Yikes, three weeks have passed since my last post. Where did the time go? I have been busy planning healthy meals with no fat, no sugar, no red meat….etc. I have been walking daily after work….am up to four miles now and have been feeling pretty good. My dear husband has been wonderful in supporting me through this. But I must share with you another shock we have had in our life. Two weeks after my diagnosis, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. While we lived in a fog for a few days, we are very hopeful. He will have surgery in a couple of weeks and hopefully the news will be very affirming. I have learned to look at life very differently. While I still work, I no longer stress about my job. After work, my DH and I spend a lot of time togther talking, shopping for healthy fruits and veggies, and walking. We thoroughly enjoy every moment we share. Unfortunately the needlework and quilting have been set aside for other priorities. So if I don’t post too often, please know all is well. I continue to read all of your posts. I continue to let the Lord hold us up and bask in the warmth of His presence no matter what trials we face. We are grateful.
Last weekend William and I spent the day at the Chicago Botannical Gardens, so I share with you some of the lovely sights from this marvelous place. Enjoy.
Averyclaire 
Karol
Jul 03, 2009 @ 21:21:12
prayers for your husband’s full recovery.
Lea
Jul 03, 2009 @ 23:17:22
Oh…. I’m so sorry to hear….. I’m sending a prayer for you and your husband.
Also, Thank you for being kind to my family. Again and again, I’m very appreciate your kindness.
Wishing you and yours have a wonderful 4th of July.
((HUGS))
Lea
Jane
Jul 04, 2009 @ 00:32:50
I hope all goes well with the surgery. There are definitely events in life that make you take stock. Glad to see you enjoying yourselves and taking some of the stress out of live, All the best xx
Anne S
Jul 04, 2009 @ 07:31:18
Fingers crossed for a positive outcome and speedy recovery for your husband – enjoy the small things in life that can bring such joy 🙂
kathleen
Jul 04, 2009 @ 10:07:19
Even with such health worries all at once, I can feel a sense of peace, faith and love in your writing. Your togetherness will be a wonderful support to both of you; I wish your husband well in the surgery, and you will be in my thoughts. Kathleen
Jane C
Jul 04, 2009 @ 19:47:03
Hi, I’ll be praying for you. I have friends at work with the same problem, he’s doing well, after a hard road.
Aren’t the botanic gardens gorgeous? We were there last year, and I can’t wait to go back, we only got to see a fraction.
Jane
Philip
Jul 05, 2009 @ 04:18:42
WOW! lots and lots of stunning pictures GREAT, so nice to see those flowers in full bloom keep it up we will make a photographer out of you yet 🙂
Karen
Jul 05, 2009 @ 23:25:22
Be strong and I wish you both well.
Patty
Jul 07, 2009 @ 23:53:15
I’m glad to hear that you are making the best of a poor situation. Positive thoughts can give you positive outcomes. Its funny how the things in your life that use be such a big deal pale in comparison now. About 16 years ago I had a life threatening accident it puts everything in perspective… I let petty agravations go so much quicker now and take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life… like a cup of tea on the front porch enjoying the morning sun. God Bless.
Thomas
Jul 08, 2009 @ 05:23:49
I like your attitude in these challenging times Avery. Here’s wishing both you and you husband a quick and full recovery.
Those shots beautifully indicate your state of mind. Cool.
Marjorie
Jul 08, 2009 @ 10:28:23
Wow! I think you have your priorities straight and I hope the surgery goes well. Thanks for all of the lovely photos. It looks like you had a perfect day at the gardens.
Jacquelynne
Jul 14, 2009 @ 20:35:41
Sorry you are going through a rough patch, I will keep you in my prayers….
Nicole DAVET
Jul 15, 2009 @ 14:21:58
Oh ! je suis désolée de lire ces nouvelles..J’admire ton calme et ta détermination à vivre pleinement chaque instant, chaque “bouffée ” de vie, et à t’appliquer à donner une grande qualité de vie à chacun des jours…
Tu es merveilleuse. Je t’embrasse. Nicole
(excuse moi pour le français, je ne saurai pas te dire tout ceci en anglais..il y aura bien quelqu’un dans ton entourage qui t’aidera dans la traduction )
Christina J.
Aug 15, 2009 @ 12:10:09
The Chicago Botanic Gardens are so lovely. Your photos are beautiful. I am hoping to get there sometime this week.
I’ve read your other posts and hope everything goes well for you and your husbands. Many blessings to you.