Thousand Word Thursdays #213

Hopeful: a blossom appearing on a strawberry plant in mid-November! Copyright © 2021 Rita Jacques

Hiding in the Hydrangeas

This is an updated re-blog on my neighbour, Rocco, who passed away last week from a heart attack. I admit it. When I’m overtired, I want be left alone in my garden. I’ve pretended not to notice Rocco (my elderly Italian neighbour) nearby when I’m busy weeding. He gave me several hydrangea plants two summers…

Christmas Spirit

I’m re-posting this story as a tribute to my neighbour who recently succumbed to Covid. His name (Bob) is a pseudonym as is his wife’s name (Sandy). Bob struggled with dementia from Parkinson’s yet his love for his wife always shone. Rest in peace, my friend. The doorbell rang followed by frantic knocking. I expected…

The Old General Store

Time passes differently with a puzzle piece in your hand. It’s true. I lose total track of time while puzzling. That’s what I call it when I work on a puzzle. Every Christmas I receive a puzzle as a present. I must’ve have been a very good person last year because Santa gifted me with…

Inspiration in Unexpected Places!

While walking with my daughter through a medical office building, I spotted something bright pink, about two inches tall, near the entrance. Was it a piece of litter? Nope! It was a painted rock with a funny face with Bear Hugs written on it. It brought a smile to my face instantly. It reminded me…

Keep Hope Alive!

It’s funny how a simple remark can lead you to reflect on your life. Last week, my brother-in-law stopped by to visit. As we stood in the driveway, he pointed to a large bed of Cosmos flowers still standing on the first day of November. “I see you’re one of those gardeners who lets their…

Thousand Word Thursdays #132

Just a quick phone pic on my way into the Chatham courthouse. I was struck by how the bold weeds were free to grow among the beautiful tulips. Like the weeds of society mingling with the good people in the courthouse, until tended by a master gardener.  “Flowers grow out of love and kindness.  …

In My Path!

Everyone in our neighbourhood received a letter last fall informing us that fibre optic cable for high-speed internet would be installed sometime in the future. We had to give consent before our lawns would be dug up for its installation. Of course, I agreed but I added to my reply email, “Please don’t dig up…

Good for the Soul!

Oh, I had big plans for today! I planned to give my home a thorough spring cleaning, so it looked straight out of the pages of a magazine. I planned to pay the bills and organize the little stacks of paper cluttering the kitchen table, the dining room table, and my desk. My growing stack…

Being Thankful!

  I got a flat tire this week. I get them so often that it didn’t even get much up a rise out of me. It’s just something that happens I can’t control so why waste any anger over it? Unfortunately, I drove on the tire, thinking it was “just a little low”, ruined the…