Bless O Lord, those who serve us, who dedicate their lives, quietly keeping us safe and secure. Bless the teachers, janitors and lunchroom ladies who labor with love among our children -often unappreciated and dishonored. Bless those who work in shops, restaurants and hotels -bless the patient staff and clerks who are criticized and mistreated by a thoughtless complaining public. Bless the bus, taxi and truck drivers; all who are responsible for our transportation, who silently usher us through this lovely land – pilots and stewards who are our friends in the deep blue skies- toiling for our comfort, while others sleep.
Lord Jesus, bless the cooks, the waitresses, the public servants who listen day in and day out to people who lose their tempers and show bad manners. Bless those who put their own lives and comfort on hold for the greater good of mankind- the coal miners, farmers, fishermen, butchers and bakers – because of these and others we enjoy the abundant life on earth. Bless the homemakers, the babysitters, gardeners, postmen, garbage men who minister in homes where the tired owners return for sanctuary. Bless our earthly guardians- the police, firefighters and emergency personnel who risk their lives for those who must never take these brave souls for granted. Bless the noble company in white- the doctors, nurses, caregivers and nutritionists-may their hands show the love and mercy of God.
We are grateful for those who travel through bad weather, enduring long lonesome hours- sometimes over oceans and into foreign countries- assessing our weather, our risks, and the affairs of mankind; these must never be forgotten – our military and civilians in foreign service; they serve so that we may peacefully sleep- knowing their watchfulness is imperative as we enjoy the benefits of this great land.
And finally, our precious Savior- bless those who are with us in the hours of greatest human need- our pastors, hospice and funeral directors- may they enter into the joy of partnership with You. May our faith have feet and hands, kind voices and gentle hearts which choose everyday to minister to those who serve us, so that the gospel we profess shines forth on our faces and is made known in our lives as we seek to obey Your Will – to love one another as You have loved each of us. Amen.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day- be sweet to each other this week. Love y’all, Camellia
Opening photograph Jermy Miniard, used by permission. All photographs cannot be reproduced without permission.
We met one summer in a foreign country, a British island, at the Fairmont Princess in Hamilton, Bermuda. It was one of those enchanting chance encounters. They were waiting for their room to be ready, we were waiting for our children to come downstairs from their rooms. We struck up a conversation, their younger daughter had gone away for summer camp for the first time with their older daughter, a seasoned camper. They were from New York, we were from Alabama. We just hit it off, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We have two daughters as well. By the end of the trip, we promised to keep in touch and we did. That fall, we made plans to go to New York. We all met at Katz’ Deli and then on to Serendipity and Dylan’s Candy Bar next door. Their daughters were adorable! We became very good friends. We exchanged Christmas gifts- I sent one of my grandmother’s pound cakes, they sent a Junior’s Cheesecake- who got the best end of that deal? We did! Elizabeth participated in a charity that I am passionate about and I thoroughly loved interacting with their precious daughters, Katie and Julia. They are growing up so fast into smart, talented beautiful young ladies. It seems as if we have known each other for a very long time. We exchanged Christmas gifts and kept in touch. Last fall, after the National Football Championship game- Richard emailed us a congratulations on the win for the University of Alabama, then sent us a photograph of the Empire State Building all lit up in red and white! Three years between visits was long enough- we made plans to go again to New York.. They juggled their schedules and surprised us by getting tickets to the Broadway play- Beautiful- the Carole King Musical.
This could not have been a better choice for the two of us. With all of the blockbuster Broadway shows right now- if we had planned it all out in advance, we might have missed one of the best shows playing on Broadway! Let me explain- Carole King’s music is our ‘era’. And since I grew up in Birmingham it was an extra treat for me! I belonged to a high school sorority, Phi Kappa Nu, from 1965-1969.
Carole King was having a troubled life of her own during those years, but somehow she made a life while she was making a living writing wonderful songs. She went on to become a fantastic performer in her own right.
I hope you will take a good look at that song list- put on some golden oldies- and on some dateless Saturday night, get your best friend to practice those routines like I did! And if you are lucky enough to be in New York any time soon- I hope you’ll get tickets to see at least one Broadway play- I can wholeheartedly recommend ‘Beautiful- the Carole King Musical’. Oh! I’ve got more to share about our trip! Stay tuned…
Both of them had favorite spots to sneak in a nap- Walter preferred the black iron pedestal urn.
Wilbur preferred the sink. 
They were a pair for 11 years- at Christmas, we usually took pictures of them but they were rarely good photos. I had to include this one, when it was edited, look closely! At the bottom of the photo was shy Wilbur, with Walter looking on from his pedestal. 
It hardly seems possible, but a few years ago, our kind Braveheart, Wilbur, died unexpectedly in my arms. I was devastated, because Walter was also very sick as well. The thought of losing them was unbearable.We never discovered exactly what the cause of death was- but Walter soldiered on…a few months ago- the ever dignified Walter became sick- Even in sickness, he sat valiantly like the prince he is…
He had some sort of respiratory infection and his arthritis bothers him some days-he is after all 15 years old. We hope he stays around a long time; but he still loves to pose for the camera…
We are very happy to report that Walter is back at his post, ever vigilant, ever taking good catnaps; our longsuffering Lion King… 
Thank you Big Walter for letting me tell your story- I wish you could hear it, he’s had his ‘motor runnin’ -purring since he was a tiny babe! I guess I better let him get on with his deep contemplation and relaxation techniques. I know all y’all have a beloved pet-share your photos with us- most of all- take care of them, love them everyday- they are truly gifts of sweet joy and warm beauty. Love y’all, Camellia 
Well, finally she finished. I will try my best to accept this with all dignity and grace.
Before Earth Day draws to a close, let us be thankful for the beauty of the earth, and like Sally and Steve, do our part to keep it beautiful for generations to come.
The pollen has been terrible for weeks now, I’m not complaining loudly because the foliage and flowers are beautiful this spring! But…we have been trying for months to get some ‘curb appeal’ done, including exterior painting. I hate to say this, but we have a grumpy painter. He’s always grumpy because he’s a perfectionist, and particularly grumpy when he is trying to paint outside. A few weeks ago, he threw up his hands, slapped his paintbrush down and said ‘I’ll be back when the blackberries start blooming !’ What? Yes, he assured me that old timers say- when the blackberries start blooming the pollen stops. I looked skeptical, so he challenged me- ‘If you don’t believe me, just joggle it’… again- What? ‘You know, on that computer of yours, look it up, joggle it’…oh right. Googled it. Never found it. Old wives’ tale I guess. We had some rain, a cold snap, then Blackberry Winter happened. I went outside and to my surprise, I found this blackberry blossom on Sunday. Monday the grumpy painter called and said he was coming to paint. He wasn’t as grumpy, and he never stays grouchy very long because I cook lunch for him! Anyway, I am going to give you a sneak peak at the finish he’s been putting on our front door. I wanted a high gloss finish, the first round of painting wasn’t glossy enough. I ‘joggled it’ and found a clear polyurethane paint to add as a final coat. The painter says we still have one more coat to go, but very soon we will show you the finished front door. 
The paint is dry, and after that one last coat- the gloss will look clean and shiny. I think we’re going to love it. Another upgrade that was badly needed- painting the urns which stand on either side of the door. Again I ‘joggled it’… I was going to paint them and I knew exactly what I wanted to use-blackboard paint. That’s right, there is no risk using blackboard paint- it will cover everything, including exterior urns, planters and even statuary- regardless of the material- metal, wrought iron, concrete or synthetic like these urns. Blackboard paint has a matte finish that looks wonderful and the best thing is- it is so durable even in exterior applications. Well, let me show you what condition the urns were in before, and now that they’re painted.
Go ‘joggle’ it for yourself, um I mean ‘google it’ -Rustoleum Chalkboard paint. We love black- but you will be surprised at the array of colors that chalkboards can be this day and time. Meanwhile, I wish those blackberries would hurry up! Makes me hungry for a blackberry cobbler!
Camellia's Cottage 