Catherine Love~ Ramblings from my Heart and Home

Random Ramblings and a Thought for the Day...

Sorry I've not been around my little "blog home" this week.  I will get back on track next week and get a new Herb of the Week up for us to discuss.  I missed doing that this week.  I'll also post some of my favorite herb books for those of you who are interested.  I have some new recipes to share with you, too!   

I've been trying to keep my head above water and NOT go completely nutso these past few days.  As I posted earlier in the week, my husband's grandmother passed away.  The funeral isn't until tomorrow, so tonight we'll most likely have an apartment full of family members-this could be good- or not .  You just never know how people are going to act or react during stressful times.  Have you noticed that death seems to bring out the strangest thoughts, actions, and emotions in people??? Or is that just in my family ? 

My husband is having major problems with his back- he missed 3 days out of 5 at work this week.  Not good for our already tight budget.  I know the Lord will provide all that we need.  He always does, and often He provides abundantly more; that's what the scriptures say, so I don't know why I'm often surprised when He blesses us so abundantly!  He did go to work today, I'm just hoping he makes it OK.  Factory work is not good on an already injured back. 

I do want to share a very good homeopathic anti-inflammatory pain relief cream with you.  It's called Topricin, and it has really helped Carl's back this week.  I got a sample from our local natural foods store, and it worked so quickly and so well I went back and bought a tube on Monday.  The active ingredients listed are: Arnica  Montana, Echinacea, Rhus Tox, Ruta Graveolens, Lachesis, Belladonna, Crotalus, Aesculus, Heloderma, Naja, and Graphites.  It is said to work on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetive Motion, Trauma/Sports Injuries, Arthritis and Lower Back Pain.  I know that it has helped his back and shoulder, both of which are repetive motion related. 

Since Carl was home 3 mornings this week, I took advantage of that and went for an early morning walk on those days.  It's too hot to walk in the evenings here, so this was an unexpected blessing of sorts.  Anyway, walking these past few mornings reminded me of the quote below:

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.  ~George Washington Carver

I was amazed at the beauty of nature and the variety of animal life as well as plant life right here in my neighborhood.  One morning I saw 2 roadrunners.  They are such comical looking creatures.  One had a lizard or some other sort of critter in it's mouth, and the other was following along behind- probably hoping to get some of that breakfast, too!  Ick.  I did enjoy watching them, though; and they didn't seem the least bit bothered by my presence.  Another morning, the ducks that live near the university pond followed me as I walked.  Begging for bread, which unfortunately I did not have!  The girls and I go at least once a week or so and feed them our leftover bread.  I guess they recognized me and thought it was time to eat.  I did feel a bit silly walking down the road with about a dozen ducks waddling along behind me !  I finally had to pick up my pace and leave them behind- I didn't even want to try explaining to my husband why I came home with a family of ducks!  The kitten following us home was one thing, a bunch of ducks is another!  Speaking of kittens, the one who followed us home apparently found another home; but the others are still here and growing fast.  There's almost nothing cuter than a soft, fuzzy kitten!

I also saw all sorts of different wildflowers growing along the roadside.  In one section I saw Wild Morning Glory, Sunflowers, Sweet William, Mimosa, and 2 others that I couldn't identify.  Should have brought my nature guide... 

It seemed that as I walked, there were just these little reminders of what a creative, amazing, awesome God we have.  The sweetest, most touching thing I saw was yesterday morning.  As I was walking toward home, not looking forward to the mountain of laundry I had to load into the van and spend the rest of the morning washing, folding, unloading and putting away; the apartment that was showing  signs of a week "out of order"; grumpy husband with a backache; relatives; funeral; and all of the other seemingly unpleasant duties that come with being a keeper of the home- I saw this:  There in a very sad-looking, half dead pine tree was a nest.  In the nest was the most beautiful dove, sitting on her eggs I assume.  The nest was low in the tree so I could see it very clearly.  I stopped and watched the bird, and she calmly looked right back at me.  Her nest in that pitiful dying tree, is right near a busy corner on the university campus.  Yet, even with cars passing by, and people walking right near her nest all day long- she was calm and unruffled by all the commotion.  She seemed perfectly content there; just doing what was hers to do, and not worrying about all the "stuff" going on around her.  Sometimes God speaks in the most unexpected ways, and I felt at that moment He was saying, "Don't worry about all the things that may or may not happen this week. Don't worry about the bills, the relatives' possibly unpleasant actions, the other things that probably won't happen anyway and even if they do, I've got them covered.  Go home to your own little nest and take care of the people and things I've given you to care for- then, relax, be at peace and know that I'm with you through it all. 

Well, Mt. Washmore did get taken care of, my little nest is in much better order, Carl went back to work, and thus far the relatives have been peaceful.  Today I will enjoy spending time with my little girls, cooking food for guests and just resting in the fact that my precious Father loves me and takes the time to speak to me, calm my fears and smooth out my ruffled feathers. 

Have a blessed weekend,

Catherine

Dear Friend...

2:22 PM, Friday, July 14, 2006 .. Posted by Anonymous

I am praying for you and family now... with family members coming, funeral, and then with hubby's back... may it be of comfort to you to know your sister on the baking East coast is praying for you...

I have heard of the ointment... good reports too. I have tried to post on Garden Thyme... but you have comments inactivated.... get in touch and we'll marvel at the wonderful things God is doing in both of our lives...

Miss you dear sister,

Carla Lynne

A silly question

5:56 PM, Friday, July 14, 2006 .. Posted by Anonymous

Do you think that ointment your talking about is called the same in Canada. I have found that for some strange reason the same product is called different names in different countries. Don't know why though.

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your husbands grandmother. I hope it will make you feel better to know that my family sounds like yours in time of stress. I am usually the one laughing just to keep people on the same road.

Brightest blessings

Heather(happyowl)

Hi Catherine

2:30 AM, Monday, July 17, 2006 .. Posted by HSBFrontPorch

I've been traveling and am just taking some time to catch up reading blogs. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's grandmother and I can totally relate to your anxiety about how everyone will deal with things. We went through some pretty rough stuff when my husband's grandmother passed away. Through it all though, it just reveals people's hurts and their character and causes us to rely more on God to get us through it all. :o)

Hang in there Sister!
Blessings,
Nancy
Senior Editor of HomesteadBlogger

Untitled Comment

7:25 AM, Monday, July 17, 2006 .. Posted by HarvestMom

Hi Catherine,
Sorry to hear about your grandma. Your relatives aren't the only ones who act that way:) My grandma's funeral was this past Friday, I couldn't go, but heard my letter released tension among the bickering relatives! Blessings, Theresa