Life Springs Eternal

I look around, and signs of new life abound.  All of my senses are engaged.  The scent of pines, warmed by the sun, wafts on the wind.  The pre-historic, rattling bugle calls of a pair of Sandhill Cranes bounce between the hills, coming closer as they make their approach to the lake.  Soil, moist from the winter's recently-melted snow, yields easily to my trowel.  The yellow flowers of Oregon Grape, nestled in a fresh green basket of pine grass, catch my eye.  Newly unfurled aspen leaves twinkle and dance in the breeze.  Bees angle for space among the clusters of flowers on the apple trees.  I sit back on my haunches and soak it all in.  I am seized with wonder and joy at these seemingly every day miracles.

I have always been attuned to nature and its cycles, but my appreciation of the miracle of creation has deepened ever since we learned we will be grandparents at the end of September!!! 

On an April trip to Cincinnati to visit our daughter and son-in-law, they surprised us with the news - our first clue was this banner in the kitchen.  Upon hugging our daughter, the BUMP also made itself known!!!  

When our creative daughter posted the news on FaceBook, I adored this picture of the three pairs of wellies.  What some may not realize is that this photo was taken in the UK garden of my in-laws.  My parents are not here (physically) to witness the birth of another (34th) great-grandchild, and hence it is so meaningful to me that she planned for this in my second home, with the couple I have called Mom and Dad for over three decades.

The same night as the announcement, the happy parents-to-be presented Man With Hat with a new name - Granda - via a beer mug engraved with the name that has long been chosen.  And in my case?  I have long dithered about what to be called - how appropriate to be given a book with name options, and a gift certificate for a garden sign with the yet-to-be-selected moniker.

At first, I thought I would just let the baby give me a name, organically.  But then it occurred to me that I would eventually be "introduced" to the baby - I envisioned the hospital room, and our daughter saying "Baby, this is your ... "  Well, that just wasn't going to work, was it?  It took me two weeks to arrive at a name I really like - "Ya Ya" - it is an informal Spanish form of Grandmother.  Perfect!

 

 

 

 

In the meantime, the Bump is growing, and the nursery is being painted. Plans for the baby shower in August are progressing.  Anticipation is building. I might just have a tear or two in my eyes as I am typing.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two will become three - a miraculous event that is almost beyond our comprehension.  While I wait, I will gaze in joy upon the world just outside my windows.  I imagine the days when I can show a toddler the yellow flowers of Oregon Grape, nestled in a fresh green basket of pine grass.  We will raise our noses to the scent of pines, warmed by the sun.  Our hands will be dirty with soil, moist from the winter's recently-melted snow.  We will race to the lake, to watch the landing of Sandhill Cranes, their rattling bugle calls bouncing between the hills, coming closer as they make their approach.  The bees will buzz overhead in the apple blossoms, counting ... one, two, three, as high as we can go.  We will lie on the ground, watching the newly unfurled aspen leaves twinkle and dance in the breeze.  Yes, I will lie there and soak it all in.  Every day miracles.

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I am linking to LeeAnna's I Like Thursday - prompt is "What does Memorial Day mean to you?  Are you participating in a party?"

We were in the UK on May 8, which was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe, when Germany unconditionally surrendered its armed force at the "end" of WWII.  On TV, I watched the concert on the Horse Parade in London, which featured several videos of living military personnel and civilians, describing their experience.  It was extraordinary.  While I may not know many US military who have given their lives for a greater purpose, I can certainly honor and appreciate it, especially after watching such an impactful program.  

We did not participate in a party on Memorial Day - we enjoyed fajitas and margaritas at home.

Linking up with Eileen at Saturday's Critters

Linking to Mosaic Monday