A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Monday, November 4, 2013

A Monday Visit With Elizabeth



This is Elizabeth, a few years ago, from our Church directory. She looks almost the same today.I forgot how old she is, but she is nearing 90.Sorry about the grainy picture, but I thought you would like to see her.
I visited Elizabeth today. I had left a book of poetry with her on my last visit and she was done with it.I saw her at Church and asked if Monday was a good day to pick it up. She said, "Come for a foldit." I told you about the sandwiches she makes using foldits. they are made with artisan flat breads and they fold in half when you fill them with various fillings We had turkey, tomato, lettuce and mayo today.. I told her that I would bring dessert. She looked happy that I was coming. We always have such good conversation about all kinds of things. When I arrived, she had the program The Chew on her TV. Lunch was ready and we sat near the window looking out at her beautiful property. Leaves were falling like snow. The two Westies were out in the yard...so anxious to see me. Their names are Bello and Foxy. We ate lunch... talking all the time. I brought chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and left her a piece for later.Her house was decorated for fall with wreaths, swags, ceramic pumpkins, fall candles and her tree by the fireplace decorated with fall flowers and berries. After lunch we went in by the fire and sat in the chairs right next to the fireplace. She had let the dogs in and they were so excited to see me. A dog for her and one for me. Foxy showed how to do rolly pollys when Bello was getting too much attention. What fun entertainment with these two pups. Elizabeth took out her knitting and started to finish her prayer shawl that she was making. All in shades of purple and lavender. She is a Bear fan and watches the games. When the Bears lose..she watches the Packers. We talked about supporting the Ravens last year, because our hometown boy... Sean Considine was on the team. She's a devout Catholic...attending Mass everyday.We talked quite a bit about our Catholic faith and our beliefs.She is on the funeral lunch committee and has to make her corn pudding for a funeral tomorrow. We talked about our individual families and what they were doing. I suggested that next time, she bring out some of her photo albums... of when she was a girl in Germany. She seemed happy to share and told me that she would like to look at them again herself. I do love to look at old photo albums. We talked about her little chipmunk friend who visits often. She has turkeys that visit her yard and someone stopped by, and took a picture of deer in her yard one day. We have Scrabble in common. Her daughter and son-in-law have her over for dinner a few nights a week and they play Scrabble with people all over the country. She looks forward to this as much as I do when I play with my daughter. It was getting dark and I had been there for four hours...time to leave. We put the pups outside, while the door was open and I was leaving. We said our goodbyes and I told her I would bring a book that I thought she might enjoy. I left thinking that I hope I can age as she has...I think the secret is to keep informed about new things, taking care of your body, I always feel better when I dress up...so I think that dressing up a bit helps, but most of all...keep current.To Elizabeth...everything in  life is interesting.
Balisha

9 comments:

Melanie said...

I'm glad you had such a nice visit with a special friend. She sounds like such a lovely lady!

acorn hollow said...

It sounds like a lovely afternoon with a lovely lady.
Cathy

Leslie Kimel said...

Wow, I would like to age like Elizabeth too. I love reading about her. It's so great when you find someone who can be an inspiration to you. Your visit with her sounds delightful.

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Glad that you posted a picture of her, because I always enjoy your visits there...two chairs drawn up to the fire...so cozy.

We had several windy days ...but with the latest cold snap the leaves fell even faster..same here!

lynne said...

I believe the will to live overcomes many things. Wonderful story and wonderful lady.

Balisha said...

E. says that her reason for living alone is having her two little dogs. She's had them so long and that they need her. She is very lucky to have a caring daughter living close and many, many friends. She was on her own (so to speak) for close to a week... a short time ago. Her daughter fixed a package for each day...for her to open with treats for the dogs and herself. She really looked forward each day to this. There are gardeners and people around so much of the time and with her being in such good health, she can enjoy her home.She just passed her driver's test and so she can get to Church every morning without having to depend on anyone.I am so inspired by this very independent lady.
Balisha

Judy said...

I love this! What a wonderful, inspiring lady--a real lady. Faith is a strong component to graceful aging, I think.

Rose said...

So nice to read about a woman of her age enjoying so much of life! My parents are in their 80's--Dad's 88--and although they've slowed down physically in the last couple of years, they are still very involved in so many activities. I think that is one of the keys to staying young at heart--staying involved and taking an interest in many things.

Elizabeth must have been thrilled with Monday night's Bears game:)

Sharon said...

Elizabeth's story inspires me, too. She is fortunate to have family and friends who help her stay in the home she loves. Each of us can do the best we can but there may come a time when we depend on the kindness of others.