Eight Years Ago Today

Last week we had three nights of frost/freeze warnings with temperatures that dipped into the low 30s. Each evening we had to cover up our tender garden plants. We do this every year. The temperatures have risen into the 80s, even touching 90 degrees this week. Despite the pain of having to cover up the plants, I think I prefer the cooler temperatures. May is just right–not too cold and not too hot, neither shivering nor sweltering, except occasionally. It makes it pleasant to work so we get a lot done.

When the seasons become warmer, I always put a large shallow bowl out on the large rocks for the critters. The Robins especially enjoy it. They often take baths in it. The other day, one Robin was taking a bath and another very politely waited its turn.

It looks as if there are two sets of bluebirds nesting in our birdhouses. Today I heard a bunch of tweeting when a father went to one of the houses so I think the babies are getting bid. It probably won’t be long before they fly off. I love that the bluebirds nest where we can enjoy them.

EJ’s been working very hard in his garden. His vegetable garden takes more work than my herb garden.

Last week we got notified that our monthly electrical bill was almost doubling. This means that we will have to become even more frugal–absolutely no extras. We put all the eggs in the regular fridge and turned off the egg fridge to conserve energy. Even that might not be enough. We are trusting God to provide for us. I’m holding on to verses like Matt 6:31-33:

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Exactly eight years ago today we moved from southern to northern Michigan. EJ drove the truck with our dog Danny (now deceased). Our son and I drove our car with seven singing cats. I had put them all in cat carriers–the more active cats in heavy-duty carriers and the more passive cats in cardboard carriers. They sang almost the whole way–several hours–which was quite interesting because they each sang differently. It was like 7-part harmony. We were given the keys early so I could drive straight to our new house to could let the cats out. Meanwhile, EJ drove to the realtor’s for the closing. He had to sign both our names on everything and write his initials after writing my name. His hand was throbbing by the time he was done.. We brought up only enough stuff to see us through the week, basically camping out in our house. The next weekend we drove back to our old house and had help moving everything up.

Even after eight years, I still can’t believe that we live in such a beautiful place and area.