Third Quarter of 2024 UBC
We are already in the third quarter of 2024 UBC. I did manage to get through all the replies to the comments left from the April Challenge but it seemed to take me forever. I’m hoping I will be a bit more on track this month but I’m not making any promises. While I’m excited to be back for my 35th consecutive Ultimate Blog Challenge, I’m worried I may not be able to write a blog everyday, but I’m going to give it my all!
This coming Friday my granddaughter Alex, her friend Taco, Lia and I along with Snowball will be taking a road trip to Indiana to see my grandson Zac.
Zac came down for Pop’s funeral but didn’t have long to stay because of his work schedule. However we did get to hike to Rich’s and my favorite Vereen’s Memorial Garden spot just down the road from our house. We plan to be in Indiana for a week with all of us just being together and celebrating an early birthday for Zac which is on July 21st.
To say the past few months have been trying would be an understatement but I’m trying my best to keep some sort of normalcy especially for Lia. We are still all in shock about Rich, aka Pop passing away suddenly on Easter morning. The other day Lia opened a fortune cookie for me and the saying couldn’t have been any more perfect for me.
July is a special month, Rich and I were married on July 29, 1967 and his birthday is July 31st so I know that last week of the month will be hard. To celebrate the memories of the past 59 years we had together, my daughter Chris, her husband Bryon and I are going to the mountains in Cherokee which has always been Rich’s favorite spot. We plan to go to our place along the river which is so beautiful and close to heaven where we will have a little memorial service of sorts for Pop.
I’m looking forward to re-connecting with my past UBC friends and hoping to meet new bloggers. Paul T. does an excellent job on organizing this quarterly challenge, he sends out daily reminders and blog suggestions that you can use if you become stuck on a topic or write your own ideas. Lia has been busy the past few months and she’s ready to share some exciting blogs with you for her Friday Story Time by Lia! This challenge is a great was to increase traffic to your blog and watch your stats increase. Everyone helps each other by visiting, commenting, sharing and liking the other blogs and it’s a win win for all of us.
The beginning of every UBC I like to share a poem I wrote to get us in the mood to start blogging. As one of my blogger friends said, and it stuck, BLOG ON so that’s just what Lia and I plan to do!!
Martha, you and Lia are doing great. You have a wonderful supportive family. I’m finding this challenge a little tougher than the others. It’s good to be tested.
Thanks Lily, I find I have to keep going for my family since they are doing the same for me. By tossing in this challenge it also gives my mind something to work on other than just thinking of the past.
I am so sorry to hear about Rich! You and your family are in my prayers. It sounds like you have some beautiful plans to celebrate him (and your life together) at the end of the month. I look forward to reading your posts when you can.
Thanks Dominique and glad to see you back in the challenge. 59 years together and we made so many memories that I have to hold on to. I’m looking forward to the next two trips with my family.
((((( Martha ))))), it’s so good to see you again!! It sounds like you have some wonderful times planned for this month, and I hope being with family will turn out to be exactly the support you need. Don’t worry about posting every day. We will be glad to see you whenever we see you! Love you – Jeanine
Glad to see you back also Jeanine! Yes I’m looking forward to the trips with my family, they are who keeps me going. I’m going to do my best but if I can’t make a day, it’s no sweat.
I can only try to imagine how hard your days must be, especially this month.
On the plus side you have your family (hey, Alex even has a friend called Taco 🌮) and (blogger) friends being here for you every step of the way ❤️
Thanks Tamara, some days I can handle things okay then something pops in my head or I keep thinking Rich will be home soon and then reality hits in. The hardest is at church when a song that has special meaning is being sung, I just can’t get through to the end. But I will make, everyone tells me I’m strong and I have to be for my family because they are strong for me. Yes I have many family and friends (blogger friends too) that keep me together.
Martha, to repeat myself, you inspire me.. sending hugs to you and Lia.. and look forward to another UBC journey with you..
Thanks Vidya and you inspire me. I’m staying as positive as I can and yes, this will be another fine UBC journey.
Martha, we’re healing in Love. We will have great times this month, and God will keep gently wiping away our tears with the petals of new blossoms. Love and hugs–
Yes we are Kebba and love is what we started with and love is what will get us through. It’s the songs at church that are the hardest for me, but I’m doing better….at times. Hugs and love back to you.
I am sorry for your loss. I bet you are really looking forward to the road trip.
I LOVE the poem you wrote. Good job on all they years of blogging.
Thanks Stacey, yes I’m so excited to be going to see my grandson and spend time with the family all together. It’s just what we all need.
Martha, it’s been a while since I signed up for UBC but I remember YOU! I am so sorry about your loss. Hopefully writing for the next month will be cathartic as you share your stories with us all. It seems as though you have a lot of support around you. I loved your UBC poem and it’s nice to have a seasoned blogger to cheer us on. Thank you.
Fran
Hi Fran, yes I remember you too. Thank you, it was a shock for sure, we had been together 59 years. Writing keeps my mind busy and that’s what I need otherwise I’m a basket case. Yes without my daughter, granddaughter and Lia I don’t know how I would get through, they are my rocks. Glad to see you back in the challenge.
Beautiful expressive post. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Rich. Enjoy your road trip. I look forward to your posts and to Lia’s delightful stories.
Thank you Alice, I’m looking forward to visiting with my grandson and I know Rich is watching down on his family and guiding us all.
I am just a fb message away.Take care Martha.You blogged through your loss and I didn’t know what to say.You are always in my prayers.
Thank you so much Amrita, blogging as helped my mind stop wondering and wandering. Could I have done something, did I miss a sign or did God need Rich on Easter for a special reason. Thank you for being a great friend.
Sending you a big hug. I’m so excited to see your blog grow.
Thanks Amanda, I feel your hug through the beautiful cards you send.
lol-talk about being on track during this challenge. This is my first challenge, and I misunderstood how to do this. I only commented on the post above and below mine. I just now realized that I should comment on every one on every day! So it’s the 18th day and I just realized this. So here I am scrambling to comment on every post. This is day 1.
Welcome to your first UBC Kristine! You are required to read and comment on the two posts above you but can do more for sure. I am struggling this month but trying to stay on track. I like to visit as many blogs as I can, #1 because I like to help the others with their stats and #2 because everyone has different niches and I’m curious as to what I might learn! Don’t sweat it, the month is almost over and before you know it the October challenge will be here!