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I recently turned 55. It is a new season as I am now officially a senior. It is surreal, because I always iamgined my father at the age of 55. Now it’s my turn.

I am pictured above at the beautiful Pasa Tiempo Inn where I am enjoying my lunch on their veranda. The weather in Santa Cruz county has been unordinarily warm these past few weeks and I am taking advantage of it.

Although I…

Do you have aging parents that may need some assistance?

I read this helpful article 7 Signs Your Parent Needs Care by Aegis Living that answered the question for our family.

After a recent fall, we made the difficult decision to move our stepmom into assisted living where she can get the help she needs.

She lived at her place for over forty years. We hope the transition goes smooth…

Photo by SLV Steve

Sorry for the late post this week. We just returned home from a mandatory fire evacuation in Santa Cruz Mountains. It all started August 16 following an electrical storm the likes we’ve never experienced.

Sadly, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire is only 45% contained and 900+ homes destroyed. In addition, California’s oldest state park Big Basin is devastated; only 2 structures…

For the past few days we’ve experienced an out of the ordinary heatwave in Central California. Yesterday, it was 108F. Hot! I am not used to high temperatures mixed with humidity for several consecutive days. To combat the heat, my husband, son and I went for a creek walk yesterday. It was refreshing to dip our toes in cold water. It definitely brought temporary relief…

In addition, we had an electrical storm in middle of the night Saturday. Two big gusts of winds reaching up to 60mph, thunder, lightening and rain hit our region. The four of us watched the spectacular display from our bedroom window for approximately four hours. We prayed for our community’s safety, because we live in a forest area and fire danger is a high risk here. In fact, one tree branch landed on high voltage wires next door, sparked and caught fire. Thankfully it was short-lived and PG&E removed it the next day.

Our poor plants have suffered too during this heatwave. We’ve grown many from seed and it sad to watch our thriving flowers wilt. So, we’ve increased our water routine to try to save them.

How’s your week going? Anything out of the ordinary happen with/to your family? I’d love to hear about it. Please share with us.

Blessings, Rebecca

In the midst of recent family life and work changes, we are getting ready to go back to school.

One challenge this year is the uncertainty about whether our daughter will have in-person instruction, distance learning or a combination of both. Our school district has scheduled a parent Zoom meeting next week to discuss our county health regulations for this school year. I am certain we will have…

June 9, 2001

I am missing my dad.

In August of 2017, I wrote about my aging parents and in June of this year I wrote about senior care.

I am sad to report my dad passed away. Two weeks ago, he took an ambulance ride to ICU for fluid in his lungs. After he was treated for pneumonia, my brother and I learned he had COPD.

Spring 2010

Approximately two days later, we met with hospice to discuss next…

Rebecca Greene is a wife, mother of three and fellow Top 100 Mommy Blogs blogger. She has released her new book Whiny Paluza which showcases some of her mommy moments.

                Review

When her husband, Seth, asked if I could review her book, I am glad I jumped at the chance. It is a delightful compilation of humorous short stories sprinkled with valuable lessons learned.

As I read her…

Hello Readers! I want to apologize for not posting earlier. As you may remember, I wrote about my aging parents last summer. Unfortunately, my father had a relapse this week and was whisked away by ambulance to ICU for fluid in his lungs.

The next day, my brother and I assisted our step-mother with errands on behalf of my dad who normally buys groceries, gets gas, goes to the bank, etc.

Afterwar…

Congratulations Class of 2020!

This week our son, Austin, graduated high school. Wow! 

Although, it wasn’t a traditional ceremony, we had fun during the school’s car parade. 180+ families lined the parking lot, honked and shouted for the graduates. It was a sight to see and hear.

I can’t believe how fast time flies. I can still remember cradling him at six weeks old. Now, he’s off to college.

Remembering the courageous military men and women who sacraficed it all for our freedom. We are grateful this Memorial Day…

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During this quarantine time, amongst the societal health and finances challenges, one blessing that has surfaced is togetherness. The dictionary defines it as the state of being close to another person or other people.

The shelter in place has forced us to hunker…

It’s been a great day for me. My family blessed me with a beautiful pink (my favorite color) rose bush and placed it outside our window so that I can enjoy its beauty and fragrance often.

When I stepped outside this morning, to my surprise, I found a nice set of chimes. It’s been at least 7 years since I’ve had a set. So, I am really enjoying the sounds of a gentle breeze.

  My husband treated me to a delicious mocha and walk this morning. As we meandered, through the woods, we reminisced about when we met at a coffee shop in Santa Clara, CA on a blind date back in 1998.

Because we are in a COVID-19 statewide shelter in place, we are not able to visit loved ones. So, we called our moms to wish them a Happy Mother’s Day and facetimed my brother Greg and sister-in-law Connie to catch up.

At the time of this writing, my daughter is baking me my favorite cookies – chocolate chip.

In the Bible it says “Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also…” – Proverbs 31:28 I am feeling blessed for sure.

I’d like to pass along a blessing to my readers this week. May 11-15 you will find 3 free books on Amazon. Happy reading!

I Like Bugs

Benjamin Bunnie’s Big Adventure

Am I Pretty?

What did you do today to celebrate?

Blessings, Rebecca

The kids’ school is closed until the end of the school year June 4 and they are doing online distant learning from home. It’s been several weeks and they miss their friends.

Our son, Austin, is a Senior and missed his prom last Friday night. In addition, his graduation commencement is jeopardized due to the County restriction of public meetings of less than 10 people. The school is committed to celebrating Seniors when the order is lifted. For that we are grateful.

I’ve been home from work since March 13th and just learned that our camps have been canceled for the summer. Sad! My work furlough could extend through Labor Day Weekend. Intense!

My husband Randy had a reduced work schedule until last Wednesday when his camp received a Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses. As a result, his full-time hours were restored for the next 8 weeks. Thank the Lord!

During this challenging time, we have been purposeful in getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. The week of April 8-15 all parks and beaches were closed. Fortunately, we were able to hike Mount Hermon’s trails and creeks.

We have spent a great deal of time working in our yard planting, pruning, clearing, painting, and pressure washing. It is coming along quite nicely.

Of course, there’s been time for R&R.

As I mentioned last time, it is a blessing to be at home in that we are healthy, safe and together. It has given me time to try some new recipes and bake. Yum!

Soup

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I’d love to hear what creative ways you and your family are handling the quarantine.

Blessings, Rebecca

God Shows Up

2019 had many rough patches, difficult changes, and surprises. That year knocked around. I’m grateful that God held on to me through the struggle. I am also thankful that he allowed me to go to the “2020 Refocus” retreat.

It seemed like every time I got on a healthy habit schedule in 2019 something would knock me off of it. With God’s help, I kept finding my way back to Him and the right path for me.

I went into 2020 with an attitude of being freer to explore what the right path for me is and simply be with God.

The first weekend of the new year I was able to do just that. I went on a 24-hour retreat called “2020 Refocus.” My friends had helped plan it and it was wonderful.

My expectations were low. Really I didn’t know what to expect, but it was amazing. God showed up multiple times for me.

The first session had a lot of good information in it. As I took notes I realized I needed to trust and obey God more and more. That had to be a major focus this year and every day within the year.

God can do such powerful things when we fully depend on Him and trust Him fully.

Another powerful fact that I learned was in my quiet time. I woke early and journaled by myself. Through journaling, I realized that I’ve been focused on earthly things.

Yes, I love God and I am following Him. However, my vision is only for this life and this world. I need to move my focus to eternity and God’s will.

Hearing From God

In the main prayer time, I also heard from God, which if you aren’t familiar with prayer I’m sure sounds weird. “To Love “will be done this year. It’ll be with God and God’s power that I succeed.

With that statement, I’ve changed my focus. When I got home from the retreat I started to work on getting a Kickstarter project up and going. I have also scheduled more time in order to work on “To Love.”

Iron On Iron Activity

The last time I saw God show up, during the retreat, was with an activity called, “Iron On Iron.” It is where 2 people encourage and strengthen the 3rd person, then the roles are rotated until all 3 people are strengthened.

I sat down with my preassigned group and judged them. From their appearances, I thought it was going to be a weird and awkward time. What could we have in common? I figured I’d go first and get it over with.

Well, all 3 of us are artists. True our lives are different, but that allowed us to see things differently and help. It was a great activity. By the end, I really felt connected to them.

I was vulnerable with them. In return, they accepted where I am and who I am. Through them, I felt God’s love and guidance.

It was a truly beautiful weekend and an apt names retreat. I did refocus on God at the beginning of 2020.

Giveaway!

Now it’s your turn to read To Love by Tiffany Joy as she is thrilled to give away 2 copies. To enter go to her Facebook page, like the page, and post a comment, either on the wall or in a post, that says, “I’d love a copy of To Love.” The first 2 that do this will each receive a free copy of To Love.

I too am giving away 1 FREE copy of Believe in Miracles  by Chicken Soup for the Soul for which I contributed a story. To enter simply comment on this blog post by April 17, 2020. Your name will then be placed in a drawing and I will randomly select a winner. The winner must live in the continental US and supply his/her mailing address to us no later than April 23, 2020. One Free copy of each will then be shipped directly to the winner’s address (Continental US only) provided.

Blessings, Rebecca

If you’d like to connect with Tiffany joy, she can be reached at the following sites.

To Love = https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734770503

Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/JoyOfTiff/

my own site = http://forthejoyoftiff.com/

“God Shows Up” = http://forthejoyoftiff.com/category/life/god-shows-up/

“Tiff’s Tips” = http://forthejoyoftiff.com/category/life/tiffs-tips/

“Love Nerd” = http://forthejoyoftiff.com/category/life/love-nerd/

Twitter and Instagram = @TiffyJoyBerry

New York Times 3/28/2020

The State of California issued a Stay At Home Order for it’s residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The kids’ school is closed until May 6th and they are doing online distant learning from home. It is like a scene from George Jetson cartoon from the future where their teachers and classmates are on a screen.

My husband and I work for two different camps which host…

Capitola Beach

Sunday we took a drive to the Capiola Beach to grab a mocha and slice of pizza with the kids.

It was good to take a break, get outside and breathe some fresh ocean air.

Afterwards, we went to the mall to get a few essentials. I had never seen empty shelves at a grocery store. Wow!

Target 3/15/2020

During these uncertain times, it is easy to let fear creep in.

Our friend, Kathy,…

For the past four years I’ve enjoyed taking my daughter to Moms & Daughters camp.

In 2019 we had fun making bath bombs, hiking and doing archery.

In 2018 we enjoyed a petting zoo, knife throwing and shooting bb guns.

This year, Alicia asked if we could do moms and daughter’s a little differently.  She suggested we hang out for the day with her best friend Heather and her mom Yvette.

So, we kicked…

We’re Moving

Hi Friends! I wanted to apologize for not posting Monday. It has been a bit hectic this week, because we’re moving.

We’ve been praying for nearly three years to rent a bigger staff cabin and the Lord has opened a place for us. We are thrilled!

I hope to return to writing in a couple of weeks.

Has God opened some special doors in your life?

Blessings, Rebecca