...and letters
Good Morning and happy Friday my friends.
I'm playing over at Kim's cafe today-care to join me to see other fun finds?
Before school let out I started making a list of day trips I wanted to do sprinkled throughout the summer. I crossed Descanso Gardens off that list yesterday!
Just a short 20 minute drive out to Pasadena & you are in another world.
There were pops of color and contrast everywhere.
Then I ran across these sunny side up "fried egg" flowers!
I showed up late in the season for all the pretty blooms...
But there's a lilac garden...A LILAC GARDEN-400 plants & 250 types of lilacs!
I'll have to be sure and mark my calendar for next March.
I found amazing places all over the garden to just sit, reflect, breath and take in the views.
My next field trip is Monday...
...a little cruise out to Catalina & then on down to Mexico. I'll be posting pics on IG (@kellykardos) if you want to ride along!
Dear Dad,
This Alzheimer's stinks. Getting sucked into your world is scary for me I can't imagine what it's like for you. Now, I'll admit, our conversation last night started out amusing...but when you told me you were worried I was going to be kidnapped when I come to visit you & that you'll be in the trees working to protect me with your M-14, well...things sort of went down hill from there. I learned a new phrase last night-Sundowners syndrome. I don't think I'm going to call you in the evenings anymore.
Dear summer vacation,
I love you.
Dear Mom,
I decided it was time to pick up the book we started to read together. It's been over a year-actually it's been that long since I've picked up any book to read. I had to start it again so I traded the bookmark for one that you made me. I sat in the same cozy couch corner so you'll know where to find me if you care to look over my shoulder while I read. The late afternoon sun blazes through the window and bathes me in warmth and it feels good.
Dear Fibroid,
You suck.
Dear Teresa,
I could not have asked for a better sister-in-law.
You are a hoot and are down right hilarious.
Dear peeps,
Thanks for visiting today!
Happy (summer) snapping
xo
Kelly
My heart aches for you and your dad. I went through something similar with both of my parents - no fun! I'm glad that you are treating yourself this summer - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful garden, Kelly !
ReplyDeleteI've never seen those 'fried egg' flowers, so cute !
Touching letters ... sorry to hear about your dad ...
Have a nice weekend,
Sylvia
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know all too well how this goes, as both my mom, and my grandparents suffered from this insidious disease. All you can do, is the best you can do.
ReplyDeleteYour trip to Pasadena looks like it was fun!
Oh Kelly, this is so moving. I am so sorry about your dad - Alzheimer's is such a terrible illness. And your letter to your Mom, well goosebumps and teary... but I loved this letter style post - it's so personal and authentic. Also I love those fried eggs! what a stunning garden. Have fun on your cruise - I'll be watching on IG :)
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed my visit to Pasadena - you got some lovely photos - and that flower is super cool. Alzheimer's sucks big time and bless you on taking up reading again. This struck close to home as my mom read a.lot. We donated literally 1,000s of books (hardback) to the local library and senior centers when she passed away. I must confess that I have a bookshelf with a collection of books she had passed along to me to read "you need to read these, I think you'll like them" - I need to do that one day.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to seeing IMs from your trip. Enjoy!
Enjoy your cruise. I am looking forward to photos. Next cruise I am leaving the big girl camera home and just taking the iPhone (whatever version it is by that time ;) I really hope you are learning to enjoy reading again and that read that book is good therapy. I am sure your mom is reading over your shoulder.
ReplyDeleteYour garden pictures are beautiful! I wish I would have made a 'day trip list' before my daughter got out of school. It would make planning much easier. My heart goes out to you and your dad, it must be extremely difficult to see a loved one change so much... Enjoy your trip! Catalina looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am sure your mother will look over your shoulder wherever you are! So sorry to learn about your father...
ReplyDeletedear kelly,
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed your garden photos!
and i think the people in your life are so lucky to have you loving them.
xo
michelle
Cool post Kelly. Love all the different structures you captured. I especially love all of your DEAR messages! Aloha Friend! Happy snappin'!
ReplyDeleteI think of your mother and the pain all you who love her must feel, and my heart aches a bit.
ReplyDelete