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Last year, my master gardener friend Becky gave me a blackberry lily plant. She included a root starter with my gift. The plant grew well in the perennial garden I have on the south side of my garage.

I neglected the bed for a few weeks in September, but when I checked on my flowers, I noticed blackberries replaced the blooms. I contacted my friend to see if the clusters of berries were food for the birds. She informed me they were seeds.

I purchased some blackberries for eating this week and noticed how much the lily cluster seeds resembled real berries.

              

I love my flowering lilies and plan to start my own this coming spring. I would like to share them as Mother’s Day gifts.

I cut the stems and will store the clusters of berries in a dry area until planting time.

Here are a few tips for sowing your own blackberry lilies.

1. Sow seeds in seed starting containers and cover with 1/4 inch of soil.
2. Transfer to 3-inch pots when seedlings are easy to handle.
3.  Grow approximately 6 weeks before planting.

Enjoy!

 

I recently attended my 50th year class reunion. It’s the third one I’ve been to since I graduated from a large city school in 1969.

I shared my fun experience with friends and family and suggested they attend their next reunion. Some said they planned to, but others didn’t believe they would.

GO!

There isn’t much change to see in early reunions, but by the time the 50th rolls around, we’ve had a lifetime of experiences and growing.

Without name tags, I wouldn’t have recognized many classmates. I’ve kept in contact with one of my “best friends” but other than bumping into a classmate at the grocery store or event, high school remains a memory.

Throughout the years, we married, divorced, moved away, dedicated ourselves to careers, children, grandchildren, lost loved ones, and became a bit more humbled.

Many of the “cool kids” actually remembered me and distributed warm and caring hugs. “Weren’t you?” seemed to be a common phrase, and “do you remember teacher so and so?”

Our hair was dyed, natural, or gone. Some of us limped to the buffet line or slipped on reading glasses.

I heard about travels, volunteer work, mission areas, and how their lives have changed throughout the years.

Along one wall were pictures of classmates that we’ve lost. I had planned to talk with several old friends who are now gone. One particular guy jumped the fence at the outdoor drive-in movie and hopped into the backseat of my car where my twin, two best friends, and I were viewing the show. I remember we squeezed together in our little Rambler and talked and laughed the whole time. I never got to share this with him. We need to take time today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I left well before the stroke of midnight, and mentioned if God willing, I’d see them at the 55th class reunion.

So, if you’re wondering reunion or not. Make it a YES!

 

 

 

Last year at this time, my grandson and friend found a lost kitten they named One-eyed Willy. I posted a story about the adventure, and thought many of you would like to see Willy’s birthday picture.

Below is the original post followed by his photo.

With urgency in his voice, my grandson called me last week and asked if I could come over to his house. He and a friend found a stray kitten while riding their bikes. According to both boys, the kitten had one eye. I stopped everything I had been doing and drove at record speed to my daughter’s home. My grandson’s friend along with his friend’s brother and sister stood wide-eyed watching my daughter assess the health condition of a tiny orange fur ball, already confirmed a male, and named One-eyed Willy.

The kitten’s eye wasn’t missing, but sealed shut due to some type of infection. The little thing had sores on his behind. We decided to give One-eyed Willy a bath in Dawn Dish Soap to kill fleas. I raced back home for my cat flea comb and mite medicine as the kitten’s ears were filled with mites. After an hour of removing fleas and mites in a tepid bath and rinse, the kitten began to purr. An outdoor makeshift bed was created for him along with a dish of warm milk, water, and soft cat food. He didn’t seem old enough to eat solids, but scarfed down the meal.

Needless to say, after a veterinary visit, Willy is a member of my grandson’s household and free from fleas and sickness.

Thank you, boys, for stopping to aid a kitten in need. You could have cycled on, ignoring the situation. So many animals are left to fend for themselves.

Please neuter or spay your pets, and when seeking a furry member for your home, check out local pet rescue adoptions and the Humane Society. This little guy will be forever loved.

Willy today.

Luke 19:10

“For the son of man came to seek and save the lost.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schools in my area start next week. Families are purchasing clothes, shoes, and backpacks in preparation.

The church I attend fills backpacks for our students.

I have friends who fill backpacks and deliver to their schools. They come in handy for new students, families who have lost homes to fire, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For those who are struggling with the “empty nest syndrome” and would like to bless a child, this is a great idea. Even a new pair of shoes is welcomed!

I’ve purchased school supplies when they go on sale or are in the clearance aisle. Once I was able to acquire backpacks for a youth class. Other years, I’ve filled a table with needed items.

                  

If you’re wondering what you can do to help, this is a terrific idea!

May every child have a memorable school year and stay safe.