We were driving home the other day when I noticed these trees with the snow caps in the background.
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Look Who Came to Visit Today!
We had a beautiful day here today.
Indeed, beauty was everywhere.
Apparently, it was also a good day for visitors.
This little fellow’s two friends were too cagey, but this little one let me take a picture.
And this lovely couple have been spending more and more time at the pond.
Couple of Updates
It’s odd how events come together at times. The last few days, I’ve been spending my precious blog-posting time, working on my blogs to move away from Google products.
While transitioning, however, I’ve been a bit cut off from my virtual world, especially my blog reader. The break has been surprisingly refreshing.
At the same time, I am Catholic, and today is Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent.
I happened to read today that the Bishop of our diocese suggests that we attempt a virtual fast for this season, taking a break from our computers and tech devices to turn toward God, our friends and family. He does not suggest a ban, but moderation.
Given my earlier experience this week, I’ve decided to try the fast. I wont stop posting, but I will be attempting to spend less time on the net.
What makes this fast even more interesting to me, however, is that I discovered the Creative Every Day 2010 challenge earlier this week. I’ve decided to join the challenge.
I’m curious to see where the opportunity to turn inward and be creative will take me.
I love my neighbors!
I’ve been trying for some weeks to get a photograph of my neighbors. No, I’m not some obnoxious person who pries into others’ private affairs. Rather, this lovely doe and her twins sleep just up the hill from our patio and graze on the grass in the morning. More than once, we’ve forgotten their presence and left in a hurry at night, only to hear what sounds like a police raid.
I really do love my neighbors!
(I promise to improve my photography, but if you double click on the picture you can see all three deer.)
New Year’s Resolutions
The end of 2009 approaches rapidly, and my thoughts have turned to resolutions. Having reviewed my current circumstances, I find little in need of serious improvement. I think Dr. Oz made some good suggestions. To these, I would add the following:
(1) Eat more home cooked meals made from fresh ingredients – Let’s face it: fresh, homemade food tastes better. I might as well enjoy my food.
(2) Spend some time each day in prayer and attend weekly Mass – This isn’t some desire to be more religious in the conventional sense. I simply want to find more peace and joy in life. Taking time to be grateful is a good start.
(3) Make regular time for my creative outlets – Instead of putting my books, paints, yarn and sheet music on the shelf to gather dust, why not just use them?
Those sound reasonable. Let’s see how I do.
Vegetable Garden
Much to my dismay, my vegetable garden has become a source of
disappointment this year. I had high hopes for this year because we
leveled more space, expanded my raised beds from three to six and
doubled the height of the new beds for easier access. We also fenced
the area and put down weed block and mulch. With all of that time,
effort and money, I could not help but get my hopes up.
disappointment this year. I had high hopes for this year because we
leveled more space, expanded my raised beds from three to six and
doubled the height of the new beds for easier access. We also fenced
the area and put down weed block and mulch. With all of that time,
effort and money, I could not help but get my hopes up.
Something, however, is definitely wrong. It may be that we had a very
cool summer in June. Or, the dirt in the new beds may not be what I
wanted. (I thought I ordered one thing and got another.) Inadequate or
inconsistent water may have played a part. Any one of these could have
weakened the plants to permit a virus to attack.
Whatever the cause, the plants are producing, but not thriving. And for
the better part of the summer, it’s bothered me. Last night, however, I
decided to focus on the positive. Here are the results of my change of
heart.
I
have never had luck growing beans in my garden. Actually, these are
from a second planting, after something came in and nipped my earlier
plants off at the base. I have no idea if I will get any beans, but I
just love the way their delicate tendrils gracefully entwine the
netting. And they appear to be growing by leaps and bounds as those
were not there a week or so ago. You just have to love a plant that
thrives!
Okay,
I realize that this isn’t miraculous, but that looks to me to be a
perfect eggplant! Note the unblemished color and perfect shape. This
one has Szechuan Eggplant in its future!
Finally, how can anyone feel disappointed in a garden that produced this sunny, happy creature?
Homemade Lemonade
Okay, I’ll admit as an opening post, it lacks pizazz. Still, it was a
moment to remember. I made homemade lemonade today. My two oldest boys,
who are 6 and 8, juiced the lemons by hand. One cup of lemon juice, one
quart of water and a half cup of sugar later, we had lemonade and a
some big smiles.
moment to remember. I made homemade lemonade today. My two oldest boys,
who are 6 and 8, juiced the lemons by hand. One cup of lemon juice, one
quart of water and a half cup of sugar later, we had lemonade and a
some big smiles.
Now that the boys are in bed, I’m settling down to knit, knowing that we created a good memory today.
New Arrivals
Over the six years we have lived on our property, we have gotten to
know the local fauna. We have wild turkeys in the area that trek
through our property once a day as part of their feeding circuit.
However, I have seen them for a few weeks.
know the local fauna. We have wild turkeys in the area that trek
through our property once a day as part of their feeding circuit.
However, I have seen them for a few weeks.
Today, the reason became apparent. This is a hen and her new babies.
In
the coming weeks, I hope to get an accurate headcount of all the chicks
and get to know this little family better. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Moxie
Today, we added a new family member. He is one and a three-quarters
pounds and nine weeks old. His name is Moxie. You can ask the vet techs
who drew his blood this morning if it’s appropriate.
pounds and nine weeks old. His name is Moxie. You can ask the vet techs
who drew his blood this morning if it’s appropriate.
Welcome, Moxie! We wish you a long and happy life!
