Saturday, April 25, 2009

a nice weekend

Deb pulled out all the stops with a very nice birthday celebration for me yesterday- though just me and her, which in some ways make it nicer, of course! Along with that we planted a tree, as it was Arbor Day. I do love trees, so that's appropriate. This Red Point Maple, budding, as you can see here along with a needy lawn. This is how it looked when I walked in the door yesterday, greeted by my lovely wife, Deb.
I surprised Deb today with a visit to one of our favorite places around here, Meijer Gardens. I've shared pics from a past visit on this blog, before. We had high winds and heavy rain off and on, but still managed to have a very nice time there, seeing some butterflies indoors, red-winged black birds (a favorite of Deb's), daffodils (another of Deb's favorites), the horse sculpted in the tradition of Leonardo Da Vinci, a farm house and barn built as in the 1930's, and more. Some pics of our time there today:
After getting to our car and having our evidently too cheap umbrellas broken by the wind, we had a good time reading from Scot McKnight's 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed, and a prayer and Scripture from The First English Prayer Book. And later, as we were walking around the park, and as we were leaving, I couldn't help but sing, For the Beauty of the Earth (the tune). Words so meaningful for celebrating life and our Father's wonderful world.

Last but not least the latest pics of our sweet granddaughter, Morgan!

9 comments:

Tremonti said...

Ted,
This post made me smile and warmed my heart. The beauty of life, family and creation. Beautiful gifts that God has bestowed to us! And a birthday greeting from me as well.

Shalom!

Maxine said...

How wonderful Ted & Debbie! Really warms my heart too! Love both of you sooo much. Morgan is just a little doll. Love the pic of you and her asleep on the couch!
Your little Sis,
Maxine

Ted M. Gossard said...

Amen, Tremonti, and thanks much!

Blessings on you, as well!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Maxine,
Thanks much! Always so good to hear from you and talk to you, as on the phone today. And look forward to seeing you again this summer! You are a blessing!

Love,
Ted

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the pics! Wish we could've surprised u and been there. Looks like Deb had quite the party for u:)
Such beautiful pics from the gardens! Morgan looks so adorable. Miss u all!
lu
Cheryl

Ted M. Gossard said...

Cheryl,
Thanks!
lu, too!
Ted

Anonymous said...

wonderful sharing...that last photo is a keeper.
happy birthday!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks, Nancy!

Lanny said...

You clearly had a good time for your birthday. Grandbabies are terrific little creatures aren't they?!