Bittersweet

I travelled to Florida last week to visit my aunts and also my sister.  My father's two surviving sisters are in fragile health and as I write, my auntie, Inga, is soon on her way to be with Jesus.  It was a purposeful, productive, emotional visit of goodbyes and a desire to do all that was possible to help someone die with dignity...something we all desire and deserve.  In between visits at the nursing home, my sister and I had time to coast into the day sitting on her wonderful lanai and watching all the many beautiful birds that frequent her pond in the morning.  So this is where we sat with our tea and fruit as each new day began. 

 I got a chance to experience pancakes on the beach and I must say they tasted pretty fine.  After our "nourishing" breakfast we took our chairs and enjoyed the sun and surf. 

Birds are everywhere in Florida and some are even a nuisance like this peacock who along with the rest of his flock, is wearing out his welcome with his high pitched screech and droppings.  Oh, well, no place is perfect.

Time was spent with Auntie Ruthie, and a chance to marvel at this wonderful lady who at 91, still has such a zest for life and all things new.

A visit with my sister, Marlys, without our husbands, found us not staying home much, especially not to cook!  One of the highlights was again visiting the incomparable Ringling Museum (yes, the circus people) and the amazing Ringling estate which has completed rennovation and is a feast for the eyes.   Being blessed with perfect sunny days of 85 degrees didn't hurt either.

 But at the end of the day was the always faithful sunset, a reminder of Inga and her long life of 97 years and what she has meant to our family.   May she slip sweetly and quietly into the arms of God.