Parting is such sweet sorrow

The second Gnarled Entling Warmer is done but for the blocking (it is soaking while I type). It's a wee bit roomier than the first one and my grafting turned out far nicer, so I kinda hate to part with it! Just kidding; it was fun to make, knowing it would keep a blogpal's ears warm this winter. ;-)

And that blogpal is Deairdre! (I didn't realize Deairdre and I are practically neighbors, living as she does in Lebanon, OR. We may have to make a date to meet – wearing our fraternal twin Warmers!)

Yesterday morning just before we left for church, we got a call inviting us to a farewell gathering for a dear friend – Rick's best friend, in fact – that very afternoon. We had to do whatever it took to be there of course, taken by surprise that he was leaving that night for a job in Illinois.

As different as night and day; as close as brothers (in Christ)

We shared memories, laughter, and tears, knowing that we will be friends forever but so sad for all he's been through and for our loss of his proximity. He was the first person I called when Rick had his heart attack – in fact, I had him paged while we were in the ER. He came quickly in his scrubs (he's an anesthesiologist) and prayed with Brian and me, then took off work early to be with Rick at the hospital he was transferred to.

Late last night, after returning from our Christian horsemen's meeting (following our friend's farewell), I got a call from my sister. As soon as I heard her voice I knew there was bad news of some sort; it was nearly midnight in her time zone. Sure enough, the middle daughter of one of my cousins (who died unexpectedly a couple years ago) lost her battle with mental illness yesterday afternoon when she committed suicide. I tell you, the Lord cannot return too soon to save His children from this sad world!

Still, there is beauty and our blessings are abundant. Fog has been replaced by sunshine, clear skies and frosty mornings. It is a good day to prune trees and berry canes – and grub out the ever encroaching feral blackberries, pretty as their leaves may be rimmed with rime.

That's it for today from . . .