T is for Timeless…

 (T is also for tired. My first day back at work...) 

Schwinn is a bicycle company that started out in Chicago in 1895. That alone is enough to say this brand is timeless.  You can still buy Schwinn bikes today but they are not even close to the quality and craftsmanship from the company’s origin!

I have owned three classic Schwinns now. Two I restored about six years ago and the one you see in the picture above. I sold the twin Schwinns a couple of years back just because they were not the most comfortable rides. 

This burgundy one though is a sweet ride. This was also a sweet deal because jt was gifted to me by a neighbor and I only had to do a little chrome rubbing to restore shine making it good as new. I love the shocks on the original seat that makes it so smooth to ride. 

These old bikes truly are timeless. I secretly hope to have one from the 1930s or 1940s that is similar to this one my grandma rode as a teen:

This photo: also timeless. Man, I miss my sweet grandma but I also am glad I was able to have her in my life for so long. A true blessing!

M is for Mania

  "Mania: excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm; the object of such enthusiasm."

                                                Merriam-Webster

I think my kids bring me lots and lots of enthusiasm.  They truly are objects of excessive enthusiasm and they keep me on my toes and striving to be continually improving. 

Yesterday, one of them turned 13.  I am now the mother of a teen.  I actually like teens.  I work with them in my career and of all ages of kids, teens are more my jam than any other age.  

I cannot believe how grown this boy has become.  Oh sweet E, how I love thee. It was so cool to see him bake is own birthday cake and plan is own party.  He also had a friend gathering and paid for them all to eat pizza!

He is now taller than me.  He likes to run and is on a cross country club.  He loves playing Minecraft and Fortnite.  He is a goofy middle schooler and when he is around his three besties, he is a hoot.  He loves being a big kid and loves Native body products.  I have no need to worry about a smelly teen, because this kid is obsessed with being clean! He still loves to go on bike rides with me.  He is a great artist and violinist.  He loves his family, even if he picks fights with his younger sister daily.  He does well in school and is overall a great kid.  I have been so blessed with amazing children

E definitely is a mania maker!

S is for Spiritual

 I’m tired and just writing this at 11:45. We had to celebrate E today…he is the big 13!

I will just share with you my favorite quote from my lesson in Relief Society today, this is from Elder Causse’s talk from April 2026 General Conference:

“ Years ago, while spending peaceful time in the beautiful ?countryside, I stepped outside after sunset to rest on a lounge chair. The night was so dark that I could hardly see anything. Instinctively, I looked up and noticed a tiny flickering point of light, then another. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, the sky filled with stars.

I thought, “This is like our relationship with God.” Some think He is distant, and life feels heavy as a result. But if they pause to reflect on His presence in their lives, they will find that He is near—quietly present, far closer than they imagine.”

Try to have a bit of a pause today to remember God is present in your life. 

S is for Sayings...

 There are so many sayings, slogans, and mottos in the English language.  What are some of your favorites?

One that I have taken to heart lately is "Better out than in." A very wise friend has echoed this a few times in the past year when I needed to cry it out.  When I was young, I thought that crying made you weak.  Not so my friends, in fact, the chemicals in tears actually are for healing.  It is science, look it up! (and if you have never seen Kickball Dad on social media, stop what you are doing and go watch a few of his videos.  He is hilarious and says:  "look it up!" a lot.

Yesterday, I was reminded of this as I was tearing up on the way to swimming with some friends.  I had just heard that two of my dear uncles had passed away.  Yes, two in one day.  I loved them both and had just spent some time with them on our trip to  Wisconsin.  Oh how the impromptu dinner with Uncle Dan is cherished, and I am so glad we were able to enjoy one last A&W root beer float with Uncle John.  

Ellis looked over at me in the car and said "Oh Mom!" in the kindest sweetest voice.  How wonderful it is to have children who get me and support me and cry with me.  Tears are one of many things that are better out than in, but I will save any other bodily functions for some other blogger.

F is for Flowers

 I admitted the other day that I am now that lady…the garden lady. I guess you just become the age when growing things besides children is rewarding. I full accept this label. I do refuse to put the word old in front of the title though. I am not the old garden lady. 

Flowers make me happy. So, Fridays are for flower highlights. 

Today’s flower is sunflower. I have allowed the sunflowers to reign over my front yard. Some people may think they are weeds, but they are sunshine to my soul and I have allowed them to plant themselves at will this year. The bright golden blossoms make me smile whenever I am coming or going from home. 

What is your favorite flower?