My mid-morning snack. Thank you, Lord. Let me count my blessings.

--> Blessing No. 1 - After spending about 40 minutes outside in my folding aluminum lawn chair when the temp was 70 and the breeze comforting, I came inside for a pit stop and went right back outside for another 50 minutes. That time I had to move my chair so that my legs were in the sunshine because it was actually chilly out there in the low humidity breeze. Later on today when it gets to 97 I predict that I will be in my studio apartment, comfortable even with five one-week-old-one-inch-long slices in my abdomen--praise the Lord that they are healing nicely.



Blessing No. 2 - The electricity to run my frig and my window unit and my TV and my computer--you get the picture. It's 82 now, and I'm comfortable.



Blessing No. 3 - These strawberries, blueberries, and cherries that one of my sons picked up for me earlier on at Freddie's.

Blessing No. 4 - Those two loving, helpful sons of mine, Lamont and Leland!

Blessing No. 5 - My job and the wonderful folks with whom I work and the Family Medical Leave Act which protects my job for me.

Blessing No. 6 - My little Mama's old blue plush recliner where I'm headed in a little while. I woke up at 1 a.m. and stayed awake for at least three hours before falling a sleep for may two, so I will listen to my body and take a nap soon.

Blessing No. 7 - The massive number of folks praying for me as I experience these changes in my life. I thank the Good Lord for each of you, and I can feel the power of your prayers and love.



All that's left after I've enjoyed my blessings, y'all.

Folks among the flowers, No. 6

While I can't be sure of it, I believe it was something he said that led to the joyous smile and throwing back of her head in full-tilt-boogie laughter which you see there on the face of the woman with her hand on the stroller. I mean the man in the bee hat, of course. See the next photo for what I consider a great big ol' clue.
 

The reason I think that is how he's acting here in the second photo which isn't very good, but after all, I did take it on the fly so to speak, from my seat in a shuttle which transported folks from their vehicles and/or around the tulip fields. You do see his bunny ears, the man in the bee hat, right? Do you think he could have said something that made that woman laugh out loud?

 And how about the couple in what I would call Dutch costumes? Cool sight to see, there among the tulips.

Folks among the flowers, No. 5

Finally, my favorite photo of the little girls. When I saw the one in front, holding her nose, I pushed the button on my camera and said a little prayer that I got the photo. I did!

And I could smell every bit of manure that she could smell, from the moment I stepped out of the car. As I walked through the field of tulips, taking in the beautiful colors and shapes, seeing so many people out enjoying the flowers and the sunshine, for the most part I soon didn't notice the smell. Too much.

Folks among the flowers, No. 4

I've altered the photo at PicMonkey, trying to shed some light on her pretty face.
  Hope y'all aren't tired of these two little girls yet.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Tulip Fest, Woodburn, Oregon, Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Folks among the flowers, No. 2

I asked one of the grown-ups with her about her native costume and discovered she is Hmong. More photos of her and another lovely girl coming soon. 

Woodburn Tulip Farm, Tulip Fest, Woodburn, Oregon, April 22, 2012

Folks among the flowers, No. 1

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm's Tulip Fest, Woodburn, Oregon, April 22, 2012