One year later...

Hi everyone - I can't believe it's been a year since this blog was started (in the car on the way from Arizona to Wisconsin - what a trip!).  We have been up to Wisconsin to the annual conference again and, being an avid stalker of bumble bees, here is what I saw:

The mother of all bees I have seen so far!  I estimated it to be about 1 1/4" long - that's a big ol' bee! 

Then I mosied along to the purple hibiscus and pink roses in the garden:

I didn't realize that when I focused my lens down the throat of the hibiscus how amazing it would be!  It's so easy to walk past, say, "That's pretty," and move on.

Finally, when I arrived back in Florida, this guy swooped past me as I was walking my dog:

He was a beauty!

I will leave you with a sunset from August - this was after a storm and the setting I used (for a sunny day) really made it look like the sky was on fire!

To quote from a worship song we sing, "Awesome is the Lord most high!" (thanks, Chris Tomlin!)

Have a beautiful week!!

Fondly, VG

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—
it is by grace you have been saved."
Ephesians 2:4-5

 



Just a little monsoon...

OK - we (about 30 of us) worked out at 6:15 this morning in a monsoon - literally.  Sheets of rain, wind blowing wildly.  That tells you what we think of our trainer!!!!  I have to put a word in for Bo's Fitness Camps because Bob Crosby is, bar none, the BEST trainer around, and we are fortunate enough to have him right here in Naples!!!


After rockin' the workout in the rain,
Dawn (left side) empties her shoe...

Come and check out the class at Fleischman Park in Naples, FL 5 days a week at 6:15 and 8:30 - you'll see what I mean.  And oh yeah - here's the mindset out there (borrowed from Tough Mudder but it applies):

Woohoo!!!!  Have an awesome day!!!

Cheers, VG

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

Lovely picture

Hello everyone - I just got an email from a friend and I had to post one of the sayings from it (since I could NOT get the picture to upload properly).  It's about dogs.  Gee, now why would you think I would be interested in that?  :-)  It's just sweet and says a lot in a little space:

Man's Best Friend

"A dog has no use for fancy cars,

big homes, or designer clothes.

A water logged stick will do just fine.

A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor,

clever or dull, smart or dumb.

Give him your heart

and he'll give you his.

How many people can you say that about?

How many people can make you feel

rare and pure and special?

How many people can

make you feel extraordinary?"

                                              - John Grogan



No matter how warm it is, Sammy loves the pool deck!

And then, when I think about the word "extraordinary", and say it with a hyphen (EXTRA-ORDINARY!), I look at that last sentence again and really think about it!  God MADE us extraordinary but somehow early in life we lose the ability to behave that way and/or let our family and friends know that THEY are extraordinary!  Sometimes it takes our dogs to do that!  We should learn from them....

That's all for today.  Of course, I have to leave you with my pictures for the day.  The sun was absolutely beautiful here in SW Florida today and the orchids are in bloom! 

Love that sunshine coming through the petals!  Have a beautiful week everyone! 

xoxo  VG

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."
1 John 4:16

Quotes

Good Morning all!  For those of you looking for some quotes, I stumbled upon this site.  Wow!  I started pinning some of them but decided to just include it in a quick blog post - there are so many good ones and they all take some time to read and digest.  Enjoy!

Love, VG

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

A short vacation...

Hi all - sorry it's been awhile - things have been a little crazy here!  Going to take a short vacation and back in about a month or so - happy days until then! 

Oh, OK then - one or two more pictures for the road...!!  :-)


A beautiful painted bunting who comes in each winter with his mate!



The parrots that come in each morning - who knows where they're from?!



My happy flowers - a zinnia about to pop!



A zinnia in full bloom - sunshine on a stem!

All my best to you - God is good!!  Love, VG

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 18:2