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Busting Out but Starting Over

Helen’s Peonies

Easin’ Along has been silent for two weeks while we deal with both challenge and change. First, the change…

East Tennessee residents were blessed with a beautiful spring this year. We had a perfect amount of rainfall, and, as a result, our flowers have thrived and flourished, offering a stunning foreground to a backdrop filled with lush greenery. Nevertheless, change is coming.  We’re warming up here as temperatures edge ever closer to the ninety-degree mark, which means that haze and humidity aren’t far behind. Mindful of the change, I grabbed the camera and captured what I consider some of the prized blooms of the season.

Dogwood blossom.

I love Columbine and Helen planted a purple variety several years ago that has thrived and spread.  The purple is not seen often in these parts, and this year’s crop was exceptional. I captured this photo at the end of the blooming season.

Columbine

Rhododendrons also came out in full radiance, treating us to three brightly colored varieties in the neighborhood. The reds were very red, and the pink and purple rhodys also stood out. Heavy rain hammered these beauties hard shortly after these pictures were taken.  I’m grateful I can share them below.

In the 1930s, my paternal grandmother planted Peony bulbs in front of her home in LaFollette, Tennessee.  When my grandmother moved out of the house, my mother dug up a few of the bulbs and transplanted them in our yard in Knoxville.  Those plants have thrived in three different locations since then, and we have an offspring of them in our yard.  The blossoms are primarily bright white, but some have a pink stripe. I call them “Candy Stripe Peonies.” These beauties sit next to our Spirea, which has also had a great spring.

Peony
Spirea

Now, for the challenge…

Helen had a setback in her breast cancer treatment this week.  She developed an infection after her surgery.  This was unfortunate because she was doing very well and on her way to resuming normal activities (as if she ever slowed down), but during a checkup with her surgeon, he noticed a change. We checked her into the hospital that afternoon for additional surgery and a heavy regimen of antibiotics.

The treatments greatly improved the situation and she returned home after two days feeling well enough to pick a basketful of the Peonies to bring inside. They are now sitting in a vase on our screen porch alongside her puzzle of the month.

The setback means that we are essentially starting over with her treatment, but her attitude remains positive and we still firmly believe that we’re blessed beyond our ability to comprehend.  Thanks to all who have reached out with cards, food, phone calls, well-wishes, and prayers—even from people we’ve never met in person. We’re overwhelmed when we think about how each of you has enriched our lives, and we can’t thank you enough.

Hopefully, and if all goes well, we’re bustin’ out of here on a short camping trip this coming weekend. We’re going to a three-day RV rally in Sevierville, Tennessee sponsored by the manufacturer of our fifth wheel. Over 180 RVs are expected to fill the campground and a lot of activities are planned to keep us busy. I’ll have details posted soon, so please come back. We’re Easin’ Along once more.

Easin’ Along

20 thoughts on “Busting Out but Starting Over

  1. Most fabulous flowers ever! Those peonies appear to be in a magazine article on Gardens of the South!
    So glad Helen is improving after the setback, and that you can get away next weekend.
    Love to you both—

    1. Good morning, Carolyn,
      Helen’s peonies came out in great abundance. Love ’em! We’re good today! Thanks for stopping by! Joe

  2. Just wanted to chime in and wish Helen a quick recovery. I have been a stealth follower of your blog for several years. I am in awe of your photography skills and the endearing simplicity of your narration. I hope you continue to entertain us for a long time no matter what small part of your life you chose to share. It brings me great joy. Thank you for your efforts and determination to produce your story.

    1. Karen,
      Thank you so much for checking in and for the nice comments. Hearing from folks like you is always heartwarming and gives me the impetus to keep our blog up and running. I probably won’t be here every week during the coming year, but blogging is in my DNA and I can’t stay away long. Have a great week and I hope you will stay in touch. Joe

  3. Thanks for sharing all the lovely flowers. It is snowing here today so I really enjoy seeing all that is blooming there. Springtime in Tennessee is so special. Prayers continuing for both of you.

    1. Good morning, Debbie,
      Snow!?! Say it ain’t so! We’ve really had a lovely spring blooming season and I’m happy to share. Thanks for stopping by. Please give my best to Rick. Joe

  4. Joe, I’m so sorry to hear that Helen had a setback, but so glad to hear that she’s back home and doing well. Love seeing her beautiful face above those lovely, family-legacy peonies! You guys really have had a floriferous spring. And your photos, as always, are wonderful.

    Have fun on your three-day getaway. I look forward to hearing all about it. You two take good care, and stay cool. Hugs to you both!

    1. Hi, Laurel,
      If we’re anything, we’re floriferous! Thanks for the hugs and nice comments. Enjoy your week and stay in touch! Joe

  5. Joe, I love the story of your peony bulbs. Legacy blooms are extra special, like so many beautiful angels looking over the two of you. Have a great trip.

    1. Good afternoon, Suzanne,
      Legacy blooms and beautiful angels…great combination. Thanks, Suzanne. I hope your move is back on track. Stay in touch. Joe

  6. Your flowers are incredibly stunning and they obviously love the Tennessee heat! Your blog breaks are necessary as you help Helen get through these setbacks, Joe. You both take good care of each other and never forget our Lord loves you and is the author of healing. Enjoy your short trip and take good care!

    1. Hello, Terri,
      The combination of wet weather and warm nights has really brought out the color this year. Easin’ Along may not make it online every week, but I won’t be away long and I’ll always check in on Second Wind. Thanks for checking in and have a great week. Joe

    1. Hi, Donna,
      Today is a better day, and I think we have licked the infection. Thanks for thinking of us. It’s always great hearing from you! Joe

  7. Beautiful flowers!!! Prayers that all goes well and you can take that weekend trip!!!! Helen is such a strong lady and your faith will carry you through!!!! Love Luanne

    1. LuAnne,
      I don’t there’s much that can keep Helen from attending this rally, and we’re looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by. Hope your Mother’s Day was a great one! Joe

  8. Joe, Helen is on a journey that can only be taken one day and one step at a time. I’m sorry she had to deal with the extra angst and surgery, but I have no doubt that perseverance and that spunk of hers will get her through anything – and you’ll be right by her side. Wishing your lovely wife smooth sailing from here on out. All of your flowers are gorgeous, but the family connection to the peonies makes them extra special in my mind. Enjoy the rally!

    1. Hi, Mary,
      One day at a time is our motto right now, and, today we’re good. I agree with you also that the peonies are special and they really brighten up the side of our home. Always great to hear from you–have a great week! Joe

  9. Good morning Joe,
    Thank you for your email and glad to hear that Helen doing better after the infection. Hope she had a good Mother’s Day and is back on track with her recovery. Praying that she stays strong and her healing continues. My wife loves peonies too and we have had a beautiful Spring here in NC too! Hope you both have a good week and safe trip!
    Ron

    1. Hello, Ron,
      We’re much better today, and Helen’s infection is on the wane. Enjoy the NC spring, or at least what’s left of it, and please stay in touch. Joe

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