I have felt poorly for quite a while now. On 31 March, I had a total hysterectomy. I feel much better now, except for exhaustion. I have severe anemia but am working hard to clear that up. Iron pills and eating well is all I know to do.

I bought these tulips at Aldi's before I had surgery. I love that store. They have unique items along with the best produce around. The tulips bloomed while I was home, recovering. I really enjoyed watching them open and show their lovely color.

Six tulips from Aldi's $2,99

Miss Cleo ... showing her true diva self.

I couldn't put Samson's bed away after he passed. Miss Cleo has found it to be one of her favorite spots. I have it on the couch because it keeps hair off the couch cover. If someone happens to drop by, I just put it in the floor. I've tried to go outside to enjoy coffee or relaxing a bit but every time I do, I can't help but cry; how lonely it is to be without my happy companion. I pray I get past this bit of sadness. I love being outdoors but it's not the same. I have never spent any time outside without Samson since we moved here 12 years ago.

I've wanted a small step-back cabinet for many years. Unfortunately, I've not come across one that fits my budget. A friend of mine found this at an estate sale for me. She called and asked if I thought it was worth $35. I jumped on it! There is a drawer and a door on both sides, 3 pegs on the left along with a 14" drop leaf on the right. I don't have it in this particular spot now but this is the only picture I have of it. It's helped tremendously with storage of two appliances and some small items. I'm still looking for a small step-back cabinet ... one day ... :-)

I hope your weekend is wonderful and you have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday with Nancy at A Rural Journal! Click on over there and join in.

1. I miss seeing this flock of wild turkeys roaming around the yard. There is a pack of coyotes that has taken up homestead in the hollow behind my house. I'm afraid most of the turkeys ended up being coyote dinner.

2. Today's temps are 65 degrees F, winds are high and the sun is bright. Yesterday was 73 degrees F and perfect in every way. No. It's not predicted to last but I'm thanking God for this much needed Winter break.

3. I've enjoyed watching the Olympics but I'm ready to get back to normal evening television viewing.

4. Some years ago, I didn't mind at all to sit in a beautician's chair for 4 hours monthly getting my hair and nails done. Now, if I get to the beautician's chair one a year ... I've a feeling of accomplishment. It's almost time for visit. {{sigh}}

5. I plan to spend a few hours online today ordering a yarn spinning spindle and Spring flowering bulbs.

Enjoy your weekend!

Beauty ...

This Swallowtail butterfly just didn't want to leave the verbena. It hung around about 20 minutes when I was photographing it. I've seen it several times over the past few days. Such delicate beauty. I could watch it flit and flutter and glide for hours.