Did you miss me? I certainly missed the time I spend each morning out here contemplating life and enjoying what the Lord has laid out in front of me. I've missed sharing all of that with those of you who read my blog and have "virtually joined me" each morning as we have our coffee.

We arrived home from the Springfield, MO area around mid day yesterday. It was a good trip with exception of the reason for the trip; the burial of a very good friend. It was great to see the band of brothers that were able to make the funeral. As a Christian who totally accepts our resurrection to life after death, I have no doubt that Sully was present in spirit and enjoyed the celebration of his life too. I pray I don't have to do another one soon. However, the reality is that we are all getting older and time does take its toll. As the song says, "I want to go to heaven, but I don't want to do it now!"

My friend's former life wasn't the only celebration of life though this week. My mother turned 97 years old yesterday. We took her out for supper and visited with her for a few hours. She gets around fairly well for her age and is also relatively in good health.

I got home to seventeen empty feeders, a dry garden and planters, and dry and dirty bird baths. So, I spent my time between getting home and going to my mother's place, filling feeders, watering stuff,, and giving the critters clean bird baths. They appear to be appreciative or maybe just satisfied this morning. There are several Cardinals and a variety of Finches here this morning. The Blackbirds are splashing water out of the bird baths as they enjoy the water. Mr. Bluejay comes, grabs a couple of bites and goes away for a few minutes and repeats the process. So far the squirrels haven't discovered the buffet today but they will. They don't miss much.

It is 70° this morning with a gentle breeze bllowing. I need to mow the yards this morning and the day is perfect for it. My plants look a bit more lively this morning after having been watered yesterday. I think I my pull up the cucumbers and squash though now. They have done well but now have that end of summer look and we aren't getting any new production from them.

I must close with prayers of gratitude once again this morning. We had a safe trip, Byron made it through the port insertion just fine, all of my friends made it back home from the funeral just fine, and my sister-in-law Karen is enjoying a wonderful trip through Vienna Austria this morning. I ask for strength and courage for Sully's widow, Linda, as she now faces all of the "first times" that we must face when we lose our loved ones; first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first anniversary, etc. etc.  Those are tough times but Linda is strong and has her faith to draw on.

Look around at your little universe today. Believe it or not -- God has filled it with good things that are for you and you alone. Take time to recognize those things and then give God praise and thanks for them. Have a great day.