beyond the trees
in shadow . . .
late afternoon light
January 2019
repotted plant
seems settled now
new leaves growing
February 2012
broccoli for lunch
in bright winter sun
days grow longer
February 2018
The beauty of each day, and the seasons . . .
sometimes by sight
in my life of faith
apple trees in bloom
Time Of Singing (2014)
Photo from February 2018
Ellen Grace Olinger
Years ago, when I helped with my mother’s care, I was always alert to what might be on the floor, to guard against falls. She used a walker, and was trained by therapists and so careful. After her passing, I would continue to pick up a piece of paper in a store or parking lot, thinking of her. I would tell this story to others who observed.
We watch for opportunities to take someone’s cart from the parking lot to the store, if that seems appropriate and helpful. Karl and I shop together.
Now it is best to allow myself to be helped, and I am so grateful for the kindness and service at the stores and restaurants where we go.
We drive home on all the roads we know so well. Some might look a little bleak now. Karl wonders about new construction and keeps an eye on things. Being comfortable in a new place took time for me, and while I know sometimes over decades I needed to change, this time I am grateful I was able to stay. And feel at home. So I know I see some things differently now, than a new person might see.
It can take time for some in our lives to accept changes, as we age and/or health needs change. When the caregiver needs to retire in the sense of physical work, but always cares. I stay close to home now.
Yesterday in a parking lot, I saw a garbage can tipped over. And I knew their staff would take care of it right away. Time for me to go home. Rest, complete a post with one of Karl’s photos.
Image: wpclipart
Ellen Grace Olinger
Wisconsin winter
today the calm beauty
I’ve known all my life
classical music
on the radio
We’ve had strong winds, and Lake Michigan waves splashed up into our front yard, tossing some wood that was drifting in the water. We are high enough above the lake, our shoreline was reinforced years ago, and so we are safe. It’s a different scene with the water this high, and no beach.
Karl took this photo on January 11, 2020.
Ellen Grace Olinger
My poem is from May 2013.
nothing could be
more beautiful
than the trees
and their new leaves
beginning
except for when
they are in full
summer green
and then turn
their autumn colors
and then are their
wise winter selves
waiting for spring
again
Ellen Grace Olinger
new day
in my older life
sun on evergreens
Ellen Grace Olinger
Garden Journal
January 1, 2020
Moon and Sky – about 4 PM
January 6, 2020
Lake Michigan – about 4 PM
January 6, 2020
Oostburg, Wisconsin
Photos by Karl
morning work
at the kitchen sink
holiday decoration
from a grocery store
with a red bow
in new sun
on the cedar tree
The “cooking icon” is courtesy of wpclipart.
Ellen Grace Olinger
