30 Comments
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Kate's avatar

I'm going to be 45 in July, and I can only hope I'm moving plants around for 50 more years! My lower back is laughing as I type that.

This is a really sweet tribute. I love that your family went to a plant nursery as an outing. That sounds like perfection to me. Here's to hoping the weeks go by quickly between now and when you see your dad and sister again!

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Thank you Kate! I'm hoping the weeks go by quickly, too. And yeah, no matter what age you are, there always seems to be back pain involved with gardening, right?!!!

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Janice Powers's avatar

So hopeful. I'm 80, and every time I work in my garden, which is most days, I ponder the question, "How much longer can I do this?" I love seeing the level in one of your photographs, definitely NOT my style of gardening, but always present when my husband is involved.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Janice, keep at it! I know you will. Yes, my Dad and his level are often together. He has built countless brick and paver paths over the years in his gardens. He loves it!

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Lila Gault's avatar

Love following your life vicariously - so much energy & talent!! Keep up the good work, sweets!

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Aw, thank you Lila! Hope all is well in NYC!

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Stephanie Jones's avatar

I loved reading this, made me think of my Dad who recently replanted his veggie garden :)

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Gardening is surely a lifelong activity - which is a good thing! Glad your Dad is in the garden! And thanks Stephanie!

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Carolynne's avatar

I love anything with the word garden in it.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

ha, me too.

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Ann Noyes's avatar

My heart just sings. Couldn’t have been a better visit…😘

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Susie Middleton's avatar

So glad Ann! We had fun but miss both my sis and Dad already!

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Jo Thompson's avatar

LOVED this 💚🌱

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Susie Middleton's avatar

So glad, Jo. Dad would have loved to see your work. I've ordered your book and will show him when it comes in!

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Lorene Edwards Forkner's avatar

Oh Susie, I love stories about your dad — and I see you on the burden/responsibility of a weekly deadline.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Ha, you know, right? And thank you re: Dad. I repeat myself a lot when it comes to writing about him (way too many posts!) so thank you for putting up with it!

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Reciperose's avatar

I’m always drawn in to your stories. Beautifully shared.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Aw, thank you Rose.

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Josie Rock's avatar

I love your stories.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Hi Josie! and thank you...

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Jessica Bard's avatar

I love hearing about the time spent with your Dad. Eleven weeks until next visit is a long time! Will he face-time? (I’ve been encouraging my elders to connect virtually - so many platforms to chose from.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

He has really gotten the hang of texting, and he loves a good long phone call, but we've only face timed once or twice - good idea!

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Diane's avatar

These are the moments that count🙏❤️

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Susie Middleton's avatar

You said it, Diane.

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Maria's avatar

What a lovely read 🤗🩷

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Thank you, Maria.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Beautiful story and tribute Susie. Enjoy every moment. My Dad turns 90 this next month and I just grateful to be able to share whatever time I can with him. 🙏

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Susie Middleton's avatar

We are so lucky, right, Dee? Enjoy your time with your Dad.

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Kathy Martin's avatar

It’s mutual: Your father and you are so lucky to have each other. And what a handsome man. Great photo of him in his younger days.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Hi kathy,

Hope you are doing well! Thank you. (And I do love that photo, too - just threw it in for the heck of it as I don't have photos of him (with me - they exist!) of him gardening in younger days.

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