I have great confidence in you abilities to make wise choices.  I also know that if and when you make a misstep, and we all do, you know that you have a team behind you cheering you on in your family.  

Text an uncle or an aunt or a cousin, or make a call to you mom or to your dad, or to you grandma and let them know you love them now and again.  We truly are all here for you.  If you need help, ask one of us for it.

Know that I pray for you, each of you, every day.  

I love you all beyond measure.

Love,
Grandma Sally

A Perfect Summer Saturday

We've had some changes around here.

My husband has taken a job.

Yes, he is working.

Clear back in November we were at the Apple Store where my husband was trying to convince me I needed to buy a new computer.

I didn't agree.

My old MacBook Pro that I purchased ten years ago still works fine.

"Maybe you would like an iPad." says my husband.

"No," said I.

I'm fine without an iPad.

"Maybe I should get a job here," says the man in my life.

He turns to the one patiently showing us computers and iPads and asks,

"Do you ever hire old farts like me?"

Well, it turns out that my husband was serious when he asked that question.

Now, all these months later he an employee of Apple.

He trained for three days in Denver last week.

He worked another day at the store here in town on Monday.

Then, he had three days off.

Tomorrow, he goes off to work again.

What a change this is in our lives.

Today, we spent the day doing all the things we love to do together.
It was a date day.

We started out by driving to the nearby Margarita at Pine Creek, 

our favorite Saturday morning place where we can shop at the farmer's market

and eat the most delicious coffee cake and egg puffs ever!

We love coming to this place on Saturday mornings in the summer.

The ambiance is perfect.

What could be better than sipping coffee and eating a delicious breakfast

while sitting under the shade of a pine tree

on a sunny Colorado blue sky morning?

Just beyond the peak of the white tent set up as a place for farmers and artisans to sell the wares,

I can see the tip of Pikes Peak.

Pinch me.

Am I really back home living in Colorado Springs?

I love the rather funky features I find all over this place.

The gardens with untrimmed edges and a bit of whimsy provide interest when I'm not people watching 

or listening to music.

Today, Crystal Hill Billys were setting up to play when we were just getting ready to leave.

This blue grass group is one of my favorites.

They were quietly practicing "I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger" as we left.

I hated to miss listening to this group today, but we had a lot on our list for the day.

(Click on the link above to listen to them.  Don't miss hearing the song I mentioned.)

Next on the list for the day, was the Parade of Homes.

We saw some mighty expensive homes.

Can you say, $1million homes?

We even saw one I really did like that cost a little bit less..

Then, we saw homes where they said the price was half a mil.

They said it with a straight face while our chins dropped and we said under our breath,

"For this????"

One of the homes on the tour was an Eco Home.
Total square footage for the home: 320.
Jim is wondering if we can get permission from our HOA to build one out behind our house for him.

Touring those homes was exhausting,
so we decided to indulge in eating a big juicy hamburger.
Then, we went home to rest.


After our naps,
we rented and watched a movie in the comfort of our own home.
It was my turn to pick a movie.
I picked, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
At first, I wasn't sure Jim would like my choice, but in the end, we both really enjoyed the movie.
Have any of you seen it?
What did you think?

After the movie, we took Boston for a walk in our wonderful part of the world.
It was a perfect Saturday summer evening.
In fact, it felt more like an early fall evening.
Will winter come early this year?
Immediately, as we walked up the street, we saw the field across the road a block from our home was filled with a herd of deer having dinner.
I counted nine.
A little bit up the road, I saw three more buck.

I think we are seeing the buck early this year.  Usually, I don't think they come down this low until later in September.  This is another reason why I wonder if we will have an early winter.
Next year, I must record when I first see the buck down in this area.

In the park, we see three doe.
They are always interested in Boston,
and he is interested in them.

While this photo isn't the greatest, you can see the field on the mountainside where I counted nine deer.

One of the doe lingers to watch Jim and Boston walk by.

With my iPhone camera, I was unable to capture the doe and her two fawns that were up on the hillside.
The fawns were scampering about as the mother kept a watchful eye.
This year, I've only seen the twin fawns, and they were born later than I saw fawns last year.
I did capture this photo of the doe feeding her twin fawns as we walked the other evening.
They were feeding right next to the walkway just three houses up from our house.
We live on Fawn Meadow View.
The street was well named.

Tonight as we stood and watched the buck and doe dine on the lush grass growing so well after all our rains, and watched the fawn playfully sprint among the trees,
I turned to my husband and said,
"It's just magical here."
"Magical."
"If you come into a million dollars and wanted to buy me a million dollar home with a fancy address,
I'm not moving."
"Priceless, our neighborhood is priceless."

(Yes, I do get frustrated  when the deer and bunnies eat my flowers.  "Look, now they've eaten the lupine and poppies, and even the bee balm." I must be honest in my frustration as I marvel at the beauty of of those who dine on my perennials.)

I really don't want to live any place else.
I love it here,
and I'm so grateful to live in such beauty.


That is how we spent our perfect summer Saturday.