A FEW RAMBLES, A FEW PHOTOGRAPHS, IN ORDER AS THINGS HAPPEN

I had fun putting this together using a brick wall template in one of my iPad apps, "Pip", in a collage collection, finishing off in Paint Shop Pro which is on my laptop.  I used some of my favorite photos taken from various get togethers with son and daughter-in-law this year so far.

My laptop seems to be working okay now.  Still scratching my head on that one.  For a while there I thought I would have to be getting rid of it.  The shaking that I got on the screen has mysteriously gone away.  Am I being lulled into a false sense of security?  Maybe but I'll take it.  Still backing up everything regularly and wondering how long this will last.  

We took a friend to the airport last Tuesday.  She is spending time with family.  We had a couple of hours to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat at home, then we headed out to the airport.  We were there in the afternoon where normally the place would be hopping, but it was relatively quiet.  A good day to travel apparently.  After we saw her through the security gate we made our way home, stopping for lunch at our favorite noodle shop.  That was our main meal for the day and there was no cooking dinner that night.  Yes I take pictures of fire hydrants!

We will be getting back into the garage to do more throwing out and more tidying up, and more finding of family treasures no doubt.  The exciting part of one day, and yes I jest and yet we still enjoyed the experience, was a trip to the local refuse collection center.  We filled up the boot of the car with no longer useable items.  First you have to stop off at the kiosk at the entrance, and asked the friendly lady where we should deposit each item we had.  

We had cleaned out a box where a few cans of old paint had been held, and we wanted to dispose of them responsibly. Directed to a special area, the young man who helped Gregg told him when asked, what happened to the paint.  The young man said that if the leftover paint was less than ten years old, they gave it to Habitat for Humanity, but that our cans dated back to 2004 so that wouldn't happen.  At Gregg's surprised expression he immediately laughed, and he realized he was joking. We were happy to hear that our old left-over paint would be going to a good cause.  We also drop things off at Goodwill if what we have is in decent shape, but if they don't want it, off to the dump we go.

We also dropped things off at the recycling area, and are attempting to do our small part of keeping as much plastic out of our daily life as possible, even when it comes to going to the grocery store.  We won't use the supermarket's plastic bags for produce any more, and have bought something like these reusable produce bags.  We are slowly seeing places banning plastic bags but at Trader Joes recently, we were told that theirs are made of a biodegradable material.  Thought that was very interesting.  We still, however, will keep using our reusable produce bags, if nothing else than to keep our own trash down as much as we can.  

The refuse center is impressively organized, and that was our exciting excursion for that day, and yes I take photos of everything! (We do get trash pick up at home by the way, four pick-ups a week on various days, two for trash, one for recycling and one for yard waste; grass cuttings, trimming of branches, etc.  We can also make a phone call if we have anything larger to get rid of, but anything that we can fit into the boot of the car that won't mess the car up, we actually take it to the dump.  As I said, exciting, or as our son sometimes like to tease us and says with a chuckle, retired folks!) 

We had a Facetime chat today with our niece and nephew over the pond.  Always love seeing their smiling faces and it was good to catch up.  I told my niece as I was talking I noticed a chipmunk on the deck.  She asked me to send photos which I had taken before our call, so these were the ones I sent to her.  Two are a bit blurry because I took them through the screen on the back door, one was taken through the glass.  In one photo he is drinking out of the water bowl, but can you see how that little greedy-guts is gobbling up the seed and stuffing his cheeks?  Storing it all up for next winter no doubt!

Gregg spent a few hours with our son later.  I would have gone but felt a bit grotty, so did not want to put a damper on things.  I enjoyed hearing all about it when Gregg and I had a chat afterwards.

After a couple of heavy rain-filled, chilly days (and back to sweaters and coats), the sun is out and we will be experiencing comfortable temperatures again.  Maybe we will get out for a ride in the countryside.

Whatever you are doing enjoy, and thanks for reading this rather long ramble.

ANOTHER OLD POSTCARD

We have been doing some spring cleaning in the garage, and I came across another box with old photos, postcards and letters from my parents.  We slowed down some after that, and started reading and looking at old photos.  And so it goes.

I am sharing this one today.  It was written on the 19th of October, 1989 and its description reads, "Bridgenorth Low Town from the bank of the River  Severn in 1985."  The artist's name is Davron.

It was in my Dad's handwriting, which was a nice surprise as Mum did almost all of the letters and postcards.  She loved to write both and we wrote to each other at least once a week for many years in between phone calls.  I had been married almost 14 years, and living in the States for as long. The address showed that we were in San Diego, California.

They purchased a permanently fixed caravan on a site not too far away from the town.  They lived in South Devon and would drive up staying in the caravan sometimes for a weekend, sometimes longer.  They had family and friends who lived nearby and used to enjoy a busy social life.  

Dad wrote that they had arrived the day before, and that the weather was good, and at 10.30 a.m. the sun was shining.  He also mentioned the earthquake they saw on the news in San Francisco, and hoped that everyone was okay.

An aunt and uncle were going to be visiting them for the weekend. This would be one of my Mum's brothers.  They had also visited us here in the States with Mum and Dad, and we have some wonderful memories of those times.  

Dad ended the postcard by saying they often enjoyed stopping for a cup of tea just to the right of the picture.  Mum and Dad loved their cuppa's.  

A nice little blast from the past.  There are loads of letters I have to reread, and will enjoy doing that with my own cup of tea this week.  I will do my best to continue spring cleaning also, but those letters are calling to me now, and so it goes.

SPANISH LAVENDER

I have been wanting lavender in our garden for a long time.  When I saw pots of Spanish Lavender outside our grocery store, one was in the basket and on our way home.  It will be planted in the next day or so, and at the same time I will do a whole lot of weeding.  We have had a deluge of rain and those weeds love it don't they?  

Wanting to find out more about the correct way to plant, I found a YouTube video here.

Lately I have enjoyed both family and friends.  Get-togethers for some are all too infrequent and so when we do get together it is extra special.

Our son lives only a short distance away, and we enjoyed his company again.  The last time we got together was last week, and we also enjoyed seeing our daughter-in-law the time before that.  We all went out for dinner at what has become our favorite hang-out place.  More of that sometime down the road.

My laptop is still acting strange and I am backing up everything!   It will go well for a while and then I get that shaking screen.  When I shut everything off and go back to it later it seems okay, but then comes back again.  We were told of an expert who specializes in my make of laptop, so it will be dropped off to see if they can find out what the problem is and fix it.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.

We went for another walk around Huntley Meadows, and I will be sharing photos in an upcoming post.  We saw a lot of birds and other wildlife.  I am busy in the middle of putting a post together.

Now to get to get back to this pretty Spanish Lavender.  I found information on Wikipedia, link at the end of my post.

"Its scientific name is Lavandula stoechas, a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae.  You will see it growing naturally in several Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece."  

"It is used commercially in air fresheners and insecticides.  Flower spikes have been used internally for headaches, irritability, feverish colds and nausea, and externally for wounds, rheumatic pain and as an insect repellent.  The lavender also produces essential oils, which are not used economically.  The infusion of its dry inflorescences are febrifuge and fight the affections of the chest and bronchi.  It is used as antiseptic, digestive, antispasmodic, healing and antibacterial.  The flowers are used in aromatherapy, to prepare infusions and essential oils that contain ketones (d-camphor and d-fenchone and alcohols (borneol and terpineol)."

Thank you Wikipedia for the interesting information.  You can learn more at this link.

HOPEFUL!

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

~Helen Keller~  

There are a lot of people in life who have inspired me and given hope when needed.  When I checked my deck cam photos and saw this little one, looking up so longingly at the bird feeder (I cropped the photo), at first it made me chuckle and then, as photos often do, thoughts rippled out as I later looked at yet more old family photos.  They brought memories of people I have known, and who have helped me when most needed, for advice, for support, and for confidence when I was young and didn't have a lot.  

These would be my parents first of all, my sister, and later when my husband came along, he was my rock.  There is my son who makes me proud each and every day and his sweet wife.  Between the two of them they have always been an inspiration.  Then there are family members, aunts, uncles, and children whom I have seen grow up in front of my eyes.  The friends I have made throughout my life and even those I have momentarily bumped into.  All have been a stepping stone, or you could say a ripple in life's highway, all the forks in the road I have taken (but rarely regretted), to borrow a thoughtful line from a favorite poem, all those roads have led us here.

I am not even sure if I am making any sense, as I am rambling and my thoughts have taken me all over the place this morning.  I will do you all a favor and stop those thoughts as I watch yet another squirrel make his way up to that bird feeder.  Those little rascals never ever give up.

 We had a great time this past weekend when friends stayed over.  We have more company coming this weekend.  I may be a little slow catching up with you, but I will get there eventually.  

Have a great day everyone and thank you for stopping by.

A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE AT A BIRDFEEDER IN WYOMING

My theme this week seems to be of birds.  This one is from my archives.  I like to re-share my favorites occasionally.  We were in Cody, Wyoming.  I was sitting in a garden and watched the birds as they came to the feeder.  The feeder alone was worthy of a shot.

It snowed most of the day yesterday, a more wet, heavy snow according to Gregg as he shoveled the driveway.  Our neighbor across the street has one of those powered snow removers, but said it was too much of a wet snow and it wouldn't work properly.  Never having had one I wouldn't know.   This latest snowfall left three or four inches on the ground, so not so bad compared to other areas.  The good news is that it is going to get up to 50 degrees F. today.  That should get rid of quite a lot.

We will be seeing our son tonight.  He has been out of town on business for a couple of days and we are picking him up at the airport.  Our sweet daughter-in-law dropped him off.  We volunteered to pick him up as she will be working, and we never miss a chance to enjoy his company.  

I am heading to the coffee pot for my first cup of the day.  I wish you all a good one, and thanks so much for stopping by.

MEMORIES OF SPRING FLOWERS

"I must have flowers always and always."

~Monet~

"The promise of Spring's arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter."

~Jen Selinksy~

"Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm."

~John Muir~

"If we had no winter, the Spring would not be so pleasant."

~Anne Bradstreet~

"No winter lasts forever, no Spring skips its turn."

~Hal Borland~

"No matter what the forecast, live life like it's Spring."

~Lily Pulitzer~

For those of us in colder climes, I hope you have enjoyed this 'harbinger of spring' post.  I took all my photos during several spring-times.  You can see daffodils, Dutchman's Breeches (the ones that look like upside-down pantaloons), snowdrops and daffodils.

I enjoy all four seasons where we live.  I may whinge a bit during the height of summer, when my face turns all shade of pinks and blotchy purples during the most humid weather.  This has not changed in the 43 years I have experienced summers in the States, but generally I love all aspects of each season.  

I especially love to see the flowers during the warmer months, and Spring is always a favorite as we see the first sight of them after the winter, and the butterflies they bring, and the bees.  I shall be ecstatic to see the first flowers bloom, the first butterfly, the first bee, and I will be ready with my camera.

I thought I would leave you with this clever little word art.  I found it online but it did not have the name of the person who created it unfortunately.

Enjoy your day everyone, and thanks for stopping by.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

I enjoyed taking photos of this little visitor the other day.  These are from my regular camera, not the deck cam.  I don't remember seeing a White-throated Sparrow in our garden before.  They have generally been the House Sparrow or Song Sparrow.

This link will take you to the Audubon website.  You can scroll down to see other information.

A very enjoyable little visitor to be sure.

Yesterday we woke up to a dusting of snow, which turned to sleet, and the snow disappeared quickly.  Now we have icy rain for the next couple of days or so.  As I am getting this post ready (February 12th, 2019 at 5.50 p.m.) it is 33 degrees F.  Tomorrow it will be dry but windy.  

I am paying more attention to the weather - is that an age thing?  On these inclement days I turn into a bit of a hermit.  

Our weather is not as bad as what many of you have to deal with, so I wish you all safe travels, with hot chocolate and a warm fire to sit by when you get home.

"Weather Forecast for tonight?  Dark!"

~George Carlin~

THE DANCING LAMP

When we had company staying with us recently, we went to one of the local restaurants, and our son joined us.  Not one of us thought to take photos.  Ah well!  We had a lovely meal and a fun couple of hours.  It was one of those days when we were all bundled up for the bitter cold, and glad to get inside.  

As we got ready to leave the restaurant, in the foyer I saw movement on a shelf behind where the staff greet their customers.  I had to look twice and on a ledge I saw a touch of the Islands.  It was a lamp with a dancing hula girl, a bit of kitsch and a little out of place for the theme of this restaurant but I don't know, somehow she seemed to belong there.  The electric motor inside really made that girl shake her hips.  I loved it and as I was studying and chuckling and smiling at it with great interest, one of the young ladies said she had a postcard showing where I could buy the lamp if I would like one.  I wasn't sure whether I would be, but you just never know and I accepted the postcard gratefully.  There is a room upstairs I will be redecorating this spring.  Yes I know, in my dreams!

I was already picturing in my mind the perfect spot where she would light up a dark corner of a room, and amuse anyone who sat down beside her. And then I went on line and saw the price, oh boy.  Too much for me sad to say.  Maybe if I was a good girl you think Santa would pop it in his sack for me for next Christmas?  Yes, I am smiling again because I can hear him say ho, ho, ho, no, no, no, ho, ho, all the way from the North Pole.  Here is the website if you want to take a look.

Happy Weekend to you all, and thanks for stopping by.

BIRDS IN THE BACKYARD

A female House Finch

Dark-eyed Junco

Red-bellied Woodpecker

I enjoyed taking photos of our backyard birds last week.  They are always enjoyable to watch.  These were taken before the snow came.  I have others I will share next time.

Gregg is out right now.   I am having a quiet moment, and have a cup of tea in hand while watching an episode of The Durrells in Corfu.  It's about an English family in the 1930s, whose widowed mother takes her children off to the Greek Island.  It can be quirky, poignant and quite funny at times.  I started watching it last year, and am through the first season and now into the second.

We have company coming tomorrow for a few days.  Time to drag myself away from this wonderful show and tidy up, but let's have one more cup of tea, one more episode and then off I go!

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

FLOWERS IN AN OLD VASE AND MEMORIES OF NANNY

I wasn't sure what I would blog about today.  Things have been quiet since our Christmas celebrations, and I haven't felt like going anywhere to take photos.  Going through some old ones I saw these pretty flowers.  I have an old dish that belonged to my paternal grandmother.  It has a chip in one end but it is my treasure.  It also brought back memories of a very dear, sweet lady who passed away when I was around ten years old. 

Before that time I remember visits to my grandparents' home, an old row house in the Midlands (UK), and many stories of nanny that my mother told me years after she had gone. As you stepped inside their house, it had a small space where you had to push aside an old heavy velvet curtain, which was used as a barrier to keep the cold out in the wintertime.  I remember old photos on the wall, one of my great-grandfather, her father, Nandad Jones, wearing heavy looking chains around his neck.

There was an old wall clock in the back room that chimed regularly.  It had two rearing horses on each side, carved in wood. She also had a pedal operated Singer sewing machine.   I remember the pantry with steps that went down into a deep dark hole, a bit of a scary place as I thought back then. I remember the old tin buckets of mussels filled with water to the tippy-top, and her pouring oats into the water to feed them. The next door neighbor had an aviary with small birds and I loved listening to them chirping.  My grandfather had a shed at the bottom of the garden, where I used to watch him making or mending things.  

I always enjoyed my visits to my grandparents.  Grandfather seemed a bit stern (I've said many times I wish I had known him as an adult), but my grandmother was a soft spoken lady, with nothing but kind words and tone to her grandchildren, and an occasional protector if I did something my grandfather disapproved of. I was a very active and curious child my mother told me.  Nanny also passed on her love of animals, to my father first and then to me.   This is Nanny taken in 1947.

I have many more memories but for now I will share the rest of the flowers I arranged in nanny's old dish.

I had a dental appointment this morning and I woke up anxious, not sure why as the staff are always lovely, very calming.  I enjoyed talking to the two dental hygienists who took care of me, and the young lady in the reception area was a dear too.  I'm sure they are used to nervous nelly's like me.  

Gregg and I had lunch out afterwards, and I probably didn't need any extra caffeine but we stopped at the coffee shop on the way home.  I stayed there the rest of the day.  By this time it was late afternoon.  I finished putting the last of the decorations away. I have been doing this in bits and dabs the last few days.  Back in their boxes and fitted into closets like a jigsaw puzzle.

It is supposed to snow Saturday and Sunday.  I can believe it as it was so cold outside, and Gregg said he saw a few flurries this morning.

No more news so I will stop my rambling.  

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your week.

A WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS

I have told variations of this story in other posts, but for several years now I have been going to the opera with a group of friends.  We met at a British shop I found myself working at, where I went for lunch one day and was offered a job.  I had the right accent I suppose. As most often happens when I get out of my comfort zone, I had to be talked into it. My sister was visiting at the time and I had taken her to lunch.  She told me I would be mad to say no, that if she could she would take the job.  So after listening to her off and on for a week, we went back for another lunch and when asked again, this time I said yes. I talked with the owner for twenty minutes or so, and by the end of it I agreed to start in a few days after my sister had gone home, with the proviso that this would be a trial run.  I ended up staying for several years and I met these ladies.  The shop eventually closed but our friendship has remained, and we all have a love for opera.  

We saw La Traviata last Saturday. We go to our local theater and watch a live televised performance from the New York Metropolitan Opera House.  Beautiful!  However, I fell asleep during the first act. The chairs are like a lazy-boy, where the head rest goes down and the foot rest comes up.  Listening to the music and in the darkened theater, already feeling very sleepy from the night before, I have occasionally been lulled into a comfortable snooze.  I am not alone as at one time or another we occasionally hear a few snores from our fellow opera lovers out in the darkness.  Those lazy-boys you know?

We came back home and my friends stayed the night.  We have dinner, a couple of glasses of wine, and chat until one to two o'clock in the morning, always looking at the clock in surprise and invariably saying where did the time go?  (Gregg leaves us hours earlier to go watch a game upstairs).  This has been a pattern for a whole lot of years, once a month during opera season, sometimes twice, and in the summer months we go do other things.

As it isn't long before the holidays, one of my friends, the lady in the red sweater brought a Christmas Pudding and set it alight.  It was a fine ending to a very nice meal (the main course being cooked by Gregg after we got home from the opera).

Our friend was told by her culinary friend to use Vodka to set the pudding alight, because it gives a more vibrant flame.  Holly leaves and berries from her garden to go on top, and a delicious rum butter to serve with it.  It was all delicious and a very pretty show.

So, there you go, that was our weekend.  A good time with friends is always a gift isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by.