Goodbye June 2021

In a matter of moments the month of JUNE will be over. How time flies. Back in May I dreaded June coming because it meant I would be a year older on the 12th of June but to my surprise my energy and stamina was strong and this JUNE was filled with amazing moments that I'll cherish till I die. So many adventures, so much good food to eat, and best of all my Mother who has Alzheimer's is still around. Leaving Michigan and being able to spend my birthday week in coastal Maine and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts (thanks to a friend) was truly a blessing too. What a phenomenal month it was but now I must bid it farewell.

                                     My birthday gift, a ride on a Schooner in Camden, Maine!

I'm grateful for all the blessings this month brought me and most of all I'm thankful for the guardian angel that appeared to me when I was praying at church on June 7th and told me that she wanted to pray for me. Later she revealed to me that "The LORD wants me to continue to be the free spirit that I am, keeping things simple and not worrying about a big job title and what the world views as success." Thank you Lord for sending me my guardian angel to reveal to me that each of us has a purpose in life and  it's not job status and money that defines us but our character, how we treat others, and how we love and worship the LORD. This was the best birthday gift of all.

Remember each of us has a life purpose, and don't forget to fill your moments doing what you're meant to be doing. "Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7

GOODBYE JUNE 2021!

Strawberry Picking in June (Strawberry Moments)

 

The end of June is approaching and so is strawberry season in northern Michigan. This past week has been an extraordinary time to pick strawberries because they're at their best, so juicy and sweet. I'm glad I went strawberry picking with my male companion after work. Even though we got caught in the rain, it only took us an hour to pick 16 pounds of delicious ripened strawberries at Urka Farms. Afterwards I made some strawberry shortcake and we really enjoyed this sweet summer treat.What am I going to do with all the strawberries? Give some away to family and friends and I'll also be making strawberry jam. strawberry pie, and strawberry & banana smoothies. Strawberries are such a delicious and healthy fruit. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, and folate (vitamin B 9). Strawberries also have a powerful antioxidant content. 

Strawberry Moments in June!

The Mother Spider on my Deck

Last week a spider was building a web over my small deck. My friend suggested destroying it but I couldn't. Just watch "Charlotte's Web" and you'll see how much spiders deserve to live. The mother spider is eagerly awaiting the birth of her children. Every once in awhile I see her bring down the sac then she and the sac disappear to some little spot that isn't visible from my deck.

Every life is precious, whether it be the birth of ants, birds, ducks, fish, geese, ladybugs, seagulls, or spiders. Those creatures in nature deserve to give birth to their babies and soon mother spider will proudly show off her baby spiders. It's the season of birth and since I live around nature I get to see proud mothers with their babies all over the place and it's such a blessing to watch.

Let's celebrate "Mothers" who give life!

I tried taking pictures of the spider web on my deck but due to heavy rains it's falling apart. Hopefully the spiders are okay!

Childhood Memories of "CBS MYSTERY THEATER"

Once upon a time there was no internet, mobile phones, or a wide selection of television channels, but there was one thing that kept me entertained, the "CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER" radio program.

My father and mother were huge fans of this mystery nightly radio program. As an aspiring actress I too was smitten by all the mysterious stories with three acts performed by extremely talented actresses and actors. Even famous people appeared in episodes of this popular radio show.

I was delighted to find out that many of these old shows are now appearing on "YOU TUBE' and most of them sound state of the art as if they were just recorded. Early this morning I was just too tiered to get out of bed and listened to a fantastic episode of "CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER" about a mysterious pearl necklace. The story took place in Hawaii and it was performed like a 1940's film noir. So full of suspense, and so entertaining.

These days we can watch and listen to programs on our smart phones, which is what I constantly do. How cool to relive my childhood with moments of sweet memories of my family and I listening to these awesome radio programs. It's interesting how our past can meet our present moments. Try taking a trip down memory lane, it just might bring a smile to your face.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Moments!

I had an extremely busy day at work today. Not only did I have to supervise, but I also had to give all the sales advisors their half hour and fifteen minute breaks. Oh, how I longed for some "refreshing moments."My wish came true when it was time to give Jordon a break. He was sampling handcrafted Grilled American Cheese Sandwiches called "Lily's Toaster Grills." and they looked so appetizing. I was excited to take over and serve the sandwiches on a tray. Every time I opened the oven, the scent of bread mixed with cheese drew members in and they raved about how good the sandwiches tasted.

When Jordan returned from his break, I placed a small piece of a grilled cheese sandwich in a wax paper and headed to the office to do paperwork. Once in the office, I took a bite of the grilled cheese sandwich. It was absolute perfection, it tasted like a just made grilled cheese sandwich, buttery toasted bread loaded with cheese. The brand name of these grilled cheese sandwich is Lily's and I applaud the creators of this company for producing such a smart hit product and for donating boxes of their sandwiches to low income children who attend school.

Needless to say upon returning home this evening, I just had to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I had some bread in my freezer and some cheese in my refrigerator and within moments I made my very own grilled cheese sandwich and ate it with joy. Something so simple but yet so delicious: "Grilled Cheese Sandwich Moments."

Ice Cream Moments

High Lawn Farm, Lee Massachusetts

Thursday, June 17, 2021

My two favorite things during the summer months are watching cows grazing on grass in the meadow and eating ice cream. On the 17th of June I was able to accomplish both in beautiful Lee, Massachusetts in the Berkshire Mountains. Thanks to a recommendation I made a point of visiting HIGH LAWN FARM, known for its friendly cows and outstanding dairy products; butter, cheese, ghee, milk, and ice cream.

High Lawn Farm ice cream is delicious ice cream. What a treat to eat ice cream being made right on the premises while admiring the adorable cows and wide open spaces of a lovely large farm. The vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone at High Lawn Farm was one of the best ice cream cones I ever had. Simply marvelous.

Be certain to have your "Ice Cream" moments this summer and remember there's nothing wrong with eating dessert first, once in awhile.

June Birthday Moments!

Anderson Cooper, Prince William, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Angelina Jolie, Ariana Grande, Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman, Courtney Cox, Nicole Kidman, Mark Wahlberg, Mike Tyson, Boris Johnson,  Prince (musician/singer), James Walton (Walmart)

What do the above people all have in common? Each one of these people born in JUNE were or are famous. I'm a bit partial to JUNE being that I was born in JUNE too but I'm not famous, popular, or rich. Regardless, I've lived a very adventurous life and maybe before I die I'll have my five minutes of fame. It's funny back in May 2021, I dreaded that JUNE was soon approaching. I wanted May to be at a standstill but JUNE did arrive and to my surprise it's been a fun-filled month of excitement, and now I'm sad to see it soon coming to an end. Even though I banged my head in a minor car accident,  jammed my finger in a shopping cart, scratched my leg on rose bushes, and got my arm pinched on my sliding doors, I survived the bruises, cuts, and pain. The magnificent part of June was vacationing in beautiful Maine & Massachusetts, eating delicious foods like fresh strawberries, fish tacos, lobster rolls, Indian food, blueberry pie, and cake & ice cream, and enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities.

Soon my birthday month will be over and all those JUNE MOMENTS will pass by. I'm forever grateful that during the month of JUNE I was able to keep my affordable health insurance and that my MOTHER who has Alzheimer's was able to be with me for yet another birthday month. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THOSE BORN IN JUNE!

Accident Moments

JUNE is passing by so quickly, it's like a whirlwind. The month of JUNE started out on such a positive note, I found out I could keep my affordable insurance, the weather was glorious, the days were long, and I was looking forward to my trip to MAINE for my birthday. I arrived by train to Albany, New York on the 10th of June to meet my friend who picked me up at the station. Together we drove to the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts to spend the night and the next day it was off to Maine. On my birthday, June 12th I was so happy to wake up in Wells, Maine near Ogunquit and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean beaches and part of the day in York, Maine with all its attractions. After a delightful lunch at the Maine Diner it was off to gorgeous Camden, Maine. The drive over there was nerve wrecking. My friend was going so fast on the interstate that I started to feel dizzy. We got off at one of the exits past Portland and took the one lane highway 1 all the way to Linconville, Maine where we had a room booked. Thankfully we didn't pay for our lodging because when we arrived at the mysterious inn/hotel we felt that it was haunted. The place was empty, the rooms looked like they were vacant for months, and the whole lobby was decorated with old eccentric Christmas decorations. The woman who ran the place gave us the chills and we abruptly left the place, thanking her for showing us around. 

We got on our phones and started looking for a place to stay and miraculously we found a charming motel right outside Camden, Maine. If only I had enjoyed myself after checking in and not been persuaded by my friend to go into Camden to get some pizza. We did get tasty pizza at "Camden House of Pizza." The owner even brought me a piece of tiramisu with a candle, and sang "happy birthday" to me while staff and customers joined in. It was all so heartwarming. Then suddenly everything changed. I told my friend I'd meet him at the car. Ten minutes later we met at the car. He had the pizza and we each ate a slice. Then we got into the car and my friend made a sharp right turn thinking the road was on his immediate right side and instead we went over a curb and the car landed with a big thump on part of the sidewalk. It all happened so suddenly and it really shook us up.

We drove back to our motel and I asked the owner if there was a hospital nearby in case I needed to go to the emergency room. I had some pain on my head most of the night and to top it off my friend was very angry at me for going to the front desk to talk to the owner about going to the hospital. I felt so lonely and confused that night, what an end to a birthday. I never did go the hospital and remained in Maine a few more days before heading back home to Michigan. After returning home I again had a few minor accidents, I pinched my elbow in one of my sliding doors and got a gash on my arm and shortly after that I was walking along the water and tripped on a tree branch. The following day I went to urgent care to have my head examined and the doctor felt encouraged that my head injury wasn't serious although he did say "to remain cautious and if the pain in my head persisted to have a brain scan."

So my birthday month of JUNE has had some roller coaster bumps and I've accepted that accidents do happen. Have any of you found yourself with accident moments? Some people have serious accidents and it's very scary. We never know from moment to moment what can suddenly happen to us. So live each moment not taking things for granted and being thankful for important things like health, food, shelter, and having family and friends. 

The first of June when summer is on its way and Sharon has her birthday!

The first of JUNE is always significant to me. It means that the days are the longest in North America with plenty of daylight and that summer is on its way. It's also the birthday month of my favorite performer Judy Garland, and my close friend Sharon whom I've known since high school.

This morning I texted and called Sharon to wish her a "Happy Birthday." She was up bright and early preparing for her special day. She was going shopping, getting a hair cut, and looking forward to her outdoor BBQ. What was she having? Burgers and of course cake and ice cream. Sharon is an amazing woman. She has spent many years working in child care. Her heart is golden. She's a caring person who never tries to outshine anyone but instead remains humble and sweet. That's why I appreciate her friendship so much, because she always has a listening ear, gives great advice, and has profound wisdom. Soon she'll get the birthday gift I mailed her and I hope she likes it. 

Happy Birthday Sharon and thank you for being such an amazing friend. We're both Gemini's born in June and I value your friendship very much. I hope your birthday is grand and splendid and that all your dreams come true.

Let's be thankful for our friends, treasuring the moments we have with them, and remembering their birthday! 

It's June, June, June!

Pure Michigan, Adventures in the Upper Peninsula

Even though I was born and raised in Michigan I never appreciated it. Every state in America seemed better than Michigan. That's why I ended up living and working in other states; California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Montana, New Jersey,  New York, and Vermont. I got to work in other countries too; Austria, Ireland, Norway, and Ukraine. So where am I now? 

M I C H I G A N

When my Mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's my brother insisted that she be moved from Dearborn (a suburb of Detroit) where she had lived 40 years to Traverse City, in northern Michigan. I drove my Mother and her cat Sari from Dearborn to Traverse City where my brother had a rented house waiting for her. I was only supposed to stay in Traverse City three months while I helped my Mother get settled into her new community but I stayed much longer. Seven years to be exact. I still thankfully have my Mother but her Alzheimer's is quite advanced. She's in a wheelchair now and doesn't talk much but she does sing without lyrics.                                                                                                 

Since I stayed in Northern Michigan (for my Mother's sake) and managed to support myself with various jobs I've discovered that Michigan (particularly Northern Michigan) is an outdoor's paradise. Even though I still have the travel lust, I feel content in northern Michigan, "the land of milk and honey" with its fresh water lakes and pine trees. Yesterday my friend and I had to go to Wisconsin to get a pop up trailer. The drive over the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan's Upper Peninsula was breath-taking mile after mile. I was stunned at how gorgeous everything was. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan looked like a Scandinavian country, a touch of Sweden in the Midwest. The crown jewel was Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, gorgeous cliffs hovering over Lake Superior with plenty of hiking trails in lush green woods.

Yes, to think that now I find my most exhilarating adventures in the state I'm originally from. I guess you can go home, after all, for me it's Michigan, "Pure Michigan." A farewell to the other states I used to call home. Where do you live? Are you content with where you live? Enjoy your moments wherever you are living!