August 3

Most of you already know about my accident, but I'm getting back to blogging as of today (Yay!) and wanted to start off with the events of that day to get it over with. First, though, let's remember what August 3 is the anniversary of...

Five years ago... 

August 3, 2021: The evening I rolled into the town where I now live, about 9:00 pm, having driven here from Van Buren, a 3.5 hour drive. After walking that morning I had planned to write a post about the 5th anniversary of my relocation to where I grandkids live. However, my day did not go as planned that day. I never even got to the walking track...   

...instead, I fell and broke my shoulder. My RIGHT shoulder, and yes, I'm right-handed. Here, at long last, is that story. I couldn't write about it for a while because my right arm was incapacitated; then after surgery it was too painful physically to use my hand to type or write. Then I started to get better physically but I just wasn't there emotionally. I couldn't find the words to write about it yet.

2026:

Monday, August 3, 2026 started out full of promise. It was somewhat cooler than it had been for the whole brutal, blazing hot summer. I went to the library to return a book that was due that day and stood looking at the ASU trail, just down the hill from the library for a minute. I considered walking on my favorite trails on the ASU campus, but I decided to go instead to the new aquatic center where I had a membership and had been walking since early June on their walking track above the gyms.

So many times since that day I have regretted that decision. If only I had walked at ASU that morning!

Alas, though, I went to the MHCC (Mountain Home Community Center) where I had been walking. That morning, however, the parking lots where I had been parking were all full. I drove around until I came to a parking lot that I had never parked in. I found it had empty spaces and parked there. I headed toward the sidewalk in front of the building that led to the front entrance. To this day I'm still not sure what happened exactly; I stepped onto the sidewalk but somehow missed the step I think. I tripped and landed on the concrete sidewalk. 

Next day after shoulder
 replacement surgery

In ONE second, the time it took to fall, I lost my independence that I had so fiercely been trying to hold onto by walking 1.5 to 1.75 miles a day for a year and a half. 

I was dazed, and didn't understand how I ended up falling, but a lady that had just parked near me rushed to me to help me up. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't raise my right arm.

Long story, but I found my phone and called my daughter, who came and took me to the ER. Hours later, after 2 CT scans and a supposed fractured humerus, I left the hospital in a sling with an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor. 

Turns out, my humerus was broken at the top, including my shoulder. In fact, it was crushed. Ten days later I had surgery and now have a reverse shoulder replacement. 

I am now 7 1/2 weeks post-surgery and have been having physical therapy for 4 weeks. There is a light at the end of the tunnel; I'm gaining more and more use of my right hand and arm, though it is still painful to write or type for very long. 

I will be back to daily walking soon; especially now that it's getting cooler. At first, I think I will stay in my neighborhood, just until I get my strength back. Before long, though, I'll be back at ASU. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to MHCC and the indoor walking track. I guess I'll have to conquer that fear someday, though.

Stay tuned for more walking adventures. I'm praying they are all uneventful with no injuries.

In order to end on a positive note, I'm including a picture of my tiny little garden by my porch, and a scripture. I have been very cast down over the last few months, but I'm on the way up at last.

Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God. Psalm 42:11 NASB

My front porch tiny garden
for summer 2026

Family, Fun, and Fireworks

Well. I went a little over a month without posting. I never intended to skip a month, but I also don't want to write just to be writing. 

So here we are in July. It's been a busy summer so far. I finally got some flowers in my teeny tiny front porch garden, and I put out some new garden lights. Pictures are at the end.

We got a new aquatic center in my town and it's awesome! It's more than a water park--the outdoor pool has slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad, but also there are pools inside: a heated therapy pool and a regulation size pool for swim meets. Also, there is a fitness center with work out equipment and a walking track on the second floor overlooking the 3 gyms, where it seems that pickle ball games are held several times a week. At least when I'm walking that's what seems to be going on.

I've been there twice with my grandson to swim, and I've been going there in the mornings to walk on the indoor walking track during the recent heat wave we've been experiencing. 

I prefer walking outside, of course, but I'm not risking my health by walking even in the morning when it's 85 but feels like 95. So, I'm thankful to have somewhere to walk indoors. Summer will be over eventually, though, and I'm looking forward to it, watching daily as the days get shorter again. I can't wait for fall!

There was no shortage of celebrations with family for the 250th birthday of our nation. On Saturday, June 27th, we attended the annual Red, White, and Blue Celebration on the ASU campus, where we saw the best ever firework show that I posted about a few days ago.

Then on Friday night, July 3 we went out on Lake Norfork for their fireworks show. It was also amazing! There's something about fireworks on the lake, with the image of the fireworks reflected on the surface of the water. It's magical.

Finally, Saturday night, on the actual 4th we had a cookout at my daughter and son-in-law's house and our own little fireworks show in the street in front of their house. I'll post pictures at the end of this post.

Fourth of July is a very special holiday in its own right, and even more so this year with the 250th birthday of America. It's very special to me personally, too; probably my almost favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. We really got into it when my kids were growing up. It was a big deal, and my mom really enjoyed it as well. She loved summer--she was opposite of me in that respect--and she always came out for the evening to celebrate the 4th of July with us. It's one of my best memories with her.

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all had a wonderful celebration of Independence Day with your families.

Blessings to my friends, and God Bless America! 

My teeny tiny flower garden

MHCC walking track 

Rhett, Jennifer in front; in back I'm on left and Matt's mom on the right

ASU fireworks

Rhett and Zoe

Zoe and me carrying supplies to the boat

Walking, Reading, & Rain

The last time I wrote (over a month ago) I had been dealing with some depression but had started feeling better. I'm still doing well, but I have been really busy. I wanted to post in May before we get into summer, so I thought I'd hop on here to check in. The Mountain Home Symphony concert was this afternoon, and as usual, it was amazing! I always underestimate the effect that live orchestra music has on me. It was an hour and 45 minutes well spent. It really lifted my spirit.

Also, we've finally had some decent rainfall here in the mountains. A few days ago, I had the best day! You all know how I love rain, and it literally rained all day. I was halfway through a book that morning and finished reading it that evening. My favorite kind of day. I have my theories as to why I love rain so much. I wrote a blog about it in 2014. You can check it out here: Heartfelt: The Puddles are Dancing. 

As for the walking journey, I managed to walk about 4 or 5 days a week in the last few weeks since I wrote last. My walking has been sporadic lately, though, due to the "better late than never" rainy season we are having. As I stated before, I'm not complaining, because...I love rain! In order to stay on track, though, I'm ordering a portable walking pad-treadmill because it is vital to my health and my mood that I walk at least 5 days out of 7. Sometimes I cannot get to the trails because of rain or extreme heat, and it is quickly becoming too hot very early in the morning. 

A lot happened in April and May, too much to list it all but I want to mention one of them here. My daughter finished her master's degree in counseling, and her husband and friends threw her a party. I'll leave a few pictures below. This was an undertaking that she stuck with while continuing to work and take care of her family. Needless to say, she's amazing and I'm really proud of her.

I've also been reading. I read These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I also rented the movie adaptation of Project Hail Mary and watched it. It was really good, but the book is so much better. There's a lot of scientific stuff that went right over my head, but oh my! I loved that book.

Finally, I want to leave a note of encouragement. Whatever it is that you are struggling with, don't give up. Trust in the Lord to help you through your difficult times. 

Until next time, blessings, friends! 

"I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah." Psalm 57:2,3 NASB

Things are Looking Up

In my life, bouts of mild depression have always come and go; this is normal for me. I'm so much better than I was when I was first diagnosed with severe depression around 25-30 years ago, but life is still sometimes a tightrope. I find it helps, of course, to pray and read my Bible daily, watch my diet, and make sure I get my exercise, which is mostly walking. Lately, even with all that I've been a little down and looking for something to bring brighten my mood.

I tell you this not to gain sympathy or pity, but to encourage. Sometimes when depression tries to creep back in, I start to feel like I don't measure up; like I'm not as good as others. I want to close myself in away from people and not even go outside. I know, however, that this is the opposite of true, and of what I need to do. 

I know from years of walking on this side of the darkness I was once in that I am not the only one. If others can be encouraged by reading about my struggles and victories, I have to share.

So, in looking for something to perk up my mood, I decided to re-watch (for the 4th time I think) the original Downton Abbey series that was on Masterpiece Classics and aired on PBS for six consecutive years starting around 2012. I have all six seasons on DVD, plus the 3 full length movies, but they are also on Prime.

Success! Clouds of despair have been once again dispelled. Watching this has helped me out of the slump I was in. I had my 1 or 2 (or occasionally, 3) episodes to look forward to every evening. I find that a little treat like this keeps me going. I can do my chores around the house as usual and have the energy to get through the day, knowing I have my "show" to look forward to. 

I finished the series Saturday night and last night I watched the first full-length movie. I am feeling so much better! I have 2 more movies to go and I'm already thinking about what will be next.

In other news, because I still have a determination to have a daily walk since March 2025, I'm still walking! I managed to do this even when I was feeling down, because deep down I know I have to in order to prolong my mobility. In spite of not feeling like it, I've managed to walk 6 days out of 7 for the past month, so I'm still getting walks in for my health. I'm so thankful I'm able to do this, but it's not like I'm bounding with energy. At my best I'm not a high-energy person. I struggle some days to get out there and put one foot in front of the other over and over again until I've walked for at least 30 minutes. Other days, I walk 2 miles. Most of the time, it's 1.5 miles; that's my average.

I'm on a quest to read all the Mitford books (by Jan Karon) and I do off and on, but the next one I needed was not in at the library. Instead, I read a book I bought at the library book sale, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Delightful book, set in England.

Now I'm reading The Thursday Murder Club.

I also went on a short little shopping excursion with my daughter and grandkids last weekend. We checked out our town's brand-new Aldi and walked through a local flea market looking for treasures, which is a favorite activity. 

So, things are looking up.

I haven't taken as many pictures while walking lately, but I'm posting a couple. I hope you are all doing well. I'm actually fine; pressing on in spite of occasional blues.

Until next time, blessings, friends!

"I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NLT

Shielded in the Storms

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still walking daily; as much as the crazy winter-spring weather will allow. Stormy weather and extreme cold, back-to-back this week, teamed up to keep me indoors some. I may be investing in a walking pad for those days so I don't lose momentum. 

In my last post, there was snow on the ground. We only got the one snow this year, sadly. It's long gone, of course. I think it was mostly gone when I posted in mid-February. 

The creek finally got replenished with all the spring rains we've been having. I'll post a video of it that I took the day after the first big rain a couple of weeks ago. It was back to being a real babbling brook. I love the sound of it. Somehow it perks me up and brings me joy.

As I've said before, I'm all about the joy. I try to immerse myself in things that bring me joy; books I love, good music, flowers, and just a good walk in nature. Of course, I also try to hang around people that bring me joy, like my family and friends. These are all helping me a lot lately to rise above the dark days when they come, which are happening not nearly as often as in years past. Focusing on the good and the joy that is around me is so important for my mental health. 

Anxiety tries to invade, with the thunderstorms and threats of tornadoes that are prevalent in this season, but I pray scripture out loud (don't laugh; it works!) on stormy days and I distract myself with a good movie or book to take my mind off it. 

Another thing that helps me lately is being thankful for the blessings in my life. I'm thankful for my family and friends, of course. I'm also thankful for little things, too, like my weekly sugar-free caramel macchiato over ice, beautiful sunsets, and babbling brooks.

If you really look, you'll see something to be thankful for. 

Hope this brought someone some encouragement. Until next time, blessings, friends.

"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7 NLT

*PS. The above scripture is a good one to pray during storms. God IS my strength and shield in storms.

Joy in a Cozy Winter

I had great joy at the snow we had in January. I love the cozy wintertime, spent indoors mostly; reading or watching movies. It's my favorite season. 

However, I went through a whole week of not getting to walk because of the snow, then missed 3 days over this past weekend. So, I finally walked this morning; almost 2 miles! To be precise it was 1.93 miles. I will have to walk a little further next time I'm feeling good enough to walk that far and make it 2 miles.

It felt good to get outside about 8:30 this morning. It was just cold enough to be a little invigorating. I love walking on a chilly morning.

The snow that came in January is now...gone. There were still mountains of dirty snow on parking lots here and there, but the rain all day Saturday washed all that away. I love snow, and winter in general, but as a person who now walks almost daily for my health, I found that it caused a break in my walking routine. 

Don't get me wrong; I'm not looking forward to Spring (I hate tornados, mosquitoes, & wasps, remember?)! I just don't want another weeklong break in my walking. I may have to invest in one of those walking pads from Amazon for days when I can't get outside.

I don't have much to say this time. I just knew I hadn't written since the end of January and it's Feb. 16 now. I've been busy; Bible study, reading, watching the Winter Olympics, and spending time with grandkids. All good things.

I'm just over here soaking up the winter while it lasts. I love the cozy vibes of a winter evening. A good book or a movie and a cup of tea. LOVE it. It brings me joy.

I'm posting some pictures of the snow after I started walking again. Most of the trails I could only go about half as far as normal for the first few days I was back to walking because I didn't want to risk a fall. 

I hope you are having a good winter, and if you enjoy reading and winter activities, like I do, you probably are.

Blessings, friends!

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

Books I Read and a Very Cold Walk

It occurred to me that I haven't posted what I read from October through December 2025, so I want to post that here, since I was doing that in 2025. I will probably not be posting what I read in the future unless it's an extraordinary book.

I was on a reading slump in 2025; I came nowhere near hitting my goal of 35 books. I think the final count was 22. I was busier with other activities like a little volunteer work, some Bible studies, and watching some TV series. Therefore, I didn't spend as much time reading. 

In October I read Longing, by Karen Kingsbury; third in the 4 book Bailey Flanagan series. It's a really good story. I recommend this series. I also read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. This book is really good but be warned; it's about a school shooting. I didn't read it when it first came out because I just couldn't; it triggered my anxiety since I worked in a school. Now that I'm retired I'm glad I finally read it; it was very well done. 

In November I only read one book: Loving by Karen Kingsbury. It's the 4th and final book in the aforementioned series. 

Finally, in December I read Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. If you're not familiar with his work, it's fantasy; one of the DiscWorld books. It is also hilarious; especially if you like British humor (or should I say humour?).

I'm not setting a reading goal for 2026. I want to just read for pleasure at whatever pace I want. So that's the 2025 books I read, done and dusted as the Brits say.

On to current events: I wasn't going to go for a walk today because it was so cold. Then I checked tomorrow's forecast which said the high was projected to be 29 degrees, so I changed my mind. I had already skipped yesterday, and I try to never skip 2 days in a row, let alone 3.

It was 39 at about 4:00 pm, the warmest it would be today, so I wrapped up very well and headed for the walking trails. Since it wasn't windy, it was not too bad. It helps that I was listening to some fast-paced music on Spotify to put some pep in my step.

There was ice on the creek! It was 14 degrees when I got up this morning, and I guess it just didn't all melt during the day, even though it was above freezing in the afternoon. I tried to get pictures, but it doesn't show up well. They are posted at the end. I walked 1.5 miles and headed home for my warm and cozy living room. 

Tomorrow I will probably walk at a local church that has an indoor walking track above their gym. I made a rule to not walk outdoors if it's below freezing. I love cold weather, but even I have my limits.

That's it for now! Blessings, my friends!

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2 NASB

Ice on the creek

Ice, bottom right

It was cold, but I was bundled up well

The creek had ice in places