T's Healed Leg

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for T's healed leg.

S and I removed the bandage from T's right foreleg. Except for a few small red spots along the incision scar, the site is healed.

T, sans bandage, does what he does best - taking a long, quiet nap on a hot summer afternoon in Colorado.

For this blessing, I am very grateful.

Amen.

My dad and my gardens

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for my dad and my gardens.

If he had lived, Dad would be celebrating his 86th birthday today. Instead, over year after his death, I am honoring him in my own, very private way, in my garden.

I spent the weekend tidying my backyard garden - just in case Dad was curious and checked in to see what's blooming. Despite the 90 degree-plus temperatures, I spent several hours weeding, pruning, thinning, deadheading, mulching and watering.

Just in case, of course.

I hope Dad was happy that at least one of his five daughters (me) inherited his gardening genes and became a rather accomplished gardener. He never said a thing to me about my endeavors. Still, I'm sure he was proud of me, especially since I garden in a very challenging environment - the arid, high plains of the Colorado Front Range.

So, in celebration of Dad's 86th birthday, I'm inviting you to take a short walk in my gardens. Warning: the plants are not as green and lush as the ones he grew in Southern California.

Most of mine are xeric: drought-resistant or drought-tolerant. Many are Colorado natives. Lots are deer- and rabbit-resistant. Some are edible. All are lovely.

Backyard garden - looking west

Backyard garden - along the north fence

Backyard garden - another view looking west

Backyard garden - looking towards the northeast corner

Backyard garden - another view looking towards the northeast corner

   

Backyard garden - north fence

Backyard garden - north fence, close-in view

Backyard garden - shadier section along the house

 

Front Yard

 

A daisy for your thoughts, Dad ... Happy Birthday ... we miss you.

 
For these blessings, I am very grateful.

Amen.

A sleeping dog

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a sleeping dog.

T's recovery from surgery has been an ordeal for all of us. S and I, however, can rationalize the experience and manage our emotions, reactions and responsibilities.

Not so for T. He just doesn't understand. The worst part is the every-two-day visit to the "veg" for the bandage change. T's worst nightmare = any visit to the veg.

When T returns home, he is quite agitated and won't lie down to rest. Naturally, his behavior makes S and I nervous, testing the limits of our patience. Fortunately, the incision is healing and T has full use of the foreleg.

After this morning's visit to the veg, T finally settles down.

A sleeping dog = a few hours of peace and quiet for his human parents.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Le Tour de France

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Le Tour de France.

While not as imposing as a glorious field of French sunflowers, this single first-of-the-summer Gaillardia (blanket flower) shows off its favorite Tour colors. It bloomed this morning, just in time for the Tour's opening stage. Its bright yellow petals honor the coveted yellow jersey.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

A touch of orange

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a touch of orange.

Orange is one color I do not wear - the warm, sun-kissed citrus hue just doesn't flatter my classic winter coloring (or rather, I do not do justice to orange). Occasionally, I'll wear a top with deep coral or peach, but never, ever pure orange.

My garden, however, doesn't care about my preferences. It can wear any color regardless of the season. So this morning, orange it is.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.