Gathering Eggs and Watching an Old Movie

May 24, 2022 Carol Ann Erhardt

I’m writing this at the end of my first full day here in NC. My son-in-love is working this week, so daughter and I spent the day relaxing mostly. When she asked what I wanted to do as far as looking for attractions, I told her my attraction was her! All I want to do is spend time with her, chat, and relax.

It was a cloudy and cool day, so we spent the day indoors. We did step outside to watch the horses this morning, and while she made a delicious chicken salad consisting of shredded chicken, avacado, and seasonings on top of a tomato, I walked in their acre backyard to look at the garden area. Son-in-love built 9 wooden raised garden beds, each 4 ft. by 6 ft. They already have some loaded tomato plants and peppers. By the way that was the best chicken salad ever!

After lunch we walked to the neighbor’s house. This is a very rural area so the walk wasn’t what you’d do in a suburban neighborhood. Anyway, she had to let the little chichahua (sp?) out to potty. Then we went to check the chickens and gather the eggs. A few pics.

duaghter’s house from neighbor’s side yard

We spent the afternoon coloring and watching a movie. She wanted me to see Avatar, a movie I never thought I would like. Actually it was good with the exception of a few curse words.

Son-in-love cooked burgers on the grill for dinner. Add potato salad, cole slaw, and Pringles and I said it was a gourmet meal. We chatted a bit and watched The Lost City together before bedtime. Which is now as I’m writing this while comfortably reclining in my assigned bedroom. It is time to thank God for the gift of today, so I will say goodnight and write tomorrow before turning out the light.

Horses, NC, and a Lovely Visit

May 24, 2022 Carol Ann Erhardt

We made it safely to NC yesterday in time for a delicious dinner prepared by my daughter. We drove through rain the entire way. The mountains looked so beautiful with the clouds trickling down like waterfalls. As I looked out the window, I told my son-in-love I can’t imagine how anyone can see this and believe there isn’t a God.

Their home is lovely and the views are fantastic! I will take some pictures later today. I did, however, get this early morning picture of the horses across the street.

Right now I’m enjoying a cup of tea with my daughter and having a nice chat before she fixes omelets for breakfast! I’m enjoying Homer, the dog, so much. He thinks I came to visit just him and he is loving the attention and I’m giving him. He’s a big boy, but thinks he is a lap dog. Then there is Annie, the cat. She’s a sweet purrbox. I’ll be bringing a lot of her hair back on the black tee I wore to travel in. LOL! Then there’s Digit the cat. What can I say but BEWARE! He is mean. This morning he was waiting for me in the hallway outside my bedroom and was determined to keep me in. He sat in the middle of the hall and when I tried to walk past he held up a paw, his ears laid back, and growled at me! He’s a biter since he doesn’t have claws. I feared he might wrap around my leg and bite my ankle! I made it to the kitchen dining area safely, but he wasn’t happy. I’ve been trying not to annoy him, but he’s keeping his eyes on me.

This afternoon we are walking to the neighbors’ (who are on vacation) to gather eggs. And I’m hoping to take some decent pictures to share on tomorrow’s blog.

Morning Thoughts

What Are We Without a Dream?

September 3, 2021 Carol Ann Erhardt1 Comment

A holiday weekend is upon us though I hadn’t realized until I looked at my calendar yesterday. Another fact about living alone in retirement: there are no plans for family outings any longer, so unless I have an appointment penciled in my Christian Planner, the days slip by without recognition. Some mornings I forget what day it is. This morning I had a brief thought while waking that it was Saturday. Then I remembered today was Skype day with my daughter who lives in Wisconsin. Friday. Laundry. Thank goodness for routine!

Our routines evolve as our lives change. I’ve never been a spontaneous kind of person. I’m smiling now remembering vacations and how hubby wanted a schedule of what every day would involve. He couldn’t wing it. The best vacation we ever took was a 10 day road trip. I planned exactly where we would stop each day, booked hotels in advance, and we ate at roadside rests from a packed cooler.

That vacation was relaxing, fun, and I wish we had done this more often. As I continue to age in my quiet days of routine, I sift through memories of the good times. A little longing enters. If only I were a little more courageous, I’d like to get in my SUV and take a trip to visit my brother and sister. I’d listen to audio books while I drove once I could no longer get my Christian radio stations. But, alas, it isn’t safe to travel alone, especially as a member of the “golden years club.” Stopping at roadside rests to eat would not be wise. Traveling alone with health issues wouldn’t be wise.

Some tell me to get on an airplane. There were years when I flew quite frequently for business. I enjoyed those trips. Now the thought of boarding an airplane gives me a panic attack. I trust God, but I find it difficult to trust placing myself in the hands of strangers especially in today’s world. I don’t want to fly again until the rapture!

And so, I dream of enjoying traveling alone, seeing myself as a strong, brave woman of age. The dreams will have to be enough. In reality, I enjoy my time in the quiet peace of each day, knowing God is with me and He holds my future.

Lifting my cup of tea with a sigh and closing the dream to inhale the fresh morning air, to see the beautiful light blue sky, feel the warmth of the sunshine, and give thanks to God for blessing me so richly.