Erin



Erin, Donaleo and a new friend.    They are in Greece and enjoying every minute.

Donaleo loves to eat.  Wonder if he has found any delectable Mousaka yet . . . one of my favorites.


Graffiti Greek style.  Kinda of cute.




An invitation to meet some folks and have a snack.  If I am not mistaken, I think tomales were served.




The upper picture was taken in the seventies when daughter Patricia visited Greece and granddaughter Erin took the picture below showing the beer is still around and set up the scene to match and show her mother what has changed . . . not the beer but it sure looks like a new label.

I had a wonderful new picture of Jock and the Gould's turkey he just shot in Tekari Sonora, Mexico. This completed the Royal and Grand Slam.  Next year he will go off to Yucatan for the World Slam.     Then what?   We'll have to wait to find out.   The bird was beautiful and huge.    The picture must have been taken by a different method as it would not come up so I could brag about our great hunter.   It is good to have him home safe and sound.    Now to get him to catch a big fish, bring it in and cook it and regale us with tales of Mexico.

There was a wonderful attachment this morning of old barns and the background music was "The Old Rugged Cross" familiar and loving as the pictures of the dilapidated barns.   The words were soft and they told of a rich man who wanted to buy an old barn to salvage the wood to line his den in his new home.    It went on to talk of how the barn became old and beautiful just like the old folks in our lives.    Yeah, I'm one of them and it made me feel good to be appreciated for all of the changes over the years, inside and out.    I'm in good company. 

So today, look up one of the old folks in your life.   Take a few minutes out of your busy life to stop , look and listen to someone who has walked the path and has a few thoughts that might help pave the way to your day being very special.

Another attachment was a picture of a cross in an open field and the words were wholesome and beautiful as they tell how it is good to live your faith each day.    We cannot solve all the problems in our world, but we can try to resolve the problems in our own space.   there is nothing that says we cannot help each other.     Dom P. a pastor here in Brookings is having a meeting of like souls today at the City Hall to say a group prayer and let everyone know it is fine to be a Christian and there is nothing to stop us from meeting and saying a prayer together.   Remember the first word spoken when in trouble is "Jesus"  as you hear an impatient person saying "Jesus, how can you be so stupid?" or another finding themselves in need saying "Jesus, please help me. . . "   The fight has been on forever and each of us has a mind and a will of our own . . . I light candles and beg a lot, not for me but for you and yours.     A bended knee is nothing to be ashamed of.     So today say a prayer or two just because you can.    "Ask and you shall receive . . . " a bit of peace, harmony and good deeds . . . doesn't get much better than that.   And say a prayer for me.   Hugs to all. 



Backyard



Another finished puzzle and a doozy, not easy, to say the least, and really a second time around.   Pat and I had done this one a long time back but when we found out John had purchased the same print by Bev Doolittle and it was stolen from his room, we decided to do it all over again only glue it this time and he can enjoy the scene.   Now to find out how to get it together and frame it.  It is not the 'real' thing but it has a charm all its own and hours of both work and pleasure by us.



The red rhododendron is blooming and very beautiful.    I worked hard getting weeds out from the garden areas a few weeks back.



Th end of the Camellia bush.  The flowers are lovely, a pretty pink, but they do not last long and as you can see fall apart and cover the ground. . . I know, better than weeds.




Work to be done.    The grass was a good six inches high and the new yard man did mow it.  I should have taken a before and after picture.  He didn't trim though which surprised me.    I'm not sure he and I are going to hit it off.  His young weeder left more weeds than he picked up.   So I spent yesterday doing a patch of ground and some clipping not on this end of the yard but up by the porch and it looks neat.    Maybe I'll do a little more today and save some money in the long run.    My tree stump is beginning to look like yard art.



Now I have to give credit, where credit is due, and these weeds are gone.  There were a few left, a blooming dandelion and a couple of small fern, why I have no idea.    I can tell you that no weeding was done between the fence posts.  Hopefully spraying will eventually take care of it all.  As I look at the picture, I'm thinking . . . should I rake out the rocks and let the clumps of weed grass grow in this section.  It might be the answer.

Hey, it's Monday . . . again . . . thank God.     I hope you enjoyed your weekend and did all of the things you wanted to do.    My neighbor came in to say she got up in the middle of the night to visit 'the john' only to have it go through her bathroom floor.   She is bruised a bit and still in shock.   Now that is a first, never heard of the toilet bowl going through the floor.    It has been a month of like problems for her and her husband as they decided to put in tile and the recommended worker tore up the laundry room first and made a real mess.   He just didn't know what he was doing.    He was fired and a new man came in and did the kitchen and front hall way but is reluctant to pull up the new laundry room floor due to possible insurance problems.  All this started from a water leak and burst pipes in the kitchen.    So if you think you have it bad today, think about my neighbor and sympathize.     Wish we could find some of the 'old time' workers who knew how to do the job and did it well.   Whatever happened to taking pride in your work?  So if you have work to be done around your home, be sure you take time out to research first, hire later, and make sure of the worker you hire.  

A new week ahead and one that will be busy and exciting for me.  Son John is due in this week, a birthday party for Russell who is going to be be 95 which he has been saying this year and now I am betting he will tell you he is 96 all year as old folks are prone to do.  Maybe saying you are a year older the day after your birthday keeps you living in high hope.  Lunch with an couple of old friends on Tuesday and a few days of making sure we are ready for the big yard sale weekend coming up this next weekend.    It will be hard work but fun and it is always great to meet and greet new folks.    Once in awhile you get a grouch or a slouch but most are happy and looking for a treasure.    Let me know what you are up to.  I like to know that you are keeping up with the life style you have chosen.     Work, good eating, lots of loving, reasons to be happy, and you are alive and well;  it doesn't get much better than that.   Go . . . enjoy your new week and  while you are at it, spread a bit of cheer.  Hugs to all.

Rocks

The attachment that came in yesterday had lots of rocks and a tale about an artist who loves to balance rocks.  His name is Michael Grab and he comes from Boulder, Colorado...of course . . . According to the write up he tells us that it takes meditation, finding our zero point, or the silence within ourselves.



I guess it has a beauty all its own.   I do love rocks of all kinds.    I made the mistake of putting rocks in my front yard when I didn't know how to do it, but they certainly do not have the beauty or balance.




Maybe the secret of success if having water beneath them.    You have to agree that this form of art is different and has a beauty all its own.     I bet the flow of water brings out the colors and textures. I wish I knew this Michael Grab so he cold come and visit and make my yard look beautiful.  If you see me sitting out by my rocks trying to balance them, know I'm looking for my zero point.  I may get a fancy fence yet.




A castle in Ireland.




Another castle in Irelandon a lovely hillside.




Along the Liffy.
I have been to Ireland three times.   All trips were included in tours where one gets to see the highlights of each country they visit.    There is an outfit out of Michigan who does "The Heart of Europe" tours and do not hesitate to try one as each one I was fortunate enough to go on, proved to be a delight and visiting Ireland has to be one of the very best spots.    I'd go again tomorrow if I could.   

Sunday is here already.    The yard man was here and I wish I could tell you my problems are solved as to how my yard looks.  I made the mistake of going out, after he was gone, along with his helper, and paid an exorbitant bill for a lot of nothing . . . not even a trim around the grass area and enough weeds not picked up to help the wind blow the seeds right back where they were.    Pat says I'm 'never satisfied' and want them to do it like I would. . . well, what is wrong with that?   I like neat.  I like a job well done.  So, I'll pull in my horns and give them a chance, but I'm not signing on to any contract.    I wish I knew how to cement or tar  . . . no I don't . . . how sad I'd be without all the beauty of a garden.  I'll change my attitude and give them a chance to redeem themselves...but only one.    I'll go out and commune with nature and pull a few of those left over weeds.

As for you, change your attitude, get off your duff and do something positive today.     Check out the yard sales;  stop by a church and visit.  Sit and find your level of peace.     Oh, while there, light a candle for all our service men and women.  I think they should all come home and protect our shores right here.    Meanwhile treat yourself to a few quiet moments and renew your faith, your hope and be charitable . . . it only takes a smile and a hug from a favorite person to 'make your day'. . . think exchange and give a little back.     Hugs to all.



What's New?



A visit to Facebook and I always find a picture I think is blog material.   I thank Angie for her wonderful sense of humor and my son John as they post pictures a lot and 'moonlight Alice' has a fantastic sense of humor.




Here is another one.   How often have you wanted to tell this to someone who thinks they are smarter, wiser, and a bit better than you.....not true so it is good to wish them well on their fall, somewhere along the line they do.



Where was this picture yesterday when I was telling you I was going to enjoy a reading day.    I must say I enjoyed my mystery and finished it, not outside under the sunshine, but back in the house with the heat on as we have a cloud cover which is like a light fog and brings a chill in the air...and I thought I was so smug as I pushed the thermostat off, well, it was for two whole days.



I wonder if the Post Office folks could find a way of adding a spam area to our neighborhood box.   They have two parcel areas, um . . . maybe one could be used for spam and the mailman or lady could clear it out once a week.  It would give them some hours on Monday when they don't show with mail now.   If they allowed us to make a list of what we call spam, the first one would be catalogs and or store freebie discounts like if you purchase a hundred dollars or more, you get free shipping.   Second would be solicitations;  most of us want to donate to whom  and when there is a just cause, and we do not have to be inundated with a penny or a nickel and promises to double our donations and enclose garden gloves from China;  address labels and other prizes.   I think they should put their money where their mouth is and let us do our own thinking and know when the cause is there and is a true one we are always ready to help.  I had one fellow on the phone who wanted to know how much I was going to donate so they could plan ahead . . . he was a little put out when I told him it would be a surprise.    Pushy people just don't get it. 

By the way, what do you think of that tax they want to put on for all you purchase on the computer these days.   A very lucrative business and 'they' cannot stand money slipping by without their hands in the till.    Yes, you will pay tax to the state you purchase the merchandise from and I am betting they will probably think of a tax for using the computer both at your end and at the store end. . . well, it's a thought on how to make them add to their coffers.     I am wondering how they expect us to keep paying more and more taxes when there is less and less income.   

I have lots of questions this Saturday morning and no answers.     My new yard man came last evening and he sent his young helper to weed the back garden while he bounced around doing most of the work and didn't stop for a second the whole hour he was here.   He came in with my first bill which was high enough to make me gasp for the work that was done for weeding and mowing my small patch of grass.    I wont tell because it is such a relief to see a much neater yard.    Once he gets into the routine and I know he is going to be a good worker himself, then I will not mind writing the check as he does not waste a second of time.   He will work on my sink hole in two weeks and hopefully knows and remembers the grass still grows.

It is Saturday, fun to say that even when retired.  Retirement does not mean time stops and you have nothing to do.  It reminds you that your seconds are important and fulfilling even though you are not going off to a nine to five job.  So if you are looking forward to retirement, know that you will adjust to unlimited 'work' and enjoy every minute of it.   Be sure to invest in your own future as it comes around a lot sooner than you think.     Perk up the attitude . . . practice how to give a real good hug . . . and turn up the corners of the mouth as it brings instant beauty to the eyes.    Go look in the mirror . . . and did you know that if you say the names of "Jesus, Mary and Joseph"  you get the best exercise in avoiding a double chin.   Try it and add a favorite saint or two as you keep those facial muscles working.    Hugs to all.



Act II



Jennifer got flowers from Bill, just because she wanted some . . . how wonderful, thoughtful and loving, no wonder they are happily married.   She wrote on her Facebook that she and Bill were exhausted from moving and once she had a small area cleared she made the comment about how all that was needed was flowers . . . and he fulfilled her dream a bit later in the day . . . all it takes is an open heart full of love;  hope you find that in your lives today.




Meet JP Laboissonniere from Rhode Island and the latest new recruit heading for boot camp and a military career.  Put him on your prayer list and his mom too as she fights the fight of mothers who send their young men and women off with pride and lots of tears.    I know just how she feels, and you probably do too.     A handsome young man ready to take on a whole new life style.    




I think this fits most of us.    



This is a Walmart greeter.   He has a problem getting to work on time and was called on the carpet.
His boss wanted to know if he was always tardy when he worked at his former job.  They asked what would they say to him and he replied.....

"they saluted and asked if I was ready for my coffee."

So today ...Friday.... hopefully you are heading for a weekend and a break in your routine.     I have boxes of books ready to go to the yard sale which is coming up in another week.   I looked through the boxes and found three that I retrieved as one was by Al Gore and his work on Global Warming.    It looks like it is filled with pictures, charts, words and thoughts about what is happening to our world.    He has been ridiculed and made fun of but he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work and I don't think it would hurt any one of us to take a minute to read and look at this book.   He may not have all the answers but he sure did a lot of good work in trying to tell us what is going on all around our world.     Then there was a beautiful new book of Zane Grey's early work.   I haven't read a Zane Grey cowboy story in ages.    Last was a book on early Japan that looks interesting and the color plates are gorgeous.     So I think I'll take a summer chair out on the porch and sit in the sunshine and read awhile today.    If you don't have a book, come by, I'll share.    speaking of sharing, today is a good day to find someone to share time with, maybe a little smooch, a hug and always a smile.   My door is open, the coffee pot is on....I have green tea bags...stop and find a cookie to go with it as it is going to be to hot to bake today.     I'll let you find the last pieces of the puzzle...what a bear it has been...but getting close to the end.    Come help, I love company.    Hugs to all. 

Hungry?



What a beautiful picture . . . love cowboys and horses . . . . love to watch the magnificent beasts run and show off their sleek bodies and beautiful manes.     One of my few regrets and that is I never made an effort to go horseback riding.   It has to be one of the most wonderful joys in life.     Try it, you might find you like it.




I don't think I know anyone who does not love shrimp.    Well, son Michael is allergic to all kinds of fish...but most folks can tolerate the delectable critters from the sea.     This one is a fast and delicious way to fix them.    Melt a stick of butter on your cookie sheet, squeeze lemon juice and a few slices of lemon over the shrimp and bake 350 degrees for fifteen minutes...and oh, don't forget to sprinkle some Italian seasoning over them...that is what makes them taste so good.



Sally up at the Sidney Museum in Port Orchard, Washington does a great job of touting her painters. The artist is Diana Gardner and she is showing off some of her work.   She sure is a talented artist.    I wonder if daughter Christine has seen this picture . . she loves dragons and has quite a collection.    She doesn't have the wall space, but that might not stop her from trying to fit this one in.  I am looking forward to my next trip up to Port Orchard, and a visit to the art gallery.

Saturday, what a lovely sound to most folks who have put in a week of hard labor.     A day to do whatever it is you want to do and no one to tell you what to do.  Sounds good to me . . . don't forget attitude . . . change it if you must . . . smile with your eyes and don't forget a verbal hug or two.   I left the coffee pot on all night, a first and hopefully a last. . . getting old and senile or need to make myself a check list and be sure I have shut off or down all that needs to be done.    I reluctantly closed the windows as we hit over eighty yesterday and going higher today....summer in Brookings is early this year...rain coming in so I'm not worried that it will overstay its welcome.   So do your 'thing' today and be sure it is what makes you feel like you rule your world.    Be kind, be generous, be true to yourself and enjoy your seconds as they come.    Hugs to all.

Second Attempt

When you cannot afford the very best....like a built in one.....beats holding your telephone in your hands while driving;  a very big NO...NO...NO.



A fancy tombstone by a Scrabble Lover....great idea....bet costly.     Some folks have lots of imagination.




Here is another gravestone.  someone had a clever idea and either admired the golfer or was glad to get rid of him and his passion for golf.




I never thought of this when I was trying to make a fence out of an open area on the side of the yard where the resident deer come traipsing through.   I planted some plants hoping they would grow big and tall . . . but they ate them . . . the little rocks are there and the weeds are filling in the space.    Another idea gone bad. . . but there is hope, I had not thought of making one like this.



I'm a great one to tell you to hum when you have lots on your mind and begin to sag from the weight of worry.   Humming does help, fills the spaces of  and within the brain so you have time to think things out and come up with a solution to whatever current problem may exist.     There is always some one thing to keep us humming.    As for singing, so many with wonderful, beautiful and melodic voices, like Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Andy Williams who have left us for greener pastures but leave behind so many beautiful renditions of favorite tunes.   How lucky we are.  Then there are singers still belting out tunes for our enjoyment,  Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, good old Willie Nelson and his whiskey tenor, oh so many to enjoy and hum along with.    So today, do yourself a favor and hum a lot.    Put on a DVD or however you listen to your  music these days and find time to listen and hum.   

Yesterday, I attended a luncheon given by the Macklyn House staff for the volunteers.   I was included because I read to Russell.    I was surprised to find out I knew two of the attendees and met several more folks I did not know.  All good company and good conversation.     Dom managed to tell a story about the day we went over to the Charter School and put on a little story and poetry telling to the children.  After the program was over the children were told they could ask us questions and one little fellow stood up and asked Dom how old he was.  Dom told him 68, and the young man turned and asked how old I was and I said 85 and his eyes grew wide as he had never, never, ever, met anyone THAT OLD . . . Dom thought it was hilarious and it was...his eye balls took time to return to their sockets.    I remember when my kids thought thirty-five was old;  um....wonder how they feel about age today????  smile!!!
So it is a summer feeling day this end of springtime which took its good old time to get here.    We had eighty degrees yesterday and wind...but it was warm and lovely and getting into a closed car at the end of the luncheon for a ride home was enlightening to say the least...hot...hot...see, I told you we'd be 'talking' about the change in our weather...winter to spring to summer......some lovely days ahead...beach walking...one of my favorite things to do.     I'm off to have my coffee and wake up.  This is my second attempt to get a blog together.  Like yesterday I had finished a blog only to find it in an area where it should not be...how, why??? who knows....I'll have my computer expert son look at it when he arrives and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to write only once instead of twice.  Each time the story changes....See you tomorrow, go have some fun today.  Hugs to all.

Tuesday

Greece

Erin and Donaleo are in Greece...Athens, at the moment, with plans to see as much of this country as they can.  So far both think of it as a beautiful place with very friendly people.    Erin met a couple who were signing to each other so she stopped and signed to them.  She doesn't speak Greek so it was hard for both, but they managed to get in a few thoughts.   Once you smile with your eyes and speak through your fingers, all is right in the world.

I just finished doing my blog for today and did something to the computer.  I'll never know what I did do, but it wasn't good as the blog went out there somewhere and no matter how hard I tried I could not retrieve all those flowing words to make you and me feel good about our new seconds to use up.

I cannot redo it as the pictures are lost.   I cannot go back over my words as I put them out there and they are lost for today.   It is so frustrating to lose a finished product.

I did say that our world is filled with folks who are bent on making life uneasy for us.   I did talk about the messages we are receiving that are making us crazy.    If we listen to each and every quick word in our new way of communicating we set ourselves up for pain and anguish.     I did suggest we start thinking and doing for our own selves and know that  we have to live in faith, hope and charity in order to survive the current trend to make us less than we really are.  
So I am going to go and fume over the effects of the computer action this morning.    I am going to go out to lunch for the volunteers and have a good time.   I am going to find reasons to uplift my spirit . . . computers...bah...humbug.....and all those other little words we spiel when we are frustrated.     I'll be back.   Meanwhile you go and have a great day, do something good for you and take a friend along.    Hugs to all.

YUM!



Hey zucchini lovers here is a little vegie pizza that is a treat.   brush the

  split zucchini with a little olive oil, put some tomato slices, sprinkle with some salt and pepper and top with your favorite cheese combination...Bake at 375 degrees for twenty minutes and voila. . . yum.    Bet yellow squash would go.    I used to take and slice zucchini, yellow squash, green peppers and slices of onion and pour some olive oil over them , topped with garlic salt, salt and pepper and grill under the broiler until they were softened and just right to eat...yum, yum!!


Real beauties.  Asparagus, steamed, a bit of butter, salt and pepper and so tasty. 

Try it for lunch on some toast with your favorite sauce.




I think this goes along with turning the other cheek.




When I check out Facebook I find friends put on different pictures and signs which sometimes tickle my funny bone.  



Got your taxes all done?  Everything in . . . didn't think of this about all we do support with our tax dollars....times have certainly changed in our world.

It is Monday, the start of our brand new week.    The weather is beginning to change to warmth and sunshine.  Here we get the wind along with the sun.   I walked up to Freddys yesterday to pick up a few things along with my puzzle...the Big X...my friend, Gerry, and I used to do it together every Friday and had some great sessions trying to fill in the little squares.    Some of the words she recognized easily makes me think about her often, like the blood of the gods . . . who would have kept that in mind when one never heard of it.   We spend hours  sharing our knowledge of words, along with a lot of love and laughter.     She was quite a character and had stories to tell that would make you laugh out loud.   She has been gone on to greener pastures and is probably sitting on a cloud telling jokes.   She left a gift of friendship when she introduced me to her niece, Paula, who has become a loving friend.    So when we talk about extended families we have to take in stride that there are more than one kind and how lucky we are.   The more we open our minds and hearts to building  and broaden our family and friends into a loving circle, we can never feel sad and sorry and alone.    There is no need for it.    All we have to do is smile with our eyes, give one of those wonderful
body hugs and learn to keep the coffee pot on, the tea bags at the ready, bake or buy a cookie or bun and invite any and all in for some fun.    
"Open Door"

The coffee pot is on
the door is open wide
all you have to do
is come inside.

you can never be so busy
that you cannot find the time
to listen to a friend
who has come by

sometimes it means they are sad
and need a shoulder wide
sometimes it means they are glad
and need to share a smile
could be a salesman
or a Seventh Day Adventist
who has a word to share

no matter who is at the door
it matters not a lot
because you have an open door
and a coffee pot that's hot.
JMS

Calm



The Port . . . Brookings Harbor .   A ride over to see what was going on at the Port and we found the basin filled with recreational vehicles, not an empty spot to be had.    I thought it early as it is only the end of April but folks are out and about early this year.    Some have brand new RV's and one fellow was out washing his off.    I'll have to take my camera over and take some pictures for you to see.   I might even remember to take a picture of the license plates and we'll know where they came from.  The weather was warm and sunny , and yes wind because there were no clouds, but it was really warm and it felt so good.    For one blog, I can not complain about weather, but that doesn't mean I wont in the future.
  
I tried making friendly noises to a sea gull.   It was huge, beautiful, and curious as my soft whistle did get its attention and it kept coming closer to the car.  If it had come to the window I probably would have closed it quickly for fear it would take my  nose as the prize delicacy of its day.     We have a neighbor who feeds the gulls.  We did ask him not to as the poop is everywhere but now he is feeding them on the other side of his property thinking we wont notice.  What an idiot and how to spoil the gulls as they will get lazy and not go out to sea and find their own fresh fish.  

Pat and I got back to our yard sale preparation and we got quite a bit done.   There were sales in our neighborhood and we had one drop in customer but we did not have signs out so no one else stopped by.    There is so much 'stuff' , much more than Pat thought she had.   I remember her saying maybe this year we didn't have enough trinkets and treasures for a yard sale. . . all we need is a huge hall and we would still be looking for room.   We are hoping John will be here in time to help us, we sure will need it.    If you are in our neighborhood stop in, you wont be sorry.

It is Sunday, all day, a day to rest. . . think of all the chores you could get done, then decide that there will be time for that when you are in the mood or cannot stand the mess any longer, but today rest, relax and catch up with YOU.    If you have to have something to do, think about inviting family and friends for a cook out and you supply the grill meat while they bring along some good fixings.....aah.....sounds good to me.      Enjoy today.   Hugs to all.



Cities

A beautiful city. . . Seattle, Washington.     Sally put this picture on her Facebook page.    A beautiful sight.  I may get to visit there before the summer is over.     I may find out what it is like to go up into the Space Needle.



Erin and Donaleo visited here.  It reminded me of Migraine Square in Lynn, Massachusetts where I grew up.   We had a building in town which was hunkered down between two streets, just like this one.  The first big square had City Hall and my High School and a few more city blocks there was a building like this which housed offices.  Maybe the architects of yore borrowed ideas from European cities.   Right now Erin and Donaleo are in Athens, Greece and they find it a beautiful city with lovely people.   English is spoken and their hosts are taking them about to see all the wonders of their city.   Erin has a list as long as your arm of places she wants to visit and take pictures.  I'll share when she sends them through.




Finally an answer to why we have brain problems.    



In the monthly newsletter there is always a picture of a place to visit in Oregon.   This looks like fun.  

It is Saturday morning and a work day for Pat and me.  We have a garage filled with treasures to be marked.   Another week and it will be time for the big city wide yard sales here in Brookings.    Last year there were over a hundred sales.   We swore we wouldn't put on another but when you accumulate so much more than you can use, it is time to unload and get back to normal.     Wish you were close by so you could come and help clean out the garage...smile.....you know you want to.   Okay, we want you to be here with bells on.

The owner of the 'yard' work sent a young man over to weed.  A good start around the front of the areas but nothing for the back and that is where the grass has grown a good six inches.    Keith stopped in to tell me they will come every two weeks and get the place in order.    If he waits two weeks for the back area then he will need more than a mower.    He is busy and I am a new client and it takes patience on my part but that is not easy when I can plow through ankle high grass.    I pushed the power a couple of weeks ago and did such a bad job I am afraid to try it again.    I have to think of my reputation as the once great Katrina. . . patience is the name of the game so I had better practice.

The news carried the Boston Bombing to extremes and everyone of us is emotionally drained.  Our world is so filled with those who are so easily led into believing hatred should rule our world.   We are still waiting for news of the huge fire in Texas where many more lives were lost.     Take a second or two today and pray for the families who are bearing a horrible amount of grief and loss.     Lives gone in seconds.     Makes me think of how each of us should be taking time out to reflect on our own lives.    It has been said a thousand times already, we just never know what is in store for us in our new day.     Let us take our seconds to heart and live today as if it were our last day on earth . . . don't be afraid to get down on your knees, it makes a bigger and better person out of you.     Reach out today and do one good deed, just because you can.   Hugs to all.  

YUK!!



The caption on this story was 'What if different species could mate?'. . .Redditor Gyypimagines imagines just what the species would look like...photo manipulations..."Weird Animals"    Reminds me of a movie and a book which was called something like the "Island of Dr. ....." don't remember the name, but it sure was an ugly story.  




spoils our beautiful American symbol



my thought is I hope the dog bit the shark's head off....yuk. and more yuk . . . not my cup of tea....seems ugly and unnecessary, a waste of imagination.    
Thomas Hobbs , 17th Century English Philosopher said "only where it is possible to punish the wicked can right and wrong have any practical meaning, and that requires 'some coercive power,"   Wonder if he was thinking of people with weird imaginations.

then "No Korean officials reportedly are planning a cyber attach on the U.S. A. in an effort to bring our economy to a halt.  Nice try guys, you're five years too late."   Jay Leno, comedian.



I'm laughing out loud...me talking to you about weather!!!!

It is Friday all day....TGIF......that day....the one we wait for all week so we can have a whole weekend to do whatever it is we choose to do.     I had the sad task of firing Chon last evening as he went to my neighbors to cut her grass and had no intentions of stopping by to ask if I needed him to work in my yard.     I think the ditch and the hedge have proven too much for this sixty-six year old and he is adding more folks with just grass to cut.  He doesn't like to weed.   He gave me an excuse that he was visiting relatives in Mexico, but I know that he has been doing yard work for several others .  All he had to do was say he wasn't going to be able to do the ditch area and I would have been looking for someone.  It is a difficult job to do as the hedges are at least six to eight feet tall and mucking out the ditch itself is no picnic.A bad area behind the garage that I'd like to afford a culvert and a cement walkway before we get to the sink hole stage.   The city and the developer made the upkeep the responsibility of the home buyer, written into the basic development contract unbeknown to the buyers.    A difficult problem to resolve and those in City Hall will only threaten if you do not keep the area up.   
  Well, I have and have been stood up but there has to be someone looking for yard work, just hope they answer the call.    I supposedly have a man coming today, but it is going to be a day of showers, wouldn't you know it!  Well, I'm not giving up someone out there is in need of work and money to spend.
Meanwhile Pat and I are busy with the upcoming yard sale.   For someone who said there was very little for a sale . . . well it is the understatement of the year as the garage is already filled with lovely treasures of all kinds and we have had to spread out to the patio.  I'll take the camera with me when we get it all set up.    Take a good look and see if there is a bargain you cannot live without....really some very lovely collectibles.     So, I'll take my groaning and moaning away and go sulk over a cup of coffee and leave you to your own moans and groans....it just goes with the territory so don't be shy . . . it is okay to grouse now and then, it gets the juices flowing to do more good deeds for yourself and others.   Time to hum a merry tune, put a smile on the face and look forward to a 'good' day in spite of yourself....I'm humming....I'm humming. . . "It's a lovely day to day, for whatever you've got to do. . . "   Join me, and we will harmonize.  Hugs to all.



Seasons/Reasons



What a cutie, makes you smile just looking at it . . . a tiny chip monk found its way to a flower and made the best of it;  almost like getting all dressed up in your Sunday best.



Spring




Summer




Fall




Winter

The same lake taken in the different seasons.  The pictures came in with a write up about persevering, something we all have to learn how to do as we live our lives one second at a time and find new and sometimes horrible awakenings in a new day.    The pictures are beautiful as they show nature at its best always.     With the story were words to think over . . . "Don't judge life by one difficult season . . . Persevere.  the dictionary says it means "to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement."

So today, take the pictures and words to heart.    Make your day the best it can be for you.    Forgive yourself for any indiscretions and get on with making an attitude change so you can enjoy every second of every season as they come.    there is an old adage about 'life can be beautiful'  and it is true, but only if you go about making it so for you.   Be a scout today...kind, thoughtful, caring and share yourself with those you love.    Get into the rhythm of this season.  'Spring' forward and lend a helping hand, a kind word and a smile to those you meet and greet today.    Hugs to all.