FLOWERS, WILD AND NOT SO WILD

We have nurtured several African Violet plants during the last several years. They have done so well, we decided to purchase 4 new beautiful ones. Their blossoms have already delighted us.

In the meantime, around our 6 acres equally beautiful flora is blossoming in the wild. JIR

I'M NOT READY TO KICK THE BUCKET, BUT...

Part of the Beartooth Mountain Range as seen from the town of Columbus, MT. Gateway to the well-known Beartooth Scenic Highway, and the beautiful town of Red Lodge, MT.

It is scenes like this one that raise my spiritual awareness, and transport me to reflect on life. All soon-to-be 62 years of it. An awesome journey, accompanied by the most wonderful partner. Four fabulous children who have spread their wings wide and far, living life to the fullest. And now a grandson who has rekindled the fire in our souls. 

I have sometimes wondered if I will experience the existential suffering I have witnessed in some of my dying patients. It is a very difficult question to answer before one actually gets there, but today I'm thinking I probably won't. JIR   

VISITING THE RAMIREZ OREGON CLAN (i.e. abuelos drool over Xavier)

 Xavier feels better after his bath.

 Abuela took Xavier for a walk around the neighborhood. The weather was absolutely perfect during our visit.

 This one should be framed for posterity. What a shot!

 The moms pose with Xavier.

 Cool dudes sometimes can't help themselves. Danny told us Xavier has turned into a "babe magnet", attracting women of all kinds with his cuteness (Xavier's that is). During our Costco visit I was able to verify this fact.

 Mother's Day was a very special day.

 Where are the chics Xavi?

Priceless!!! JIR

GLORIOUS SPRING DAY

Forget what the calendar says, yesterday was the first day of spring in Montana. The temperature topped off at 65, low humidity, no wind, and sunny skies. The hours of daylight continue to increase, giving us the additional energy to go out and work around all 6 acres of our yard. We did. By the Summer Solstice on June 21, we will have sunlight until close to 10:30 PM.
Working around the yard, allows us to renew our connection to the land. It reminds us of the power of Nature, and how fortunate we are to feel its proximity to us. Early blossoming wildflowers on our property inspire awe, and help us reflect on the simple but important things in life.
Grilling steaks and corn on the cob nicely wrapped up our first day of spring. JIR

   

Temple Religion

A Jewish professor I had at Carroll College told me once, "If you Catholics practiced what you preached, I'd would have converted a long time ago."  That being said, 16 years later, nothing has changed, or as I like to say, 'la misma mierda, differente dia.' 

There are times I meet, hear of or read of, a person who can 'hit the nail on the head' and say what most religions are in fact preaching.  Richard Rohr, OFM,  is one of those people. I have read many of his books, listened to his audio lectures and had the wonderful experience of spending a week end in NM at one of his retreats. He has an amazing understanding of what church and religion should be, and an inspiring way of expressing that understanding.

I no longer attend church because I can no longer abide by the hypocrasy it exhibits but I still need my spritual side filled,  with reading being one of the many ways I fulfill that spirituality.  Included in that reading is RR's daily meditations and today's article he called:  Temple Religion. It reminded me of Professor Ferst's comment and I couldn't help but think, if this is what we practiced, I'd go to church again.

On Monday afternoons I am blessed with the honor of picking up Miss Chloe from after care in her elementary school and driving her to ballet, where I get to wait with her until class begins. Chloe is one of those children who doesn't realize she is wiser than her years, but she is.  Through these Monday's of which I refer to as "Monday's with Chloe" I also have learned the 'musings of Chloe.'  I will list a few of the ideas and enlightenments I have learned from Chloe:
 
Never leave without saying goodbye.
Always do the work Mom asks you to do, even if you don't want to.
Do your homework, then have fun playing.
57 is not so old, if you are not an 'old person.'
It is okay to miss your dog. 
Chocolate is always okay, and chocolate is the best thing.
If it is something you don't think you will like, don't taste it, otherwise you might waste it.
You can eat ice cream, even if it is snowing outside.
If you get a hamburger, get the fries too.

Did I tell you this is an exceptional child? I will always know to enjoy life more because of this beautiful little girl (now 7 years old) who has a broken arm from hanging upside down on the swingset. And no, she doesn't regret it.

Listen to a 7 year old...enjoy life and follow, or manipulate, the rules with your best flair.