Bee

White flowers so delicate and soft with a butterfly blending in;  how cool is that! 

It took awhile, but I agree.   Each year I am told not to worry it is only a number;  well, that may be true but when the numbers get up there you really want to be younger like that feeling inside that says you are and you can keep doing all the things you have always done . . . 'taint' so!   Well,  you can but at a much slower pace . . .

Pat's new picture of Emma....asleep and dreaming...wishing she had other dogs to play with in the sunshine . . . guess what she does on a rainy day....yeah,   dreams.    

Wise words.    It is like I keep saying....attitude . . . makes the difference in your day.

The last of March, a fast month in some ways and very slow in others. . . depends on the weather . . . rain slow; sunshine fast . . . we went whale watching and Pat could see some of the spray but I could not.  The eyes are not what they used to be and when the sun hits the water there is a glare that makes it hard for me to see.    It is just good to know they are heading back to Alaska with their young ones and life goes on. 

Put on your best attitude today and get busy starting your week with a good deed, a kind word, and for heaven sake, smile, it doesn't hurt a bit.    Make your seconds work for you.;    Hugs to all. 

Unusual;

A sure sign of spring, the lovely Iris,  and someone has a few of these beauties in their garden. 

Up for adoption. . . look at those eyes. . . how could you resist?    There was a delightful video on the Facebook page yesterday about cats and how they demand attention.   They just do not take no for an answer and will persist if you resist.  All of our animals need attention and the feel of your voice and hands in telling them how much you love them.

Speaking of faces, here is Joseph , friend Judy's grandson and she shares.  I get to be one of his great grandmothers.   He looks like he wants tot ell a story.   What a cutie. 

Easter will be here soon and before it gets here you might like an idea or two to make a few extra little gifts for friends and family.   This is a clever idea and looks like it might be an easy project and a fun one.  No, you do not get to eat the chocolates before or after. . . they go inside the egg.   Lent is not over until the sun shines on Easter morning. well maybe Easter Saturday when you get your windows washed inside and out.  I remember those days and the excitement of lent finally being over.

One more day to March and then we can look forward to April showers and May flowers.  We have had more than our share of showers this past week but we needed the rain and there really is no reason to complain.    There just isn't much we can do about the weather but enjoy it for what ever it brings.     I picked up a page turner at the thrift store yesterday, Dan Brown's "Deception Point", so I am hoping for another rainy day today. 

 

My neighbor Mary came over with a big hug and some time to take a look at the puzzle on the table.  She came in, looked at the puzzle and said, "Is that the same puzzle? . . . I would have tossed it by now."   But, she sat down and decided to hunt for a few pieces and was caught up in the chase.   Before she left she had found a half dozen pieces and decided the only way was to find one spot and look for that one piece to fit in, otherwise it was a lost cause.    She is a puzzle addict, like me, she'll be back.    I found two more pieces before I went to bed so I have high hopes, just don't want to die in despair.   

Enjoy your Sunday and share you with family today.    Maybe you can talk someone into helping you make some of those Easter eggs .    Enjoy some lunch together and have a snack tray.   Pat brought me over some elk sausage and it is one of the tastiest meats I have ever eaten.   I might get to like that 'wild' stuff yet.   Right now I am having some of the granola she makes.  Erin requested some and I got into the act as well.  Delicious.   Ask her for her recipe as it is fantastic.  All kinds of reasons to smile...so do it....hum a little, sing out loud if it pleases you, and don't forget hugs can make you smile.   Share some today.   Hugs to all. 

Blonde

Watch for the flower show as I got an attachment yesterday with so many beautiful flower pictures.  This is a good one to start with but I have no idea what it is called.    I think it is cactus flower.   Such beauty. 

Blondes are known to have more fun.   um . . . this one is a beauty, and doesn't look a bit shy.. It looks like a 'he' to me, do blonde men have more fun?   Doesn't really matter as brownettes, brunettes, black or blue they are all looking for a good time.

A Swedish lady, Signe Bengstsson, saw this sixteen inch, two pound rat in her kitchen. 

She said she was terrified as it clawed through cement and wood, chewed the water pipes which started a small flood, and scared the cat out of ten years growth.  She called it Ratzilla,  

 

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to vacation on this new ship.   Very colorful.  Bet the inside is something to see.   Looks like a city afloat.   Not sure it would be much fun to have that many people on board one ship.  A floating hotel.  Wonder what the ports of call are.

A rainy Saturday, nothing special planned for today.    Have a few chores to do and a good book to read so I am set for my day.    I hope you are too.     Make sure you stay warm and dry if the sun is not shining in your neighborhood.    Enjoy the weekend doing what you like to do best.    Remember the blessings you already have .  I was reminded in a wonderful attachment yesterday about a teacher asking her pupils to name seven wonders in our world and they proceeded to name the places in our world that are wonders.  One student came up with a list of seven we all need to remember and be thankful for.  You are able to see, to hear, to touch, to feel, to laugh and to love . . . the seven most important wonders of life.   Gives us food for thought.   Go, make today as special as you.   Hugs to all.

Mix and Match

Daughter Christine's dream library for her home. . . Wonder if she can take out a bearing wall or two to make this happen....think she'll try?   Nah!!  She has bookcases from wall to wall now but a much smaller window and no view.   With a book in hand who has time to look out?  I am presently reading Louis L'Amour , two down and twenty more to go.  He is one great writer of the Golden West.

Granddaughter Erin sent this picture of one of the fruits she is enjoying.   Sure looks good enough to eat.  A papaya at its best.   Sweet and delicious and good for the body. 

Erin's latest picture with her new co-workers in Guyana.    She writes that she will be teaching two 15-week courses and attending meetings and community events.   She is now getting acquainted with the schools and the community and in May will help to get a first camp ready for the deaf children.   She says cold showers help as it is very hot and humid there.   She is excited happy and ready to do a good job.    

Angie's dogs, Quiso was a little scared of the big sea lions but Mac ignored them.   Angie is enjoying her new home and job.   She got to greet a couple of the ships coming in and has already been invited to visit one. 

Pope Francis entertained President Obama for an hour;  a long visit;   wouldn't it have been nice to have been a fly on the wall . . . wonder if they came to an agreement on life and death in the future; rich giving to the poor . . . it could start with them as they have more than they could ever spend in one lifetime. Now, if they spoke as they believe, it will have an interesting outcome;  but pretense is the name of the game.  Sad but true.

Another fast month, three more day and we are looking for April showers.   We already have them, our third day of overcast, rain , and wind.    It is cold too.    Not sweater weather.     I'll be looking for some floor material this morning for my small entrance way.   When the men put the new door in they tore some of the linoleum  up, not a lot but at a spot where it cannot be repaired.   What is there has done its duty as it must have come with this manufactured house when they put it together.    Probably thirty years ago.   About time for a change I'd say.  I hope to find something a bit lighter and brighter.  I'm off to have my coffee and wake up . . you had better get a move on and get ready to make your day something to brag about.    Be adventuresome and do something you have never done before;  be a sparkle and shine.  Hugs to all.  

This and That

A knitted bird.   This has to be a very difficult project.  I have trouble getting across a row with a knit one purl one. 

I always thought Jimmy Carter got a bad rap due to an impossible situation .   Each President has to live with the role he played.    

Time will tell.....cold war again?  Nah . . . bigger and better ideas . . . but the ice cap is melting so maybe we don't have much to worry about.

It is Thursday already, another fast week going by and the weather cannot make up its mind whether to allow Spring into our lives.    The trees and flowers say yes, the low clouds and wind say no;  the indifference of spring;  isn't it something?    Pat and I had a movie day yesterday.   She has a copy of "Saving Mr. Banks" and if you have not seen it, be sure to add it to your list of 'must see' as it is wonderful and Emma Thompson should have won an Oscar for her performance.    We had a Subway veggie sandwich to enjoy as we watched and I do not understand how anyone could put mustard in a veggie sandwich.  What a way to spoil a good thing.  I ate it anyway, can't waste food and I still remember being reminded of the starving children of China, I bet that old adage has changed to the children of the world.   I made a bread pudding out of stale bread and used honey instead of sugar and it came out pretty good.  All I did was add some luscious strawberries and a bit of yogurt and had a tasty dish for my supper last night.   Try it, you may find you like it.  

For those of you who are puzzle fans, the puzzle is coming along....slowly, a piece or two in a day.   I have lots of little pieces put together in clumps and am looking for the right spot to attach them.   It is a slow process but frustrating.   Pat and Marcia come in, take one look, back away and say 'put it back in the box' and get a fun one';   they have no patience.

So develop patience as it comes in handy in keeping your mind safe and alert.   The dictionary says that patience is a capacity of endurance.    A tolerance of something or somebody over a period of time, generally without complaint though not necessarily without annoyance.  So learn the art of patience as you endure some of the trials and tribulations in life . . . even , or should I say, in the playtime of life. Now, I understand a bit more about the meaning of  the word puzzle . . . it is meant to teach you patience.  

Enjoy the day, be alert, be alive and don't forget tears brings on an ugly puss while a smile lights up your world.    So go lighten the load for those you love and throw in a hug or two.    Hugs to all. 

Smiles

This big guy is lost up in Port Orchard;  bet that little duck finds him before the day is over.  Friends...kisses....well, isn't that what friends are for?   

Remember peace signs.   Wonder what happened to that generation of wishful thinkers.    

Isn't nature wonderful?    Admit it, you had to laugh. 

Hey Judy, think of the money you could have saved if you had thought of this idea.   So precious.   Joseph would probably love snuggling with a dog rather than sleeping all alone in a big crib.   It is like buying a lot of toys when the little one finds a pot and a spoon so much more fun. 

Patricia is a happy camper as her sister Christine gifted her with a barrel top.   Clever idea for the lazy Susan and it really is a beauty.   Matches her farm table too. 

Erin and her new friend on stage in Guyana.   They are preparing a skit for today.   Erin is keeping busy and is finding the mosquitoes love her.   If you have a sure cure, let me know.   I thought vinegar might help, but am not sure.    Erin tells us she received a warm welcome, has a small apartment and a great roommate and landlady.   the climate is hot, the mosquitoes many and she is very busy catching up with all the paper work.   Today she meets some of the deaf children. 

The last week of March already and it looks like it is going out like the proverbial lion.   We had a heavy rain the night before last;  promises of more to come and it is much colder.    It is like we are heading for winter rather than celebrating the first of spring.   The flowers and trees are almost as confused as I am. I have clipping to do but the wind comes up  and then it is not fun., so I'll postpone that job until the weather makes up its mind.   Meanwhile Pat has the movie "Mr. Banks" to share today so we will ignore the weather and enjoy the movie.   A little popcorn might taste good.    So, if you are close by come and join us, if your far away, rent a movie and hunker down if your weather is cold and miserable.   Spring is always iffy so we just go with the flow and change our attitude along with it.    Do one good deed and you will smile and set your thinking cap as to what you can do to bring a little love and laughter into your world.    A hug and a smooch;  a smooch and a hug . . . go together like sunshine and laughter . . . remember practice makes perfect...practice, practice, practice.    Hugs to all.

 

ART

There is a small town in Nevada that has an old train station just like this one. 

Oregon is famous for its lighthouses.   We have one here like this.

Reminds me of our marina.

Not Emma but a lot like her only Emma is huge. 

Reminds me of a painting I did of a covered bridge. 

We see many of the big lumber trucks roll along the highway.

All of the above sketches were done by  Paul Smith, born in 1921 with severe spastic cerebral palsy.  He used a typewriter and steadied his left hand with his right hand and locked the shift key to make wonderful scenic pictures using the symbols at the top of the keys;  characters @#$%^&*( ), transforming them into beautiful pictures resembling pencil or charcoal images.    This resilient and clever man died June 25, 2009 leaving behind a treasure trove for all of us to admire and enjoy.

How wonderful for us as we see what determination and courage can do.    No matter what cross we have to bear in life, we are given the inner strength to keep us a work in progress.    We can accomplish anything we set out to do if we work in the realm of Faith, Hope and Love.   

Use your seconds wisely today and find the inner strength so you can accomplish whatever it is you set out to do.    Start with good intentions, not the ones leading to the road to hell, but with a desire to improve yourself and those who surround you.    All it takes is a tiny bit of YOU to bring a blessing, a kind word, a good deed , along with a smile and a hug.   What a day you will have . . . Go . . . make it an enjoyable day.  Hugs to all. 

Jokes

Granddaughter Erin has one of these growing in her back yard in Guyana.  It is called a Custard Apple and she is told it is very delicious.   Looks a bit like a brain . . . um . . . I could use some of that.  

Get ready to laugh....I received some jokes about getting older;  a good thing we can laugh at ourselves as it is not always funny.  There are some changes we could do without...smile. 

I am beginning to wonder how high I can count.   Ninety coming up and I don't know whether to laugh or cry . . . yeah, I can still do both. 

Another truism.   Isn't there a saying about 'the beat goes on'?

Age is like the proverbial hand writing on the wall;  it is there for all to see and lucky for us each new day gives us thousands of seconds to use or abuse.   A new week, a change in the weather, Spring is here and soon you will be thinking summer vacation time.  It is never to early to think about that and it isn't too early to make a few plans.   

A source of pride.    Wow!!!     I had no idea this even existed..  How come this wasn't given National coverage?    An accumulation of  dog tags to honor lost souls,  better late than never.   Youngsters who gave their all in the name of Freedom although we all know there was and is a lot more to that story. 

A new Monday to use up a few of your seconds, hopefully doing at least one good deed today.    Make it a special day where you shine.    Light up your world with that smile and don't just hang those hands by your side, lift them up and walk into a hug or two.    Make yourself useful.   Go to the card store today and find one to send a friend just because you can.    Start your week off with a hug and a smile, or a smile and a hug or two or three....Hugs. to all.