In Memory of Grandma

Saturday Heaven gained the most beautiful women I have ever known.  Chuck's 91 year old grandmother, Catherine.  She passed away peacefully, in her home, surrounded by her family.  Chuck wrote something for her and I thought it would be fitting to share.  

Many things come to mind when thinking about Grandma, but one phrase that kept coming back was a meek and quiet spirit.  

Do not let adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3: 3-4

I know that many think weak when they thing about a meek person.  Grandma was a women of strength.  The Greek definition describes meek as, "the attitude of one who is friendly, warm, forbearing, patient, kind and gentle."  The definition of quiet is, "is a person who knows how to calm herself and maintain a state of peace and tranquility."

One only needed to spend a moment with Grandma to see she was all of these things and more.  I imagine anyone who knew her could provide example after example of the things she did to show again and again that her spirit was meek and quiet.  

For me she was my safe place.  No matter how tough life many have been there was always Grandma's.  A place where food, laughter, kindness, and love were given out in abundance.  Her greatest joy was serving her family. 

I could write a book of all the ways she loved and cared for me.  The most profound way she impacted my life was to take me to church as a child.  She was the one who introduced me to Jesus and the seed was sown.  The seed lie dormant for many years, yet had been planted.  As I've grown I have nurtured that seed and it has matured.  The love of Grandma not only impacted my life on earth, but for eternity.  

Its hard to let you go.  The only thing that makes it bearable is that it isn't good-bye, but until we meet again.  Forever grateful for you, Grandma.

In loving memory of Mamie Catherine Cottongim Thompson

June 1, 1928 - October 26, 2019

Feeling the Nudge

I usually wait until after the first frost to clean up my flower beds.  This year I had been feeling a nudge to get it done.  I can't explain why.  I listened and have been busy cleaning things up outside.

I started by cutting back pernials, pulling out annuals, and weeding.  Once complete the front wasn't looking it's best, so I added $20 worth of mulch.  Amazing what a little bit of mulch does to improve an area.

Weeds were pulled from the driveway and the rotten timbers along one side were removed.  The timbers on the other side of drive need to be removed also.  That may be a project that waits until spring.

Over the weedend I worked on cleaning windows.  I used our handheld vacuum on the screens and then cleaned the windows.  The inside still needs cleaned, but that will wait for a day when I can't be outside.


There are a few left to do.  Garden knick nacks need to be cleaned and stored.  The back porch needs cleaned and things put away.  Along with a few odds and ends Megan has at the slide.

I feel pretty good about getting everything cleaned up in the next week.  Then I will help Chuck with any last minute projects he 'd like to finish before winter.