Renewal

Our place is alive with newness. 

I could have added lilacs to the pictures above, but this year's new buds are not all that photogenic just yet. 

The beautiful buds on the spruce, apple and oak tree more than make up for the lilac's present bud impairment.

Throughout the year, we are always at the right place and the right time to watch the entire cycle of our oak tree. 

After all, the big tree stands in full view through the sliding glass door or kitchen window. 

Usually, the oak serves as a visual monitor to what's going on with the seasons. Let's just say last year was an exception with the slow dropping of leaves. 

Well, our oak has finally finished dropping last year's crop of leaves, and it's now standing proudly, adorned with a stunning new crop, just like the apple and spruce tree and others around the place. 

Why have all the gold in California when an oak tree will provide an impressive supply of its own. 

And, what can be prettier than fruit blossoms and new spruce buds. 

It's definitely renewal time here at the Lovestead, and we're loving it.  

I'd say the same is true in Spain today as "Adventure Annie" has arrived on her overnight flight from Los Angeles. 

She's ready, either tomorrow or the next day, to renew an experience she embraced and loved a few years ago:  walking the Camino de Santiago.

And, rather than rambling on, I'll just say you can read all about it on her blog.  

I've left you two links this morning. One will take you directly to her post from yesterday, while the other will take you to the blog site in general.  This site includes thoughts on this year's Camino and posts from other years. 

I encourage you to bookmark it and check in each day. 

This fourth Camino adventure for Annie will last until May 23 or 24, and you can enjoy it vicariously while following her Adventure Girl Annie blog. 

Pictured below is Madrid Airport where she landed earlier this morning.  She has one more flight today to Oveido, where this year's route for her Camino begins. 

Enjoy, and feel free to comment on her blog.  

I'm sure she'll enjoy the cheering section as she walks her pathway through rugged mountainous territory in Spain.     

 https://adventuregirlannie.com/2023/05/07/im-going-on-an-adventure/

https://adventuregirlannie.com/2023/03/04/the-camino-is-callingand-i-must-go-again/

Below, a good reminder which I ran across yesterday.

It seemed timely, especially after watching the streaming of a Celebration of Life. 

Kenny Skelton was a first cousin and the first of our cousins on that side of the family to pass away. 

His siblings put on an inspiring, moving and wonderful program in his behalf in the Tri-Cities where he grew up on the family farm. 

Kenny was the youngest of the family and adopted.

  His sisters pointed out that when he came into the family everyone fought over who would get to hold him first. 

I saw Kenny maybe half a dozen times during his lifetime.  And, when he passed away recently, my first thoughts were of what a quiet, kind and loving soul he was. 

Turns out that's how everyone else viewed him too. 

What a tribute to one's life to be remembered that way! And, what a tribute each moment of kindness given freely and with love can be!

RIP, Kenny.  Your siblings gave you a fabulous and loving send-off. 

 Happy Monday.