A Picture a Week: Oct 18-24 (3)

It felt like I spent the majority of my time at work this week, either working or in work related meetings. There was one morning I finished working at and had to be in a meeting at the hospital 1.5 hours later. It wasn't worth driving home to turn around and drive right back. 

After clocking out, I decided to go and sit in one of the hospital cafes. I bought myself some coffee, and got out some personal stuff to work on while I was waiting...but if I'm honest, I didn't do much of it. I found it way more interesting to watch the people and traffic outside. 

At one point there were several people sitting at the table behind me talking. I wanted to jump into there conversation so bad, but I had a feeling that I would not be welcome. They were talking about traveling to different countries, experiences they had, and learning second languages. 

Hearing their conversation made me realize that I feel alone here. I haven't meet people to hang out with outside of work, to share past stories and future dreams with. I suddenly found myself wishing that I had my friends from PA around me. 

They left, I went to my meeting and then went home to get some sleep. 

A Picture a Week: Oct 11-17 (2)

I know that I’m a couple weeks behind, but I needed some time to gather my thoughts before I shared this. On Monday morning, October 12th, my grandma left this earth to join her Savior in heaven. It’s been a time of sorrow and a time of rejoicing. 

I have many memories of spending the night and my grandparents house, playing in the pine trees out back, playing games, and eating gingerbread man pancakes for breakfast. My favorite was when they would take us to the local A&W where I was treated to a root-beer float. 

As I got older, I could see that my grandma cared about her neighbors and others in the community as she cared for her family. She had the gift of hospitality and humility, always a welcome smile and kind word. Going to visit meant sitting at the kitchen table having a drink and something to snack on while talking about life, or playing a game while doing all of the above.

Needless to say, my grandma was a very special women who’s strong faith and love has shaped my life. I Love you Grandma!!! 

At the end of the graveside service roses were handed to family members from the casket arraignment, to those who wanted them. This is the rose I got. 

Grandma's favorite color was red.

A Picture a Week: 1 (Oct 4-10)

I have been living in my new city for almost 3 months and it difficult to be settling into a routine and figuring out what to do when I'm not working. My thought was 'a picture a week.' I could go explore a new area of town, try out a new restaurant and share my explorations of my new city.

Hopefully I will be able to keep this up, it doesn't sound difficult now, but who knows it might be more work than I'm thinking. 

Here goes, Week 1:

Fredrick Meijer Gardens

The other day I went exploring at the Japanese Garden in the Fredrick Meijer Gardens (they have several different types of gardens). I must say the fist day I went I didn't take my camera and went back the next day to take pictures and enjoy the peacefulness of garden and the beautiful day.

The garden is centered on a lake

Water Lily

One of several waterfalls

The bridge crosses to a little island

After walking around for awhile, I stopped and watched the clouds drift by...

While I was walking around the lake, I was stopped by someone who asked if I had gotten some good pictures and what kind of camera did I have. We both had Nikons (and his good one is way better than mine), as we were talking he told me visits the Fredrick Meijer Garden once every week or two, usually when he comes to visit his granddaughter.