Monday Photo Shoot #4 -- On the Wing

John Scalzi says: "It's Monday -- and that means it's time for a Monday Photo Shoot! To remind everyone: I hand offer a suggestion for a photograph to share, and then you either go out and take that picture or share a photo with that theme that you already have. Pretty easy stuff. This week:

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Get a shot of one of our fine feathered friends (preferably undomesticated)."

John further explains, "I'm certain we'll do this (or a variation thereof) more than once, because birds are so much fun to photograph."

Invasion of the 'chair snatcher'...similiar to a nut hatcher.

Gosh, I shoulda been a comedienne, eh?  That is...or was, my chair.  And that's my fire poking stick, too!

Here's some close-ups of the chair snatcher.  I think it is a Black Rosy-Finch aka Leucosticte atrata.  Yeah, whatever...it's a bird.

 

 

 

~~You get lemon, you make a lemon pie.~~

Much Ado About...

Nothing.  That's what we found inside that nasty hornet's nest we noticed at the cabin a few weeks back.  Well, there weren't any hornets, so it wasn't an active nest anyway.  Yesterday Sam grabbed a long piece of lumber from his stash underneath the cabin and he knocked the hornet's nest off the side of the cabin.  Too bad there wasn't a video camera going at the time.  When that nest hit the ground, my muscle's were ready to move...it was the instinctive fight or flight thing.  Obviously you can tell how brave I was by the distance between me and the cabin in the pic...actually, it was the only way to get Sam and the nest in same frame.  ;)  It was pouring down rain when we did it...which is good.  We need the rain.  The rain is good for everything.  But isn't the nest huge!  It's so fragile, and lightweight, light as a feather.  I've decided to keep it to display inside the cabin.  Now I need to find a shadow box, or Plexiglas cube in which to store it.  The next picture will tell you why.  This is true craftsmanship at it's best.  It's absolutely amazing...to me anyway.

The number of layer's on this nest is unbelievable. It feels like tissue paper, lots of tissue paper.  Kinda weird, but cool, all at the same time. 

Both Rumbeau and Allie were pretty fascinated by the nest.  The second it hit the ground, Rum ran right over to it, very curious about what it was.  Allie reserved her curiousity for the inner hive (seen on the cooler).  It has seven levels and looks like a little hornet condo, except it broke into two pieces when it hit the ground.  From an engineering point of view, this nest is remarkable.  If you think about it, how well would any of our homes survive a fall, or crash, similar to the one the nest survived?  I know, it's a stretch, but still, Mother Nature does have some pretty fantastic stuff up her sleeves. 

Easter Wishes and Blessings

Sometimes the best things are those you must wait for...

Tag by ~*~The Tag Lounge~*~

Last night Kari and I had a heart to heart talk.  Each time we do it amazes me how much our relationship has changed...evolved, over the years.  Twelve years ago she and Amy resented me, even hated me a bit.  Not because of anything I had done or said, it was merely the situation we found ourselves in.

In the beginning, I found myself constantly questioning what I was doing...belittling myself.  I asked their father how he saw my role in their lives...he shrugged his shoulders and admitted he didn't know.  I wanted to be a part of the girls' lives, but they kept me at arm's length, yet they always wanted me to drive them and their friends, everywhere.  And so I did.  Why?  Because at some point I came to the following conclusion: I couldn't be their mother, to me that is sacred ground (I lost my mother too and I resented any woman who thought she could just come into my life and fill my mother's shoes); and I couldn't be their friend because of my relationship with their father.  So I decided the only thing I could be, was to be there, for them.  Just be there.  To give them unconditional love.  That is what they needed.  It wasn't an easy journey.

Now, when we talk, both Amy and Kari acknowledge they shut me out all those years ago.  When they do I tell them it's okay.  I tell them back then I knew, deep in my heart, it wouldn't always be that way.  I knew someday they would grow up and become adults.  I knew someday we would have an adult relationship.  In my heart, I knew the day that I was waiting for would come, but I had to hold on, and let go.

So I held on, and I let go.

I believe in miracles.  I believe in angels.  I believe in the power of love.

Have a wonderful Easter.    Tag by ~*~The Tag Lounge~*~

 

~~Vision is what brings unity.~~

~~You really are enough.~~

For Geraldine

Just a little something for you...I'm thinking of you, girl.

Better days are ahead.

Cute Easter Bunny Rap -- LOVE IT!

Just received something fun from my sister Lana in Las Vegas...now this is the kind of rap I like!  :D  You'll be be-booping in your seat...or at least nodding your head to the rhythm. 

http://www.grayace.com/dex/bunny.html

 

Tag from the *Tag Lounge*

For the Girls...#2

Yesterday I spent working on pages for the girls.  I got through the 1980s (whew).  It was fun going back and seeing the styles from that decade, hee hee.  Sam and I met in late December 1991, and I met Amy and Kari in January 1992, then their mother died in February 1992, so soon the photos will change.
 Amy's page

Sorry, photos removed by blog author for protection of privacy.


 Kari's page

Sorry, photos removed by blog author for protection of privacy.




That's all.  TTFN!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tale...

Here's a little funny I received today, just for Easter.

Rum's Feeling Left Out

"Look at ME!  I'm a very shiny boy."

Rum's been skulking around the house these past two days, feeling very left out for not getting his pic put in my entry on Monday.  Photo was taken at the cabin a couple of weekends ago.  Those are my legs and shoes, and that's Allie's head complete with a 'flying bat' ear (notice how the other ear is down).  We're on the second floor balcony.  Rum's grey hair REALLY shows up in the photo.  He's 7 years old and Allie is 4 years old.  Hmmm, if Rum was sitting any closer to the edge he'd fall

off!

Your Monday Photo Shoot #3

Your Monday Photo Shoot #3: Humiliate the Pets!  <--click

John Scalzi is feeling in a bit of a sporky mood today, and suggesed we have some capricious fun at the expense of dumb animals!

Your Monday Photo Shoot #3: Show your pet in scenario that would be embarrassing to it, if it knew enough to be embarrassed.

  "Do you mind?"
  -- Charlie & Patches have a 'private' moment.  I nick named Charlie my phantom cat because of the half white mask on his face.  He was a stray who adopted me during the summer of 1991, and the vet said he was a Maine Coon breed...okay.  Don't know about that, but he did have the most unusal looking fur.  And those green eyes!  Patches was Kari's cat and Patches just loved Charlie.  Both Charlie and Patches crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago, and we all miss them very much!  Hopefully this pic doesn't cross the rule about amorous pets.  After all, they are just 'petting.' 

"Zzzzzzz"
-- Apparently this is a very comfortable position, because Allie always falls asleep in the back seat this way. It hurts my back just looking at her. She's a labrador mix and a hyper dog, very hyper...bouncing off the walls, running in circles hyper...so moments like this are treasured.

Since we are on the topic of humiliating pets, this deserves to be re-visited.  Extreme cats video <---click (1 min, 39 sec)

 

~~Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. -Anatole France~~

Ah, Should I Be Concerned?

I've been Shizzolated!  Found this at Sara and Cat's journals.  You know I'm curious, so I tried it.  ROTFLMAO!!!  Here's my entry from earlier today...

This weekend I gots my birthday present a month early from Sam...but only because Sam had an ulterior motive in mind n' shit...tha dude's stomach n' shit.   LOL!  I'll explain, know what I'm sayin'?   Last time we went grocery shopping, we picked up da fixings fo' a cake Sam's been telling me 'bout n' shit.   Only one teeny, tiny problem...no mixer n' shit.   My hand mixer quit some time ago 'n I had been using Kari's, until brizzle remembered where that shiznit wuz (ah, payback fo' izzall those years brizzle borrowed something of mine  :D  ), know what I'm sayin'?

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted a nice stand mixer, know what I'm sayin'? ..we're talking years, many years.   But I already had a mixer 'n that shiznit worked just fine, so da practical side of me won out, know what I'm sayin'? ..as that shiznit usually does n' shit.   But when my hand mixer finally quit 'n I remembered seeing a brand new mixer in da pantry, I had no choice but grab da new mixer 'n continue on my merry way.  I know, I know, yo' ass're probably saying, well, duh, if yo' ass had a new one in da pantry, then why wuz yo' ass using da old one?  It's simple n' shit.   The one in da pantry wasn't mine, 'n we izzall know da 'If that shiznit doesn't belong yo' ass, know what I'm sayin'? ...' rule."   Well, long story short, that shiznit wuz an emergency since my mixer quit in da middle of a hella important project, 'n no one wuz crib." ..'n we izzall know da 'If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy' rule, know what I'm sayin'?   I needed a mixer, now!  Time wuz of da essence n' shit.   And that shiznit's not likeI had time run da da store 'n buy a new one!  I later found out da new mixer belonged Kari, but brizzle forgot take that shiznit wit her da last time brizzle moved out n' shit.   Lucky fo' me n' shit.

So, long 'bout intro into this story n' shit. ..time see my newest 'toy." '  This stand mixer is bomb diggity!  It mixes in half da time of my little hand mixer n' shit. ..or any hand mixer fo' that matter n' shit.   These things are pricey, but they has so manycool attachments available."   And, as yo' ass can see, I already fixed something wit that shiznit, know what I'm sayin'?   The cake Sam's been telling me 'bout n' shit.    

The recipe is simple:  1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Recipe White cake mix, 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip-thawed, 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges-drained, 1 can (6-8 oz) crushed pineapple-drained."   Follow directions on box fo' mixing cake."   Before adding batter baking pan, fold in mandarin oranges, know what I'm sayin'?   Bake as directed."   Allow da Cool Whip thaw completely, add crushed pineapples 'n blend well."   Spread pineapple bomb diggity whip mixture on cooled cake, know what I'm sayin'?   Enjoy!!!! 

Ever noticed how da best recipes are often da easiest? 

Oh, that's my new wallpaper yo' ass see, know what I'm sayin'?   The remodel project is still in process, know what I'm sayin'? ..kinda gots put on da back burner last month because of Sam's heart."   But I'm on  v a c a t i o n  this week (yea!) so maybe I can finish da wallpapering, know what I'm sayin'?   Next step will be da removal of that pink formica countertop 'n splash board!

 

~~Take time fo' what soothes yo' soul, know what I'm sayin'? ~~

~~Friends are those muthas in life that never let us go." ~~

 

OMG!  I particularly like what it did to my motivational quotes. 

Me thinks I need to make a label for my new mixer that says "Da Bomb Diggity" and place it over the words Kitchenaid.  :)  See how long it takes for hubby to notice. 

Get Shizzolated!

...Whatcha Got Cookin'...

AOL Music: Jimmy Buffett: 'Hey Good Lookin' '  (looks like a lot of fun to me...no wonder there are so many Parrot Heads around...LOL)

This weekend I got my birthday present a month early from Sam ...but only because Sam had an ulterior motive in mind...his stomach.  LOL!  I'll explain.  Last time we went grocery shopping, we picked up the fixings for a cake Sam's been telling me about.  Only one teeny, tiny problem...no mixer.  My hand mixer quit some time ago and I had been using Kari's, until she remembered where it was (ah, payback for all those years she borrowed something of mine  :D  ).

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted a nice stand mixer...we're talking years, many years.  But I already had a mixer and it worked just fine, so the practical side of me won out...as it usually does.  But when my hand mixer finally quit and I remembered seeing a brand new mixer in the pantry, I had no choice but to grab the new mixer and continue on my merry way.  I know, I know, you're probably saying, well, duh, if you had a new one in the pantry, then why were you using the old one?  It's simple.  The one in the pantry wasn't mine, and we all know the 'If it doesn't belong to you....' rule.  Well, long story short, it was an emergency since my mixer quit in the middle of a very important project, and no one was home...and we all know the 'If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy' rule.  I needed a mixer, now!  Time was of the essence.  And it's not like I had time to run the the store and buy a new one!  I later found out the new mixer belonged to Kari, but she forgot to take it with her the last time she moved out.  Lucky for me.

So, long about intro into this story...time to see my newest 'toy.'  This stand mixer is great!  It mixes in half the time of my little hand mixer...or any hand mixer for that matter.  These things are pricey, but they have so manycool attachments available.  And, as you can see, I already fixed something with it.  The cake Sam's been telling me about.   

The recipe is simple:  1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Recipe White cake mix, 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip-thawed, 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges-drained, 1 can (6-8 oz) crushed pineapple-drained.  Follow directions on box for mixing cake.  Before adding batter to baking pan, fold in mandarin oranges.  Bake as directed.  Allow the Cool Whip to thaw completely, add crushed pineapples and blend well.  Spread pineapple cool whip mixture on cooled cake.  Enjoy!!!!

Ever noticed how the best recipes are often the easiest? 

Oh, that's my new wallpaper you see.  The remodel project is still in process...kinda got put on the back burner last month because of Sam's heart.  But I'm on  v a c a t i o n  this week (yea!) so maybe I can finish the wallpapering.  Next step will be the removal of that pink formica countertop and splash board!

 

~~Take time for what soothes your soul.~~

~~Friends are those people in life that never let us go.~~

My Dark, Hidden Side

AOL Music: Irish Descendants: 'Catch the Wind'   (from the beginning chords, I knew I'd heard this song many, many, many years ago.  I remember it from my childhood, I remember hearing it played on the radio in Los Angeles during the 1960s.  Some things do not change with time.  I loved this song then, as I love this song now)

In honor of Saint Pat, last night I painted my toe nails green.  A really, really dark green.  Almost black...green.  Didn't like the outcome, but I didn't feel like starting over either.  So, I tried a couple of coats of white polish over the green.  Actually, it's not too bad...in fact, I kinda like it.  It's different.

Didn't do the same to my fingernails on account of the board meeting this afternoon.  So, how many accountants do you know with frosty green toenails?  Only one I'll bet.  I don't quite fit the stereotypical accountant...you know, stuffed shirt, straight lace, suit and tie...er, wait, I was wearing a suit today, but no tie.

And here's something to ponder.  In school, I hated math.  Hated it!  So which career path did I choose to follow...accounting (actually I kinda stumbled onto it, but that's a minor detail).  In school I hated history.  What's the point...who cares?  It already happened.  So what is one of my favorite hobbies?  Genealogy.  Aka family history.

Go figure. 

 

An Irish Blessing (there are many, but this is one of my favorites)

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

 

~~Share your vision.~~

Oh Kelly, Kelly, Kelly

Found this test at Kelly's journal, and well, I'm a sucker for tests!

Which chemical element are you?

Fe... Iron
You scored 25 Mass, 42 Electronegativity, 74 Metal, and 10 Radioactivity! I don't really need to describe you, do I? You're the backbone of any well put together group... communally minded, outgoing and social, but you don't demand to be the center of attention. Without groups of people like you, human society would crumble. I mean that... don't change. With respect to relationships, I don't know what to tell ya. I guess I'd recommend a first-row transition metal... or if you don't mind being submissive then go for an oxygen... everyone else will wonder how you ended up with one of those drama queens, but you'll probably secretly love it and he/she will bring out colors of you that you didn't know existed.


My test tracked 4 variables.  How I compared to other people my age and gender:

You scored higher than 14% on Mass You scored higher than 85% on Electroneg You scored higher than 85% on Metal You scored higher than 57% on Radioactivity

Okay, now I have to get my dictionary out and look up the word Electroneg. 

Hmmm, well, you can't believe everything you read, eh?

 

~~Risk looking silly...in order to put a smile in someone's heart.~~

Kiss Me...I'm Irish

Scotch-Irish actually, but who cares...because we're all Irish today.

 

Any Fresh Ideas?

If you've been following my journal, you know I'm about to be a grandma.  ::Basking in the glow of pure joy::  Anywho, the date has been set for Amy's baby shower, and it's been years since I've been to one.  Oh, speaking of Amy, she was just here and tells me baby Dylan has now decided to spend her time standing on Amy's ribs.  Oye!  Ouch!  It hurts just thinking about it.  And she's not sleeping too well lately...in fact...she's reached the point where she's ready for baby to be born.  Remember the 'Friends' episode where Rachel is sitting there on the couch, complaining about being pregnant during the summer?  She looks down at her huge stomach, throws her hands up in the air and in exasperation yells, "Get out!  Get out! Get out!  Get out!"  LOL!  That's pretty much where Amy is now.  She hasn't reached the yelling stage, but me thinks she will be by the time we throw her this shower.

Okay, back to my topic.  Any one have any ideas for games they want to share with me?   Have one so far.  Ask all guests to bring their own baby picture to the party, which will be placed in a basket with all the others.  Then, one by one, the baby photos are pulled out and the guests try to guess who the baby is today.

Come on J-Lander's.  I'd love to hear from you.  I'm meeting with my co-conspirator's next Monday, so if you've got any ideas, feel free to share them.  :)  Okay?

 

~~Friends are worth fighting for, worth pursuing, worth investing in, and worth keeping.~~

Monday Photo Shoot #2

John Scalzi's newest assignment from 'By The Way' - Your Monday Photo Shoot #2: Meet the Computer! 

From the sublime to the every day -- our inaugural photo shoot had you spotlighting sunsets. For photo shoot #2, we're looking at something a little more down to earth:

Monday Photo Shoot #2: Your computer is a doorway to the entire world (at least the online parts of it). Show off your computer and its surrounding environment. Describe any interesting details.

My little port hole to the world.

1.  My laptop window to the world.

2.  Older desktop which I keep around for sentimental reasons only...and because it has a Yamaha CD burner.

3.  Hard Rock Cafe label pin collection from various locations including England, Mexico and Canada.  Have yet to get one from a United States location.  Hmmm.  I collect label pins and shot glasses everywhere I go. 

4.  Must have cable modem!

5.  Scanner used for scanning anything and just about everything.  Currently used to scan 35mm childhood photos of Amy and Kari for the scrapbooks I'm making for each of them.

6.  Altec Lansing subwoofer for computer.  :) 

7.  Home made Roman shades, which I was forced to make after a deep yet frustrating quest to find the perfect window covering for my space.  There are two windows in my room, and both are 60 inches wide.  Not the most economical size when you want custom made shades.  Besides, none of the custom mades were the right color, fabric, or pattern.  By making them myself, I had full control over everything, including cost!  :)  In fact, I ended up making window coverings for almost every room in the house after that.  :)  Just call me Suzy Homemaker.

8.  Bookcase for storing some of my scrapbook, floral, crotcheting, sewing and genealogy tools.  What you see is just the tip of the iceberg.

9.  Workspace covered with blank newsprint to protect desktop.  Think of it as a huge canvas, note pad, doddle pad, placemat, etc.  Current project for Amy's baby shower can be seen in process.

That's about it.  As you can see I have a lot of stuff.  The desk really is too big for the room as it takes up about 3/4 of the space, but hey, I like it, it works, so why fix it?

 

~~Time heals and love restores.~~

Let Me Clarify That...

To Mother Nature:    

You know that entry I made a couple of days ago, titled 'Spring It On Me."  I used Linda Goodman's poem and it mentions a 'Sky-Rocket-Block-Buster Miracle.'  Perhaps I should have been a little more clear in the type of miracle.

I truly admire your work, and I dont' wish to minimize any effort you have made, but we need to talk...about that hornet's nest at the cabin.  Yeah.  Ummmm, that's not quite the miracle I had in mind.  Now the little miniture daffy's...love them.  That's the kind of stuff I meant.  But, I think the hornet's nest, well, to be honest, I gotta tell ya, I really don't want it.  Please take it back, 'k?  Please?

If you do me this one favor, I promise I will be more specific and provide better details in all future wishes.  Really, I will.  Seriously.  I've learned my lesson.

Respectfully, 

Dona

 

~~Don't mess with Mother Nature.~~

 

Do You See What I See?

With the great weather we've been having here, it was time for another drive to the mountains...to our cabin.  I haven't been up there for six months; last time I went was before I started this journal, in mid-October.  That's a first...I've never stayed away from the cabin for more than two months.

So, we arrive at the cabin, built a fire inside and while I'm doing a little cleaning, Sam heads outside.  After a bit he comes back in and says, "Bernie, come here."  Bernie is his nickname for me, short for Berniture...like furniture...I guess....don't ask...I have no explaination to offer.   Anyway, he's always doing that, calling me to come here, go there, usually because he wants to show me something stupid, or something he knows will annoy me.  I finishing sweeping the floor and go outside to where he's standing.  He points up and says, "Look."  I'm looking up.  I see the sky.  Okay.  I see lots and lots of trees.  Yeah.  It's another one of his stupid games, I just know it.  He steps closer to the cabin, still pointing up.  "Look," he says again.  "At what?" I ask.  "Up there," he tells me, pointing to the cabin roof.  It's mid-day and the sun is shining right in my eyes, so I shade my eyes with my hand and step closer to the cabin.  Then I see it.  "Hol....CRAP!"

It's a big hornet's nest!  Ewwww!   A GIANT hornet's nest.  Now, two years ago these little guys tried like crazy to make two nests in the front of the cabin, but the nests are tiny and one can't even be called a nest.  I thought they quit and went away.  Well, apparently they didn't quit, they just found another place, a less obvious place.  This nest is massive.  So, that's what they've been doing the past two years!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love nature, and I really don't like to criticize Mother Nature...or The Big Guy.  I mean, it is a beautiful nest, interesting symmetry, and the craftmanship is truly remarkable.  It reminds me of a cornicopia.  I do appreciate stuff like that.  However, I have issues with this as well.  Does it have to be so big?  We have a gazillion trees here...it's a forest...couldn't they have picked a nice sturdy tree on which to built this masterpiece?  Why, oh why, did they have to pick our cabin?  And let's not over look the fact that I am allergic to insect stings...bees, mesquitoes, hornets..and they always find me.  Even if I'm just sitting by the fire, minding my own business, with four other people, I'll be the one to get stung.  Everytime!  I don't even want to guess how many hornets go with that nest.  I'm getting the willy's just thinking about it.  And then there's Amy and the baby, due next month. Can't have that many hornets on the loose with a newborn baby so close by.  So, does anyone out there collect these things?  Want to add another to your collection?  It's a beauty.

So, after the excitement of that discovery, we went for a little ride on the four wheelers.  Saw a few deer who disappeared before I could get my camera focused on them.  It started getting cold, so we headed back and saw a couple more.  We put the wheeler's away in the shop, locked everything up, and started for home.  At the bottom of our driveway, we spotted deer again.  This time, I got two pics before the deer ran off.  They look healthy this year, but we had a very short and mild winter.  A couple of years ago they were scrawny looking, so skinny and their coat was a horrible ruddy color, not the warm tan it should be.

It's always a good sign to see this many deer on the first trip of the year to the cabin.  It puts me in a good way.   The doe on the right looks like she may be pregnant.  Which is another good thing.  Very, very soon the fawns will come!!!  Ah yes, spring is my favorite time of year to be at the cabin.  There are wild mushrooms to hunt, prepare and eat, and spotted fawns to spot.  Two of my favorite cabin activities.  I can't wait. 

 

 

But first, something has to be done with that hornet's nest.  I'm sorry, but it's got to go!

 

~~A light heart lives long. -William Shakespeare~~

Let your light shine.

Time

Time may pass

My memories
May fade
With years, yet

I still remember
That first day
That first moment
When I saw…him
My love.

At first
No
I didn’t know
Yet, in time
Was it minutes
Or even moments
I knew.

And I remember
Every smile
Every question
Every breath
Almost every moment
But most of all
I remember
That moment
When I knew.

On a rock
Next to a river
For him
I recited poetry
My poems
My words
Feelings I knew
For him
Years before
Our eyes
Ever met.

Time may pass
But never will
It erase
The love
The tenderness
The understanding
Our hearts shared
Our souls knew
Our love.

That day lives
In my heart
In my soul
In my mind
In the sound
Of laughter
Of music.

With every beat
Every sweep
Of the second hand
The memory
Lives on.

Holding me
Holding him
Keeping us.

Together in time.

(c) 2005 Dona L. Cox

Spring It On Me!

Spring me owes something

so far, she's pulled off a few splendid sparklers
a plump, rosy angel, who stayed for awhile
a make believe tree house
and once, a shiny gold ring

but not a real Sky-Rocket-Block-Buster Miracle
like she always promised me . .

maybe this year, unexpectedly

from The Song of the Ram
Linda Goodman's Love Poems

 

 

I've always loved Linda Goodman's writings, especially the above poem...it's a long-time favorite. This year, I got a little unexpected surprise. Yesterday morning as I left for work, I noticed I had one daffodil ready to bloom. :) For me, that's exciting. But then, while strolling through the tree farm across the street, a flash of yellow...very low to the ground, caught my eye. I moved in for a closer look, navigating my way through the evergreens.

 

"Earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

Surprise! What a find! Are they miniture daffodils? Hmmm. Don't know. But, today I took out my yard stick (I'm curious by nature, can't be helped). See for yourself.

I've never seen such tiny daffodils before! They are so cute! :)

 

 

 

Sometimes I wonder, if happy could be a color, would it be the color of daffodils?

 

 

~~Everyone has a story worth telling and a dream worth pursuing.~~

My Monday Photo Shoot

Monday Photo Shoot entry, March 7, 2005.

Lately the sunsets intensify...it seems.  Not so much with the deep reds and oranges I expect to see each evening.  No, these lack that kind of energy.  But they are no less impressive.  These possess a different quality...a quality of light.

I think I'll call this one 'Closest Thing to Heaven' 

 

~~Live in the possibility of every dream you've ever dreamed.~~

Obsession

Kari, March 1992.  Think she was just a little obsessed with her blanket?  She still has it...little bitty scraps of it, but she has it.  :)

This is one of my favorite photos of her.  The peacefulness of her face, the softness of the light on her skin, the innocence and sweetness of the moment...I'll never forget it. 

 

~Enjoy the quiet moments.~~ 

Rocky Mountain Way

AOL Music: Otis Redding: 'The Dock of the...

Here in Idaho, spring is in the air.  Each morning on my drive to work I see daffodils already in bloom, their bright happy faces a reminder of what's to come.  Friday the sun shined all day; when I left work at 4 in the afternoon, the temp was a balmy 65 degrees.  Beautiful.

Yesterday we spent some time outdoors, getting the flower beds ready for spring.  And none too soon; the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths have all awakened from their winter slumber.  The daffy's will bloom soon  :)  but the tulips and hyacinths will be a while.  I love daffy's, they are the perfect spring flower with their warm sunny colors.  But tulips are one of my favorite's, they remind me of dancers when I see them swaying in a gentle breeze.  I have one tulip that is the most beautiful I've ever seen, it's called Shirley (which I purchased in memory of my Mom's best friend).  It blooms white, with just a slight tinge of dark purple on the petals edge.  Over time, the purple slowly 'bleeds' into the petals, while the shade of purple fades just a little.  It is marvelous; a favorite of Amy, Kari, and myself.  You'll see, don't worry.  I won't keep it all to myself.  :-]

Last night was the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation benefit/auction.  We've been attending this event for about ten years.  It's one of the last winter events here in the valley, and a chance for me to catch up with friends I haven't seen for awhile.

Betty, me, Sherry, Vicki

The event is well attended each year and with all the games there are many freebies to be had. You can try your luck at the raffle tables with about 100 prizes ranging from cast iron dutch ovens to log furniture. Or, roam around the silent auction tables, again with about 100 different items for sale...art, books, hunting accessories, etc. And finally, the live auction for about 40 more items.

Me and Trish (who is responsible for my affinity for both chocolate and apple martini's).

The past few years, Sam has made several purchases during the live auction. I like the raffle because you can acquire some very cool things...for free (well, kinda free). Last year I won a beautifully framed winter elk print titled 'Leading Them Down.' It was the first time I ever won anything in a raffle. This year, we didn't buy anything, or win anything. 

Jolene must be in a kissing mood.----------->

There is a large group of us who attend this event together. I guess there are probably 30 people in our group, all of them work with Sam. It all started as something as something to do to beat the winter blahs.

 

 

 

<---Me and June, whose husband had a mild heart attack in January. He now has two stints in his artery.

I'm not into hunting, that's Sam's thing.  In the beginning of our relationship I tagged along with him a few times, especially if our friends Bill and Bona were going.  During hunting season several years ago, the four of us were standing in a huge open meadow on a ridge.  It was a beautiful sunny day, warm and calm.  I was standing on a stump, looking down into the draw and I heard something whiz by my ear.  Then I saw Sam, Bill, and Bona all running toward me.  As I wondered what had just zoomed past me, one of the guys shouted "Let's get out of here!"  Before I could open my mouth, Sam grabbed my hand and pulled me off the stump.  We all ran back to our four-wheelers parked around a corner and we high tailed it out of there back to the cabins.  The sound I heard whiz past my ear, was a bullet.  Moments earlier, I was standing in that very same spot and had just stepped up on the stump.  I never heard the report of the gun.  And we were all wearing bright hunter orange jackets and caps.  When we arrived back at thecabin, I got off the four wheeler, and told Sam if he wanted to hunt that was fine with me.  But I will stay home.  I'm just not into the dodging bullets thing, you know. 

BTW, my friend Bona is no longer in a coma, and is now home.  Doing fine.  :) 

Time Flies...

AOL Music: Wings: 'Live and Let Die' feat. Wi...  (now this video reminds me of high school...and what some people will do when bored)

I knew it was coming...it was just a matter of time. Sure enough it showed up in my mailbox last week. The high school class reunion.

Until ten years ago my thinking was simple, I'd rather have a root canal than attend my high school reunion. But then, I actually attended my twenty year reunion.

It was fun.

I missed out on the ten year reunion in 1985. Living in Sacramento at the time, people lost track of me...you know, I was one of those "Where are they now?" people. But when I attended the 20 year gathering in 1995, I heard all about what I missed.  The 10 year was held at the local country club, and by the end of the night, three privately owned golf carts were missing. Club personnel found them the next morning, in the bottom of the swimming pool. Yeah, my class always did know how to throw an outrageous party...we were the original party animals.  Needless to say we weren't invited back to the country club.

Sam and I attended different high schools. He went to Lewiston High School, and I went to Clarkston High School. And we both attended his 20 year reunion in 1993. It was quiet, calm, boring. We sat in chairs, against the wall, all night.  Just two wall flowers.  So when my 20 year rolled around two years later, he refused to go. Claimed he wouldn't know anyone and I'd leave him sitting by himself while I visited with friends. But fair is fair. I had to go to his and didn't know anyone...we were going. And we went. Long story short, guess who knew MORE people at my reunion than he knew athis own. Hmmm. Gee, he actually had fun. I practically had to drag him out to the car. :::rolling my eyes:::

So now, the question is on the table...will we go again? Don't know. We didn't make it to his 30 year (can't imagine why). Guess we'll just wait and see.

Update:  Okay, okay.  Robin, ya gotta love her, but she is such a nag!  Actually I was hoping she'd forget that she asked, but alas, no such luck.  In response to your comment, our mascot was a rooster.  Yep, we are called the Clarkston Bantams.  Strikes the deepest sense of fear into your heart, doesn't it?  Don't bother with the chicken jokes cuz I've already heard them all!  Can you guess what our school colors were?

And since I mentioned Sam's high school, they are the Lewiston Golden Bengals.  The rivalry between the two schools goes way back, and continues today.  Lewiston always beat Clarkston in football.  ALWAYS!  But I remember one year seeing a banner in the school hallway that read "The Lewiston Golden Bengals are nothing but a bunch of yellow pussies!"  Naturally, some people had issues with it, so it was removed from the school grounds, and placed on the bridge across to Lewiston. ;)

 

~~Kindness served with love, sincerity, and hope brings comfort to a broken heart.~~