by Sharon O | Sep 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
No matter how busy our lives, there are ways to make sure neither distance nor every day demands.
keep us from friends we don’t want to lose.
I care about my friends and value the time it took for us to become friends and to stay that way.
Two of my special friends live far away from me. It takes effort to see them.
We treasure the time when we can plan a day or weekend.
It is very important to make it a priority.
Also, the phone calls or texts make a difference too.
Not the same as having a hot cup of tea together, but it is a small compromise when we can’t ‘be together’.
Jesus had friends, he spent time teaching them and preparing them.
Wanting them to be watchful and aware.
I think that is important too.
A real friendship builds up the confidence in each other and the ability to pray for and with each other is a blessing.
My life changed when my friends moved away but I knew in my heart it was a good move for both of them.
We can be happy and be a little sad at the same time.
Our lives are here to nurture the ones who give us time and value.
If I could go over and drop in and say “HI” I would, but for now, I must be happy with texts and calls.
My sister just made a lovely luncheon for her ‘good’ friends.
It was not only a gift of her time and talent but a sincere effort to get to know them better.
It takes time, and it takes choice to go out of your way to do something nice.
We all can do that. It is just a matter of deciding what are we trying to build up and nurture.
No matter how busy our lives, there are ways to make sure neither distance nor everyday demands.
keep us from the friends we don’t want to lose.
by Sharon O | Sep 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
When I read this quote on my bulletin board, I am reminded of the many friends who have enriched our lives.
I can remember back when I was a young mom in the hospital having her very first baby.
Down the hall and later in the room was another mom having her first.
We have a common ground of friendship.
Our boys are the same age. I was young and she was ten years older, but we have stayed in contact all these years.
Later I had a daughter, and she did too.
It’s been 48 years of getting together a few times a year.
We are in our late 60’s they are in their late 70’s.
The years have been good, and our friendship not forgotten.
Then I remember other friends who have walked this life path of kids, and church activities and illnesses and bible studies.
Friends who have stood the test of time with us.
When I think of each one, they all helped in a certain point in time.
Some friends have dropped away, and I have not heard from them, but the ‘real’ ones are here to stay.
I know at any point I can call them and ask for prayer.
I know at any point I can call them and go over to their house for fellowship.
I know at any point I can reach out to them and just thank them.
Saying thank you is a gift we can give to others.
Saying I appreciate you and miss you is also a gift.
Those friendships that have stood the test of time. That is what I value.
When it’s time for me to go, someday, I want those friends to remember, it was good and sweet.
We had God to bind us together, we had friendships to help us nurture what is refreshing to our soul.
I don’t take light thoughts about those special ones who have held a special place within my heart.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul, always and have some tea too.. 
by Sharon O | Sep 13, 2023 | Uncategorized
Our family went on a camping trip.
It was not anything to share about, just took our trailer to Bend area and it was good weather.
In fact, it was SO hot I tried not to complain.
We had very little hook ups and with a trailer that is a major inconvenience.
At one point in time, we went over to Lava Lake area and walked around the lake.
I had knee length shorts on, and I thought I was OK.
Not true.
Somehow, I had gotten bit by a tick and never knew it.
I wonder where it went.
We were home after about 4-5 days and my knee was rather swollen and not happy.
We ended up in urgent care and that doctor thought I had cellulitis.
Which is serious.
She gave me antibiotics and told me to watch my knee.
After the next week I went back to another doctor, and she said I had a Lyme ring from a tick.
The antibiotics really helped but I did have this virus in my system and will have to deal with it.
I don’t mind being unique but out of 47 people I was the only one with symptoms.
I guess I am special.
Camping is always a risk, there are lots of bugs and creatures to watch out for.
I did not feel pain, nor did I feel fatigue, other than today because I am fighting something.
I like our trailer and I like the many feelings of home, but you still have the chance to get bit by something.
The season is almost over.
We have one more outing planned at the coast then we will put the trailer away.
Our family went on a camping trip, and I was the one to find a rare tick in the pacific northwest.
by Sharon O | Aug 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Other thoughts about the show Heartland.
The more I have thought about this show the more I realize it is so good.
The family all participated in the caring for the livestock.
There are chores for the kids, age appropriate of course.
The stalls for the horses had to be cleaned, which includes scooping the messes.
The horses had to be exercised not just by one person but by all who are able.
There were cattle drives where most all of the adults had to go and agree to help.
It was not an option. When Grandpa Jack said, “tomorrow” he meant it.
There was respect in the home.
No one was allowed to be sassy or entitled to ‘miss’ chores.
Dinner was mostly around the table and sometimes they had a small argument but more than once it was peaceful.
Traditions were passed down from one to another.
The family included a few who were adopted or fostered into the family.
No one was turned down.
Amy Fleming was married to a vet in training named TY. It was a love story of such sweetness.
I don’t think a lot of families these days have a working relationship like this ‘tv’ family.
Yes, I do realize it’s a TV family not too different than the Waltons or Little house on the prairie.
I think the unique part is the main character, Grandpa Jack.
He listens, guides, disciplines in a great and gentle way, he shares his opinion and does not push it.
He is a rock to those all around the farm.
Oh, and there is also a family cemetery where loved ones had been buried many years ago.
In town there is a family ‘restaurant’ which surprisingly reminded me of my own grandma’s restaurant.
The old-style tables and the bar stools one could spin around and around on.
The slick vinyl seats not only were a hazard at times, but they were cold to the skin too.
I will keep thinking about this show and may even order the books.
It is a series that is worth the time and the effort to watch, and think about, as I share,
other thoughts about the show Heartland.
by Sharon O | Aug 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
A series we have been watching is called Heartland.
I wasn’t sure at first if I would like it.
There are horses, and cowboys and rodeo activities.
It is created out of Canada and a wholesome family show.
There is a main character, Grandpa Jack and then there are others surrounding him.
The grand daughters and others who eventually join the show.
I like the fact that it is family oriented.
Every meal they prepare the dinner, and all sit around the table and visit.
It is not uncommon for them to have guests at the table, and they actually seem to enjoy each other.
Most of the time.
There are children who grow up during the filming of the show and each character ages, and it is so good.
When I was a little girl, we were around ranch activities and farm equipment.
We knew what to do and not do. It is a given known thing.
Another character is Amy Fleming a grand daughter who is also a trainer for all horses.
So, the show is centered around her skill level training and giftedness as a horse whisperer.
I love the way the family is tight and close and although they have their moments they always recover by nighttime.
It is a wonderful, feel-good show and many times I was almost in tears because of the scenes presented.
I think the writers who came up with this idea were brilliant and very wise.
It is on a pause for now till the next season, but I am waiting to see the end results.
We never take the time to watch a series together and it has been a nice ‘new’ thing to try to continue.
I am sure there will be others just as good and just as entertaining.
If you can find it, I would suggest it as a nice ‘relaxing’ evening activity.
A series we have been watching is called Heartland.
Because matters of the heart happen on the land that grandpa owns.
