A Most Special Gift

Well, it's a little warmer here this month, in the 90s most days.  Not too bad, considering some areas have been in the 100s this summer.  My town was sandwiched between two wildfires, one on each end.  They are both about an hour from me, and are almost contained.  I found these dish towels and loved them.  Daisies remind me of my mom.  I don't know why - she wasn't really into flowers, and I never knew her to appreciate daisies.  It's funny how certain things remind us of the ones who came before.

My son stocked me up on summer fruit.

This fellow has been coming around a lot this summer and wreaking havoc on everything in sight.  He even had a pecking match with a squirrel one morning....I rooted for the bird.  ; )

Love this pic.  It was windy, my hair was messy, but we were all together.

I watched the NEW season of Little House on the Prairie on Netflix.  Really good.  It's a bit different than the original LH, but there is a lot more interaction with the Osage Tribe, which was interesting.  Mary and Laura quarreled in a few scenes, and I thought that was realistic, as siblings tend to fight growing up.  I like the character of the shopkeeper; what a responsibility to run the only general store on the prairie.  The character of Mr. Edwards does an excellent job as well.  I loved the Christmas episode.

My son received his BA, and is now working on the Masters Program.  Jess sent him this beautiful memory box with lots of goodies inside.

My brother-in-law came in for a visit, and we went to the Chinese Restaurant for lunch.  It was good to catch up with him.  He spent the last few weeks at a cousin's ranch taking care of her dogs and horses.

I wanted to show you what the girls brought back for me from their trip to Greece.  Nel bought me a Saint Christopher plaque to hang on the wall (patron Saint of travel).  It was such a thoughtful gift, cause I traveled to be with her on her birthday.  Some olive oil for me, and a package of seasoned olives for her brother.  They tasted so Mediterranean.  She and Jess bought me the same chocolate bar, and didn't know the other one bought it....it was really good, by the way. 🍫🍫  Jess gave me some fruit candy (like the aplets and cotlets my dad loved at Christmas), a pretty cup from Athens, and a delightful pouch with the Proverbs verse 31:25.  And I was so touched when I saw her last present, the gift of Myrrh.

Me and Jess didn't know much about Myrrh, only that it was one of the items given to Jesus when He was born.  So Jess did some research while I visited, and found out a little about it.  

*The Myrrh she bought me came from Mount Athos.  It's a Holy mountain inhabited by over 1,000 Monks.  It's in northern Greece on the coast along the Aegean Sea.  An Orthodox Spiritual Center since the 10th century, and an artistic site as well.  It's prepared by the Monks at Mt. Athos, and they follow a special recipe.  Myrrh is a traditional monastic blessing.  It's a mixture of plants and aromatic substances.  It's called the "Oil of Thanksgiving" or "Anointing of Heaven."  It symbolizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the aroma of faith, tenderness of heart, and devotion to the Lord.

Try to stay cool in this summer heat, and have a great July week.