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| Today's Harvest (9/1/23) |
Today is a blessing! Eight years ago, today, I had a diagnostic biopsy, the results of which confirmed that I had cancer. To be alive, and relatively well, today, eight years later, is both a blessing and an answered prayer.
Today, I made my usual first of the month brunch of milkrice and when I made my usual offering at the altar, I said a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of today. I also made a mackerel curry (using canned mackerel) to go with the milkrice.
Today, the pain in my hip has subsided quite a bit. I am able to walk without shuffling. My daughter admonished me not to "overdo things by a mile because you are feeling better" and I promised her that I won't! But, I was able to do a few things, including going out into the garden and harvesting what is shown above - one passionfruit, two lemons (one of which is rather shriveled), three serrano chilies, and some blueberries! Yes, the blueberry bushes are still producing berries!
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| Blueberries on the Bushes |
While I was in the garden, I started the car and let it run for a few minutes. And I took a few pictures.
The squash plants - I asked M to open up the chicken wire mesh we had placed around the planting bed in order to give Eenie room to spread; I rather suspect that Eenie is a butternut squash vine! There are two tomato plants growing, too. And yes, that's Mama Cat in her yellow bucket in the background!
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| Squash Plants |
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| The Squash Plants From the Other Side |
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| The Newest Squash Seedling - Jack (in case it's a pumpkin) |
Nearby, the volunteer tomato plant growing in the apple seedling planter seems to be a cherry tomato plant:
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| Volunteer Cherry Tomato |
M was supposed to tend to the garden, today, but, he called to ask if he could do it tomorrow, instead. I was fine with that. The weather forecast says it will rain very early tomorrow; if it does, then, M might not need to water! I had unlocked the gate, earlier, in anticipation of M's arrival, so, after the phone call, I went back outside and locked the gate. I noticed that there were some vehicles parked in the driveway, next door (neighbor T's former home). They appeared to be construction workers' vehicles, so, I'm assuming they are doing some repairs or upgrading before the new owners move in. I also noticed quite a few large plants in growers pots in the backyard, so it looks like they plan to landscape the yard. It's going to be interesting to see what takes place, next door!
I spent the rest of the evening relaxing, watching some TV, and video chatting with my daughter.
Today, I am grateful for:
- The blessing of this day
- Answered prayers
- Being alive and relatively well
- Access to medical care
- The garden harvest
Today's joyful activity was being out in the garden, picking some homegrown produce and rejoicing.
That's a great milestone as a cancer survivor and I agree it is a blessing and answered prayer. I'll never forget my date either as it was the start of lockdown in 2020 and we'd been told we must stay at home but I couldn't but then told my treatment may not go ahead but thankfully my prayers were answered too. So good to hear your hip pain has lessened and please do keep your promise to your daughter and not overdo things. Your garden is doing well and good to know your new neighbours will be looking after their home and garden well too.
ReplyDeleteSome dates stay etched in our memories forever, don't they? I remember you mentioning that your diagnosis came at the start of lockdown and you had to go for your treatments on your own as a result. I'm glad you were able to have your treatments, after all, and all is well with you, now. Yes, answered prayers!
DeleteYes, I'm pacing myself and taking it easy! Baby steps!
I'm looking forward to seeing what the new neighbors do to spruce up the garden next door. :)
I rejoice that you are still with us, and that you are my friend! Follow your daughters wise advice, do not overdo things! [my girls tell me the same] Have a lovely weekend
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. I remember reading a Bible verse you had posted on your blog, around that time, and finding comfort in the words and you sent me another Bible verse. I read both those verses, every day, as part of my daily prayers, and I think of your kindness in sending me the verses.
DeleteI'm taking it easy, I promise! :D
Your garden seems such a blessing to you - you find so much to share and it's wonderful to see. Mama Cat is definitely asserting ownership!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have that good news. It's wonderful that you are cancer free - you share light.
I hope you get good neighbours.
I do find the garden to be a blessing, Lyssa, especially these days when I don't go out and about much. There's always something happening every time I look!
DeleteMama Cat has definitely moved in! LOL.
Thank you, Lyssa. That's a lovely thing to say! :)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get some good neighbors.
Your recovery is truly a blessing. How wonderful for you to be cancer free! Yes, follow your daughter's advice and don't overdo your hip. You raised a very wise young woman!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will have good new neighbors.
Thank you, Celie. Each new day is a blessing as you well know. I know it might sound corny, but, I am grateful for each day I am alive because I know that there are many who haven't had the opportunity to do so.
DeleteThank you; yes, she's a wise young woman and I'm very proud of her. :)
I'm so happy that you are in good health today, and I've had a chance to get to know you. Looking forward to many more years of being blog friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you, June. It's a blessing to be here, today. It's true what they say - health is wealth. :)
DeleteYour gardens do provide for you nicely! Glad you are alive and well. Your daughter needs you even now (that she's grown). Hope your hip heals. andrea
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andrea. Yes, that's what she tells me, too. :)
DeleteA blessing indeed. The world is a far nicer place with you in it :) Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules. What a lovely thing to say!
Delete8 years is quite a milestone and a huge blessing! So glad you are still around! 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy. Yes, it is a huge blessing. :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful milestone to be in good health 8 years after your diagnosis of breast cancer. I am so happy for your good health and wish for your continued good fortune.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pleasing image with the dark background of the lid and the table (neighbor T's??) along with the colors of those particular fruits.
I am curious to see what happens next door - and who is going to live there !
Hello to Mama Cat in her bucket home. lol
Thank you, Debra.
DeleteYes, that's T's table!
Whoever is moving in next door is doing a whole lot of renovations before they move in!
Mama Cat meows a Hi back at you! :D