miscellaneous

there's just nothing quite like how wonderful it feels when summer heat and humidity breaks.  the cooler temperature and lower humidity that follows is a welcome relief.  one can almost feel the earth sigh in relief as well.  for me, the best part of cooler is open windows!  the breeze that fills the house, on which the songs and chatter of birds is carried, allows me to enjoy nature's music.

old television programs are time capsules.  my particular time capsule of enjoyment is perry mason.  to my delight, it is currently airing after a long absence on any of the hundrends of channels the satellite delivers for my viewing pleasure!

the wee kittens are growing.  they have become more adventuresome.  it's delightful to watch them out the windows, unobserved.  and the crows.  these goofy birds are fun to watch as well.  they have taken to sitting on the railing of the dock, overlooking the lake.  the lone hen turkey is still coming to the house to eat the ducks' corn.  why she is still alone is beyond me as i have not seen any chicks with her.

the meadow has grown so lovely; full of beautiful wildflowers.  as hard as it is for me to have it cut short in early spring, the benefits of doing so sure makes it worth the angst!

get ready.....

duct tape!  whimsical wednesday will find us participating in craftin with suz's duct tape challenge.  think of something neat to make with duct tape, submit your idea (and/or photo) to her blog and be eligible to win a tote bag!  link:  http://www.craftinwithsuz.com/2012/06/monday-make-itz-and-give-way.html

photo friday

cakes for special occasions add a touch of whimsey to the celebration!

thoughtful thursday

max ehrmann wrote the DESIDERATA.  his words are profound.  the next few thoughtful thursdays will feature his piece in segments so that we might have the opportunity to carefully consider all he offered.


DESIDERATA, part I

go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.  as far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

speak your truth quietly and clearly:  and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

whimsical wednesday

it's the first day of summer, the longest day of the year and, thus far, the hottest day of the year!  for whimsical wednesday we celebrated the arrival of summer.  for my celebration, i made homemade vanilla ice cream in my new, use inside ice cream maker!  oh, was it good.  chocolate and almonds topped the freshly whipped cream. my neighbors enjoyed it with me for an impromptu ice cream social. how did you celebrate the first day of summer?

miscellaneous

the last few tuesdays were very busy.  in fact my time away for almost two weeks was so busy it was difficult to squeeze in posting on the blog at all.

travel yielded two more state license plates:  rhode island and utah.  it was so amazing to see these plates on the interstate i almost didn't believe what i was seeing!  also a plate from puerto rico was spied.  wow!  very productive journey. only three states remain:  hawaii, vermont and south dakota.  i thought i had seen a plate from vermont, however, it's not dated on the list so i'll just keep looking for it.

mom and dad celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on june 5th.  that was the main reason for travel.  they had a lovely day and it was grand to be able to spend it with them.

friends and i are learning art journaling.  classes are once a month.  we attended our second class yesterday. it brings satisfaction and enjoyment to delve into a new art form and to learn so many different ways to be creative.

tomorrow we will be celebrating the first day of summer.  if you have a sonic drive-in restaurant in your area, milkshakes are half price all day long to herald the first day of summer.  that would make a fun whimsical wednesday activity;  pull into a retro restaurant, order milkshakes over the speaker and the server (some on roller skates) bring the treats to you.  take a carload between the hours of 2 and 4pm to take advantage of half price drinks.  some will enjoy the milkshakes and others cherry limeades (my favorite)!

get ready.....

whimsical wednesday is the first day of summer!  celebrate!  have a picnic, play outdoor games, sit on the porch listening to the ballgame on the radio, make homemade ice cream, eat a snow cone, look at the stars, go swimming.  make the first day of summer a wonderfully whimsical day any way you wish!

photo friday

friends:  city meets country!

thoughtful thursday

sayings, quotes, common wisdom are often considered trite and banal due of overuse.  however, how carefully are these considered?  because every journey (literally and figuratively) does begin with a single step!

whimsical wednesday

today was worldwide knit in public day.  for whimsical wednesday we knitted (or did any other creative activity) in public.  my knitting in public was done at the veterans of foreign wars post.  it was free supper night; an evening mom and dad enjoy very much!  no one asked me about my knitting, however, there were a few who gazed intendly at the process.  the scarf i was knitted was finished while we were there so i took my whimsical wednesday activity one step further.  the scarf was presented as a gift to our server.  she was surprised and thrilled.  my whimsical wednesday observed a worldwide event AND made someone happy! 

get ready

for whimsical wednesday we shall participate in national knit in public day.  no worries if you do not knit.  create in any art form you enjoy, even if that just consists of drawing doodles! 

photo friday

thoughtful thursday

there was an armentarium available to employ for the celebration of mom and dad's 64th wedding anniversary june fifth (a celebration that continues all this week). amid it all, love is the most important element.  love motivates all the effort toward those being honored to make the event as wonderful as possible.  and that is the greatest gift to anyone; bringing to them joy, happiness and the sense of knowing they are cared for so very much.  although the focus of celebration this week has been for one of life's greater milestones; that of marking commitment and love between two persons across the decades, everyday we can find something, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant  to celebrate.  celebrate daily.  it nourishes the spirit and brings with it that on-going touch of whimsey...  an ingredient so necessary to living a contended life. 

whimsical wednesday

we celebrated this whimsical wednesday.  everyone, everywhere celebrated something of their choosing.  along with parents and sister, my celebration was honoring mom and dad for their 64th wedding anniversary, which was yesterday, and the second day of enjoying their anniversary. the setting was the local veterans of foreign wars post, of which dad is a life time member being a world war two veteran.  along with the weekly free supper served on wednesdays, my sister and i had a cake to share with everyone present.  and a balloon!  everyone shared in mom and dad's happiness, wishing them well with many congratulations and gobbling three fourths of the huge cake.  it was a grand celebration. 

get ready.....

we're having a celebration for whimsical wednesday!  what celebration?  any you wish to enjoy!

photo friday

a pet store was the setting for this photo.  look closely.  see where wee mouse decided to take a siesta?

thoughtful thursday

there are few items in the world that can make a person smile the way the art created by young children does. the art of children is free, open, exuberant! it enhances the world.  there are still some of the pieces my children created so many years ago hanging about the house.  besides the special place in the house for grandchildren art, my bedroom closet's walls are covered with their paintings and drawings. when i step into the closet and see their art, i can't help but feel wonderful.

whimsical wednesday

wishing upon a star for whimsical wednesday was a brief endeavor; although it took all day until it could occur!  with the days longer, the first star of the night was not seen until almost nine pm.  my wish was made.  was yours?

miscellaneous

the days are getting longer;  soon it will be the longest day of the year.

waif, the dog, chewed the avocado sprout.  my first successful sprouting of an avocado pit is gone.  i'll try again.

daisies and hollyhocks bloom.

a downy woodpecker has managed to figure out how to hang on the hummingbird feeders and sip nectar with it's narrow beak.

the happy flyers have been finding themselves all over the place.  it makes me happy to share them.

get ready.....

let's wish upon a star this whimsical wednesday.

photo friday

on a recent visit to new york city, my traveling companion and i encountered abe lincoln standing on the steps of the new york historical museum. 

                                             

thoughtful thursday

share.  freely, willingly, lovingly.

whimsical wednesday

it's lucky penny day for whimsical wednesday!  my lucky penny times three appeared early this morning!  while putting away items from yesterday's outing, i found a stray penny in a jacket pocket, one in a shopping bag and one on the floor by the washing machine!  does that mean i'll have three times the luck today?  how about you? did you find a lucky penny this whimsical wednesday?

miscellaneous

there's a critter (or critters) that come looking for food just after dark.  to keep them out of the bird feeders, i put out extra corn.  the greedy ingrates were not very polite. not only did they eat all the corn, they dislodged all but one of the hummingbird feeders to drink the nectar!  the hummingbird feeder left undisturbed was close to the house.  instead of rehanging the feeders in various locations, they were placed close to the house as well.  there are benefits to this new arrangement. the feeders are spared and the birds are in close proximity.  it's a joy to watch the birds just inches from the windows.

a surprise greeted me on the screened porch late last week.  a wee kitten, black and white, all alone.  there was no evidence of any other kittens or a mama.  one of the outside kitties had a litter of two recently.  the black and white kitten was introduced to the litter of two in the hopes that the mama would adopt it.  the test of acceptance would be if the black and white kitten would be able to nurse along with the mama's kittens.  to my relief, the all alone kitten has been accepted!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday just happens to be lucky penny day!  we shall look for that stray penny (anywhere that might be) for our whimsical wednesday activity! happy hunting!

photo friday

                                                                                   
                                           my first successfully sprouted avocado pit!

thoughtful thursday

always say please and thank you.  and, for gifts received and special occasions, write thank you notes.

whimsical wednesday

                                                                    what do you see?

miscellaneous

recent travels took me to chicago and new york city. it was a trip filled with family, friends, art. it was also filled with whimsey! the happy flyers i created for a recent whimsical wednesday activity were passed out in the big cities. putting the flyers on vehicle windshields and tucking them under doorknobs was such fun. and last week's whimsical wednesday activity of exploration was the perfect activity for the big apple. while in new york city, i saw a license plate from delaware!! finally!

get ready.....

get out your camera this whimsical wednesday! take photographs of items in such a way as to make it difficult to tell at first glance what the item is. show it to others and ask them what they are looking at!

photo friday

tea shark

exploration

exploration. yesterday's whimsical wednesday activity. a process, it occurred to me, that we should be open to on a daily basis. even if just for a few minutes a day we take the time to discover something about the world around us, we will have given ourselves the gift of life itself. exploration is born of curiosity. curiousity enriches, fulfills, engages and offers so many wonderful surprises along the way. explore and explore freely!

whimsical wednesday

RED TAILS IN LOVE. that is the name of the book i read last year that sparked my exploration activity for this whimsical wednesday. the book is set in central park, new york city, and featured a red tailed hawk pair who decided to build their nest in the top floor facade of a building on fifth avenue that faced central park. the book discussed the bird log, kept by avid birders who flock (no pun intended) to central park to sight and record the many birds that find themselves in central park; either as residents or just passing through. since reading the book i have wanted to visit the boat house and read the bird log for myself. i did so today. after a pleasant walk through the park to the boat house, i settled in with the bird log and read every word. a mild disappointment was that the log only contained entries and information for the year 2012. (the log is a simple binder filled with notebook paper children use for school. no doubt moved to a more permanent binder as it isn't imaginable that the history contained in the bird log would be discarded.) only finding this year in the bird log provoked a brief let-down because i had hoped to read entries discussed in the book. however, i was thrilled to be actually holding the bird log and reading the very fully detailed entries for myself. after i finished reading the bird log, i decided to continue through the park, making my way to the metropolitan museum of art (the met) so that i might explore galleries yet experienced. as i walked passed the model boat pond, i looked up at the now looming buildings on fifth avenue. with a start i realized i was looking at the building where the pair of red tailed hawks had decided to build their nest! i knew from the pictures and description in the book. and i knew it was the building because there, as in previous years, was the red tailed hawks' nest!

get ready...

this whimsical wednesday is about exploration, to break new ground! visit somewhere you've wanted to go but just haven't gone yet; read about something online you're interested in but haven't taken the time to look at; dabble in that new craft you want to learn. whatever it is, cut a swath of exploration towards it, then dive in and enjoy!

Photo Friday!

thoughtful thursday

tuesday was may first, may day.  may day brings a long held tradition of putting flowers in a container, leaving them at the door of someone, knocking (ringing), then fleeing before the door is opened.  flowers are always a good idea and so are surprises.  i participated in may day this year by offering my version of the tradition to several wonderful people throughout the day.  everyone who received a may day basket was very surprised and very pleased to be remembered.  "i haven't gotten a may day basket in years!" was exclaimed many times over.  so small an effort to make others happy.  we can all make small efforts each day to make the world a happier place to be.

whimsical wednesday!

our activity for this whimsical wednesday was to create a happy flyer.  the day passed with the happy flyer in mind, however, chores kept me from creating until the evening.  i created a simple happy flyer.  a standard sheet of printer paper was folded into quarters.  in each quarter a message was hand printed:  
SMILES AND HUGS FOR A HAPPY DAY!

this single sheet of paper was photocopied to yield fifty separate, small flyers when cut apart.  each happy flyer was finished with a smiley sticker.  i looked at the stack of goofy but heartfelt happy flyers and a smile was provoked.  exactly the reaction i hope flyer recipients will have.  i am looking forward to distributing my happy flyer creation.....

more spring

many seasonal firsts in the last week:

*turtle rescue (from the road).

*hummingbird at a feeder.

*bluebird in the bluebird house.

*honeysuckle blooming.

*first strawberry picked and enjoyed fresh from the vine....yum!

get ready.....

we are creating a happy flyer this whimsical wednesday.  the happy flyer can be whatever you want it to be in whatever form you wish.  make several copies and distribute them throughout the next several days; putting them on car windshields, on desks at the office or school, in grocery store carts.  be stealth so those who find your happy flyer will receive a surprise.

after several years of attempts to grow an avocado plant from a pit, success!

when life becomes filled with hectic distractions and hardship, the way is eased by caring people who come to the rescue.  my life is filled with many angels!  i am grateful.

it's plant something day for whimsical wednesday!  for me, there were two plantings; one indoors and one outdoors. inside:  the wee avocado pit, now with both root and sprout, was transplanted from the rooting medium to soil in a lovely flowerpot.  (if it continues to flourish, it will need to be replanted into a much larger pot!)  outside:  shasta daisy seeds were scattered in one of the smaller sections of the house foundation garden. daisies are one of my favorite flowers.  i am looking forward to watching them grow!  what did you plant this whimsical wednesday?

the baltimore oriole feeders are hanging in three separate trees around the house.
the strawberries are ripening.
the avocado pit not only produced roots but there's a wee sprout of a plant!
the flower beds are getting a thorough spring cleaning.  
the nesting wild turkey hen near the house has waif doggie barking nonstop!
the wee flowers' aroma on the bittersweet vines is lovely.
spring!

get ready.....

plant something green this whimsical wednesday!  be it a transplant, indoors or out, seeds, plant starts.  enjoy!

photo friday

the surprise of a spider web in the early morning grass!

thoughtful thursday

encounters along the way with others (or places/things) often reveal themselves to be unexpected and wonderful surprises; like the interior of the very plain, nondescript geode!  

whimsical wednesday!

happy national pet owner's day!  this whimsical wednesday's activity was all about pets and their owners.  here on the farm all the kitties got a special treat:  a dollop of whipped cream!  the doggie got a special treat:  a new chew toy!  and the new feeder for baltimore orioles was hung outside.  currently there are no baltimore orioles visiting, however, it is hoped that offering food will lure them.  (according to birding sources, baltimore orioles are due may first.  in order to attract them, a feeder filled with nectar should be in place at least a week prior.  i'm ready!).  did you do something special for national pet owner's day?

miscellaneous

the "gold" has returned to the gold finches.  they are so pretty.  several have been visiting the two finch feeders; counted eight (there are 12 feeding perches) at one feeding session.

the strawberry patch has received it's spring cleaning.  berries are ripening!  soon there will be berry munching!

the meadow has been shorn (it needs to be cut at least every other year to keep it healthy and the natural foliage fresh).  the bunnies and nesting hen turkey aren't very happy but the vegetation will return.  it disconcerts me as well since full, lush tall grasses and wildflowers are preferred to crew cut green.

before the meadow was cut, the dogs and i took a stroll.  for me the mission was to pick wildflowers.  for the dogs it was playtime.  the sweetest looking butterflies were spied resting on the yellow blossoms i was picking.  the butterflies were small and shaded with a subtle lavender gray color.  they reminded me of a seashell i once encountered.  

get ready.....

for whimsical wednesday we will participate in national pet owner's day!  have lots of fun with (and for) your pet.  if you don't have a pet, do something for homeless pets or make a "pet" of wildlife (birds?) by providing food!

photo friday

finished! 

thoughtful thursday

dad has the remarkable ability to stand amid clover, look down and find a four leafed clover! it's astonishing how effortless he manages to make this undertaking seem.  the last time he did this in my presence, he saw one after only a few minutes. a very short time later, he found another one!  others look and look and look and never find the seemingly rare stem of clover.  perhaps, sometimes, we look so hard we cannot see.  that is something to consider when we are engrossed in the urgency of seeking.  

whimsical wednesday!

today we created haiku poetry about spring.  my offering:


spring

the earth awakens
fresh, warm, new, joyous, alive
nature beckons me.

miscellaneous

just because, i dyed easter eggs.  a photo of the outcome of my easter playtime activity was posted on the blog easter sunday.  several were gifted.  the rest will become deviled eggs using my grandmother's recipe. yum!

a smile came when i noticed on easter sunday that all of the african violets in the house were in full bloom!

spring returned last last week with rain and cooler temperatures.  much improved. the first week of april is too  early for 90 degree weather.   it has been lovely to be outside in the fresh spring air amid all the nature that is the farm.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will write a poem in the form of HAIKU to celebrate spring!

haiku originated in japan and it's form is a bit different from the english form.  this is due to the differences in the languages.

haiku is typically about nature.

haiku doesn't rhyme.  instead it follows a pattern.

haiku pattern:
*line one:      five syllables
*line two:      seven syllables
*line three:    five syllables

haiku writing tips:
*write several words you like that describes nature/spring.
*select the words for the poem you most wish to use.
*count the syllables to ensure they will "fit" each line.
*write the haiku poem.
*one step further?  draw a picture to accompany the haiku poem.

(information about haiku poetry can be found on-line.  i did a search using the keywords "how to write a haiku poem".  the above information is from a few of these on-line sources.)

happy easter!

happy easter!

photo friday

the second amaryllis bloom unfurled as the first blossom faded.

thoughtful thursday

this was a day filled with a major problem that had to be solved.  most of the day was trying as i found myself on my own with the concern; it seemed that i was not being very helpful despite diligent effort.  part of the effort required spending time on-line.  at one point i found myself in a live on-line chat with a support technician. he was very helpful in assisting me and we worked through much of the problem. when we were finished, i thanked him with my sincere appreciation for how helpful he was.  he responded with the typical you are welcome but added a statement that made me smile.  he said, "i try to remember that the person on the other side is human just like me and i would want to be treated well myself."  oh, isn't that wonderful?  i wish (i told him this) that every interaction with every person, every day was predicated on that sentiment.  wouldn't it grand if we always remembered that the person on the other side is human? doing so would leave more energy for whimsey!

whimsical wednesday!

creating easter baskets from recycled materials was today's whimsical wednesday activity.  my baskets are comprised of plastic strawberry containers (made from recycled plastic) and shredded used paper bags.  before easter the baskets will be filled and shared.  photos to follow.....

miscellaneous

is it spring?  with temperatures in the high 80s and topping 90, it doesn't feel like spring at all!

having windows open to enjoy fresh air is lovely.

the hummingbird feeders have been up for almost a week now.  no hummer sightings as yet.

the first meadow flowers were picked over the weekend.  they grace the dining room table and are just as lovely as if they had come from a florist.

we found a four leaf clover!

get ready......

this whimsical wednesday we will make easter baskets out of recycled materials.  looking for and deciding what materials to use will be just as much fun as making the baskets!  i'm already thinking....

photo friday

one of life's most heartwarming surprises: flowers delivered at your door and the card  reveals that someone you love loves you too (and shows it by sending flowers)!

thoughtful thursday

every year a huge arts and crafts supply catalogue arrives in the mail.  it is 575 pages of gloriously engrossing items to pore over.  there is a ritual to reading such a tome.  it is looked through twice then the third turning of the pages includes paper and pencil to make note of all the items desired to purchase.  the list is always very, very long.  my thought processes go on overdrive as items are discovered; "that would be great to make......" or "i could use that in a sculpture....." or "that art/craft would be interesting to try....."  or "wow! look at that!..."  of course, it is not possible to purchase all of the items on the list nor is there time enough to make all of the projects that come to mind.  perhaps what is most enjoyable about my sessions with the arts and crafts supply catalogue is the wonderful feeling of possibility that wells up in me.  sometimes it is not necessary to actually do something.  sometimes it is enough to know that it is possible.

whimsical wednesday!

today the whimsical wednesday activity was to hang hummingbird feeders.  while in town yesterday, i purchased a 10 pound bag of sugar for making nectar.  (this bag of sugar should last for quite awhile this season unless a swarm of hummers appear to dine!)  this morning, the nectar was made and put in the refrigerator to chill.  the feeders were brought in from the garage and washed.  the two that were hung today are glass; one dad used and gave to me last year and a new one purchased on sale last fall.  early afternoon, the feeders were filled and hung outside; one in the front of the house and one in the back.  putting feeders in more than one location will allow hummingbird viewing wherever we might be outside or in the house.  there's nothing to do now but wait and watch for the hummingbirds to arrive.  if nectar is offered, they will come!

miscellaneous

ants have already begun invading the house's interior!  a friend introduced me to an amazing product to rid the space of ants!  TERRO  is a liquid, borax based ant bait. this was placed about the house in locations where the ants have been congregating. within a half hour of introducing TERRO, the ants flocked to the bait.  after less than a day, the ant population diminished significantly.  wow!  ant invasion relief.

during my travels in the last few weeks, not one new license plate was spotted.  oh, to spy the elusive few to complete the license plate hunt for all 50 states.

in addition to the count of colorful flora of last week's whimsical wednesday activity, the dogwood and red bud trees are now in full bloom.  gorgeous!

turtles have emerged and have been sunning themselves lake side.

watching the coming of dawn this morning, while sipping tea, was a wonderful way to begin the day!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will hang out hummingbird feeders.  a homemade nectar can be used.  mix four parts water to one part sugar (for example, four cups of water to one cup of sugar).  it is helpful to boil  at least half of the water to dissolve the sugar then add the rest of the water.  your hummingbird friends will enjoy!

photo friday

the amaryllis evolves.

thoughtful thursday

some days thoughts are jumbled and there are no words.  it seems wise to pay attention to such a state of being. words could be forced but what does that accomplish?  quiet often speaks volumes.

whimsical wednesday!

it's spring according to the calendar but the temperature (85 degrees) feels emphatically summer!  green is bursting forth in all shades and hues.  spring flowers, the focus of this whimsical wednesday, are everywhere i look.  many of the plants that are currently blooming would have come in succession if the temperature was cooler.  bulbs are blooming; iris, tulips, daffodils and crocus in yellow, purple, white, red.  the strawberries have white blossoms.  the meadow and woods are full of spring beauties, a sweet, delicate white blossom with pink stripes on the pedals.  the violets are happily blooming in purple, pink and white.  of course there are yellow dandelions.  welcome flowers!  welcome spring!

get ready.....

spring is officially here as of tomorrow (according to the calendar).  for whimsical wednesday we shall look for the first signs of spring flowers.  look for them anywhere they may appear; bushes, shrubs, trees, cultivated or naturalized plants. keep a tally of type and color!  may your flower search yield many smiles!

photo friday

a turtle nomming a strawberry! as seen far and wide on the web, but always a favorite for me.

thoughtful thursday

at the end of the long distance phone call with my far away friend a week previous, she said, "you are the only one who understands me".  others have said that to me so it wasn't the first time that sentiment has reached my ears.  as i traveled to my destination last friday, that statement was pondered for many miles.  it occurred to me that being "the only one who understands me" type of person really doesn't have as much to do with any particular, mysterious talent as much as the willingness to listen.  being a good listener is an amazing gift to offer to others.  it's a gift i am pleased to be able to share.

whimsical wednesday!

all day was family night this whimsical wednesday!  i am visiting parents and my sister came for the day from her home in a neighboring town.  the day was spent working on chores around the house for them.  it was very satisfying to accomplish for them that which needs to be done.  i feel very helpful and useful as a result.  wednesday evenings typically finds the three of them enjoying an evening out.  tonight included me!  the evening capped a wonderful day.  did you have family time this whimsical wednesday?

get ready.....

we will be enjoying family night this whimsical wednesday.  do anything you would like to do with your family.  the goal is to take time for and to enjoy each other!

photo friday

the christmas amaryllis in bloom!

thoughtful thursday

today was a day in which it was necessary to be focused on the task at hand; preparing for travel in the early morning.  as usual, there was a lot that had to be accomplished with those tasks that cannot be done until the day before leaving.  as i worked through the to-do list, the telephone rang.  the caller id revealed that it was a long distance call from a friend that needs a great deal of my time when she calls. reluctantly i picked up the phone and offered a resigned hello.  as she talked, i told myself to relax and just listen without the nagging "i still have so much to do!" tugging in the back of my mind.  after more than an hour, she was "full" and said goodbye.  her mood was much improved at the end of the call than when the call began.  i could have ignored the call as caller id offers options about answering or not answering the telephone.  i could have ignored her and continued with my planned day.  however, finishing my tasks on a busy day, even with the detour of giving her my full attention, went just as efficiently as had i ignored the phone call. besides completing my tasks, i helped ease someone's way. having accomplished both made for a more complete and satisfying day.  i'm very glad i picked up the telephone and said hello.

whimsical wednesday!

we wrote letters to those we are closest to for this whimsical wednesday to celebrate national letter writing week.  my letters to daughters, son in law and grandchildren have been written and will soon be in the mail.  once received, they will be reminded of just how much they are loved, respected, enjoyed by me.  did you write letters to those you love this whimsical wednesday?

get ready.....

this week is national letter writing week. we have written letters before but this whimsical wednesday our letter writing will be different. offer letters to those who live in the same abode with you.  those closest to us are strengthened when being told how much they mean to those they love. if you live alone, send letters to your closest family members that are far away.

photo friday

winter daffodils!

thoughtful thursday

there is something absolutely wonderful about sharing a home with cats and dogs. they brighten the home in a way that nothing else can or does.  they are definitely our very special friends.

whimsical wednesday!

happy leap year day!  it was a gorgeous day.  very warm for february, almost 70 degrees, and sunny! perfect weather to be outside.  whimsical wednesday's activity was to do something extra with this extra day. i always have tea so my extra was to have tea with a friend!  my friend arrived, tea was made and we sipped our tea on the porch enjoying the beautiful day, the tea and friendship!  happy leap year day! what was your leap year day extra activity?

miscellaneous

the amaryllis continues to amaze.  each stall supports four separate blooms that cluster together in a star burst array; like fireworks!  the second stalk's bloom has begun to emerge.

daffodils are blooming. these have appeared a month to a month and half earlier this year. and dandlions continue to bloom.

i am attempting to root an avocado pit.  i have lost count of the times i have tried and failed to root an avocado pit. i persevere!  if rooting is ever successful it will be awesome.

get ready.....

whimsical wednesday is leap year day!  leap year day is an extra day of the year we are gifted.  for whimsical wednesday, take this extra day and do something extra. take an extra long bath or an extra long walk or drink an extra cup of tea or spend extra amount of time with someone in person or on the telephone.  whatever you wish to do make it extra special and extra whimsical!

photo friday

the amaryllis blossom emerges.

thoughtful thursday

when driving, do you take note of the wee critters, like the woolly worms in the fall, that might be at roadside? i do. and i wonder; have they just crossed the road or are they just beginning the journey?!  

whimsical wednesday!

this whimsical wednesday's activity found us exploring the internet for websites full of whimsey.  i found two sites that are really neat.  enjoy my selections and please share a few of your own!

www.creativewithkids.com
this is an interesting website about all things creative to do with kids but it can be enjoyed even if one is not going to share with kids.  i found this link at www.craftinwithsuz.com.

asphalt archeology
this is an amazing urban art project of photographs by artist mike mission.  i found it quite by accident while browsing twitter, linked in a tweet.

miscellaneous

a blue heron has been visiting the lake here on the farm for several years.  it's always a delight to look out the window and find him lake side.  the ducks find the heron a curiosity as they glide back and forth amid the area in which the he is standing.  yesterday i was fortunate enough to see him in flight with a great surprise: his mate!  he is a pair!  that is the first time i have seen the two of them together.  perhaps little herons will soon visit the lake as well.

the pair of canada geese continue to visit daily.  they are very polite at feeding time. they wait until the home flock has had breakfast or dinner before coming forward to munch corn themselves.

the wild turkeys appeared yesterday as well.  they pecked their way across the cow pasture before crossing the road to the farm.  they also know where the home flock eat their meals so that is their destination.

this last week has brought forth the beginnings of a blossom on the amaryllis.  it's red.  and it appears that three separate blooms are forming.  film at eleven!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will explore new websites.  look for those that are full of humor, fun, art, anything in the realm of whimsey.

photo friday

the winter dandelion became a puff ball.

thoughtful thursday

this week's whimsical wednesday activity provoked thought of a simple yet beautifully moving emily dickinson poem. it seemed appropriate to feature it this thoughtful thursday.

If I Can Stop

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

whimsical wednesday!

february is mend a broken heart month.  it seemed appropriate to make a whimsical wednesday, especially the day after valentine's day, the best day to honor this important observance.  it was an open activity day in that everyone would select the best way to mend someone's broken heart.  this isn't a typical whimsical wednesday activity.  however, somewhere in the outcome there's a touch of whimsey.

my activity was difficult to settle upon; i had been thinking about what to do since monday.  this morning i knew what i was going to do but i also resisted because it was going to be very difficult to do.  i did it anyway.  a long distance phone call was placed to an old couple without family that was (and is) in need of attention.  they were very surprised and happy to get the phone call.  they were given all the time they wanted.  when the call was over, i was worn out but glad (and relieved) to have done this for them.  then i made myself a soothing cup of tea.

miscellaneous

tuesday is typically errands and lunch with friends day.  this tuesday was valentine's day.  the few stores where i shopped were all a-buzz with activity; everyone purchasing flowers, balloons, candy, cards and other tokens of affection for their valentines.  as a result there was a festive feeling to the day.  this carried over into the restaurant as many of the diners were there for the occasion.  i had fun surprising my friends and the restaurant servers with a small valentine i had made.  it brought a smile to see how pleased everyone was to be remembered.

one stop was the dollar store.  everything in the store, obviously, costs a dollar. the laugh of the day came at the entrance of the store.  just inside the door was a free standing sign proclaiming: THE DEAL OF THE WEEK!  pictured was the so-called "deals" with the price being one dollar!  it's the DOLLAR store! everything costs a dollar! how is that a deal?!?!?!?!  definitely a hoot and a half.

last week i opened the door for one of the kitty cats to go out.  what floated before me, as i was standing on the porch, was the tiniest snowflake i had ever seen.  it made me giggle. i watched it float away and thought of dr seuss' horton hears a who!  

get ready.....

it is most likely no coincidence that february not only features valentine's day but is also "mend a broken heart" month.  this whimsical wednesday, do something, anything, for someone to help ease their way.

photo friday

the christmas amaryllis, mid-february.

thoughtful thursday

facts, facts, facts.  this is what i have learned about smiles:

*women smile an average of 62 times per day, while men only smile an average of 8 smiles per day.

*it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile.

*smiling, however slight, lifts the spirit and makes people feel more positive, secure and calm.

*random smiles for others lift THEIR spirits and can make a huge difference if they are experiencing a difficulty.

*smiles help to disarm tense or negative situations.

it would seem that we should all smile often and everywhere; even at home alone.

whimsical wednesday!

simple yet heart felt valentine post cards were created for whimsical wednesday.  a stamped outline of a heart allowed me to color the inside of the heart with a red crayon (i love to color!).  under the heart was stamped "happy valentine's day". each post card was inscribed with a personal note.  the hope is that each valentine recipient will like my valentine greeting!   did you enjoy creating homemade valentines today?

miscellaneous

have you been writing in your memory book and putting items in your treasure box?  i have.

the winter continues to bring more spring-like weather than winter weather.  it was sunny yesterday for the first time in about a week.  all the kitties and the dog were lulling in every available patch of sunlight that streamed through the windows.  the sun room door was opened to allow a flood of light to come through the glass of the storm door.  the fur arrayed themselves in the shaft of sunlight that covered the wool rug on the floor.  does it get any better for a furry friend?  just observing them made me feel cozy and calm; provoking smiles.

get ready.....

valentine's day is next tuesday so we are making valentines this whimsical wednesday.  simple or elaborate.  all are heart felt and really lets the recipients know they are special and loved.  enjoy!

photo friday

february 1st, whimsical wednesday's "go outside day"
a dandelion in winter!

thoughtful thursday

it's groundhog day.  according to the news, mr groundhog saw his shadow.  that means six more weeks of winter.  never mind that winter is supposed to last six more weeks anyway.  a day like groundhog day is just an opportunity to enjoy something out of the ordinary.  take advantage of each day dedicated to whimsey!

whimsical wednesday!

today's whimsical wednesday "go outside day" activity was grand! the weather was near perfect; more early spring in feel than midwinter. the bird feeders were refilled.  the lawn was searched for signs of emerging bulbs and the foliage of several was discovered.  the three birch trees shed paper thin bark and i walked the area to collect all the pieces i could find (the bark is collected for use in art projects). a blooming dandelion was spied and the camera retrieved in order to take a photograph of this whimsical flower. the highlight of the day had to be sitting on the porch, watching the world of the farm and sipping tea.  february first and i enjoyed a pleasant interlude from the serenity of the porch!  while rocking and sipping the birds entertained; with the ducks floating about the fluid water of the lake and the gold finches chowing down at their feeders.  it amazed me to see two eastern bluebirds.  following their flight paths it was evident that they were coming and going from one of the bird houses.  that prompted the task of filling a mesh fruit bag with the dryer lint i have collecting to offer to the birds for nest building material. this was hung near the bird houses.  i returned to the porch to observe the birds for awhile longer before walking about once more. as i reentered the house i was pleased to have enjoyed such a lovely whimsical wednesday.