Another Sign:

Yet, another sign warmer weather is on it's way. The return of the strawberry salad! Better yet my local grocery store has my favorite red berries on sale for $1.49/quart.

Weekend Snapshot: Neighbors

This has been one of those hectic weeks. It started out with a pre-calculus test, and it ended with a family member being diagnosed with a serious illness. In addition, B and I both had to work yesterday. So, in search of some peace and solace, this morning we went for a well-deserved walk to the bay. We found one of our neighbors, the Great Egret, was out fishing.

a little about me:

"Mercedes" has granted me the pleasure of being her featured blog for the week. Thank you, it is quite an honor. If you have found your way here through her place ~ Welcome. I always have the kettle on for tea and I always have chocolate in the fridge, so help yourself. Enjoy and take a look around.

I guess I should introduce myself, I’m a woman, let’s just say well pass 39. I had the wonderful pleasure of being a “stay at home mom”. After my sons moved out on their own, (they are now 24 & 25) I went back to school to get my BA in biology. I am currently taking my last 4 credits, which happen to be pre-calculus, before graduating in May. I work substituting in my local school system. I enjoy all of the children, kindergarteners thru the seniors. I would like to teach, but I haven’t decided which grade or subject.

My younger son is currently attending the same college as I. No, we haven’t had any classes together but we do like to run down to the diner for a quick meal between our classes. Perhaps, it’s because I buying! My older son spent 6 years in the United States Marines and served time in Iraq. I am happy to report he is now safe in the States. I could not be prouder of them. They have grown be amazing young men.

I have been raising puppies for The Seeing Eye for the pass 12 years. Yes, that means I have had a new puppy every year for the pass 12 years. And yes, that also means, I always have lots of paper towels on hand. You can read all about our "puppy raising" adventures at our other blog.

And after searching for 40 some years I have finally found my soul mate. “B” is a wonderful partner and a terrific friend.

There's Hope:

High 40s, overcast, and raining, it does not feel much like Spring, but it is on it's way, of this I am sure.

Loud & Noisy Spring!

I have vivid childhood memories of seeing Osprey nests on top of the high wire poles which stretch along the roadways to my favorite beach area. Once these majestic creatures flew high in the skies. With use of pesticides (DDT) these and many other birds’ numbers fell. In 1972, thanks to Rachel Carson and her book “Silent Spring”, this pesticide was banned from use in the United States. Her book documented the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment in general and birds in particular. DDT was found to cause thinner egg shells, reproductive problems and even death. For many years, the Osprey was practically nonexistent in my area. However, I am happy to report with my recent trips to the refuge I have witnessed the comeback of this water plunging raptor.

and the Winner Is:

Looks like LW is better at hide & seek than the little cardinal boy.

Hide & Seek:

I didn't have the heart to tell this little guy that he didn't stand a chance of winning a game of hide & seek.

Turn Around Point:

On Second Thought:

On my daily tour of my favorite blogs, I make a point of stopping by "Paris Daily Photo" . After seeing this gentlemen's post today it has me wondering about my yesterday's, 1 in a trillion, comment. It looks like someone in Paris got "struck by lighting". It's a great story go check it out. It must be B's long lost brother!

Chances are:

According to BBC weather the chance of being hit by lighting is 1 in 3 million. The chance of winning the lottery is 1 in 14 million. The chance of finding a fun loving "goof head" like B, 1 in a trillion!

The Week's Treasures:

This is the latest of several posts. Being on Spring break allowed for long walks in the fields outback. Each day, we looked for new treasures and found ouchie, twisted, and feathered things and creatures with happy faces. There is beauty to be found everywhere.

Bunny Mistake:

I told B, I thought he started at the wrong end, but he didn't seem to be in the best of moods, so in the interest of saving my own *** I didn't say anything else!

Happy Easter:

may the glory
and the promise
of this joyous time of year
bring peace
and happiness to you
and those you hold dear
(unknown)

Photo Friday: "Found Object"

Perfect timing; those of you, who follow my blog, know while on my morning walk, I have been on a quest to find new treasures. I was planning on posting my new finds on Weekend Snapshots, however this weeks Photo Friday appropriately called for “Found Object”. This Curly Q is one of my favorites.

Pleasants:

Pleasant runs are scattered all through out this acreage. My dogs tell me the only remains are a few feathers and the scent of these long ago fowl.

the Walk Continues:

On the far side of the field, out past the old barn "stands" a ghost town. Left on their own these homes, barns, and storage buildings have fallen victim to the harshest of elements, called age and weather. Yet when I look at them, I can picture the life which once resided within their walls, and on the tail end of the wind, I swear, I can hear a tracker running and the sound of children playing.

Spring Morning Walk:

The tree lined path leads to a large open field. At the paths end I often have the feeling as if I am opening a door to a new room. My dogs will generally run, like the wind, to reach this field. Once here they leap over the tall grasses in hopes of finding a new treasure. Seldom are they disappointed.

Spring Break:

Although I am nearly 30 years older than the 20 somethings I attend college with, I am as excited about Spring break as they are. I, unlike many of my classmates, have no plans of heading to Florida on the “Girls Gone Wild” tour. My big plans are to spend some quite time here in the comfort of my home, to take my dogs for longer than usually walks, and yes, I am sorry to say, I may even get ahead start on my spring cleaning. Of all the joys life has to offer, I am most content when I am enjoying my morning walks. My dogs have a wonderful way of showing me there is something new, some times hidden, to be found in each day. So as the day begins I adventure out to hunt for new treasures.

Top O' the Morning:

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.

Green Weekend:

It was another work weekend for B. He received the assignment of having to view the local St. Patrick’s Day parade and attend the beach party afterwards, which his station was hosting. Oh, I should also add the Corona Light Girls would be in attendance. As difficult as this task may seem, being the fine Irishman he is, he dressed in his best Irish rugby shirt and headed (ran) over to the beach. The weather could not have been more co-operative, sunny and in the 60s, it was the perfect day. With all the excitement this day had to offer, I once again tagged along. Erin Go Bragh!

I have taken the liberty of adding several new blog links to my list of favorites. If you prefer that I remove your link, please leave a comment and I will remove yours at once.

1 day til

This Buds for You:

On this mornings walk, I was overjoyed to see many of the trees and shrubs were full of signs of rebirth. Some were even showing off their new little leaflets. So in honor of Spring… “this buds for you.”

Happy Pie Day:

Oh, sorry that's Pi: 3.14 day!

"Pi Day"

Photo Friday: "The Good Life"

The High Price of Gas:

The price of gas reaches $3.00/gallon and still Jersey girls don't pump their own!

Beyond the Gate:

I lay just beyond the gate... and still there is someone to watch over me.

Snow Hats:

With Spring just around the corner, I'm hoping this is last of the snow hats.

Gourmet Dinner:

As much as I hate to admit it, my mother was right, the further I get from 29, the more difficult it is to maintain my girlish figure. This pass July I joined WW and subsequently lost 22 pounds; reaching my goal weight at the end of January. I have learned to make better food choices and yet not deprive myself of all favorite chocolate treats. As a result of my decision to change my eating habits, I have been eating and cooking lighter.

This evening B arrived home to find a large pile of frying pans drying on the kitchen counter. He, instantly, envisioned me being home all afternoon preparing some new gourmet meal. His mind raced forward toward the thoughts of chicken parm., or maybe even fried chicken and mashed potatoes. His stomach readied one of his long overdue favorite yummy dinners. I could barely bring myself to tell him; I had accidentally dropped the frozen grounded turkey on to one of the glass covers which shattered and sent shards of glass flying everywhere, including on to all of the pots and pans. I had rinsed the glass off of them and they were on the counter drying.

I poured him a bowl of cocoa puffs.

Weekend Walk:

I put my new tele-converter lens on my camera and walked to the bay in hopes of catching sight of my favorite avian friend, the Great Blue Heron. My feathered neighbor was not at his usual hunting spot and in spite of the fact that this heron stands at almost 4 feet, I did not spy him anywhere. Then just as I decided to head back home, I spotted him, with his long neck tucked, resting among the reeds and low bushes. Perhaps one day he will raise his long black head plumes for my camera and I will share, with all of you, his beauty. As you can see, plumes raised or not he is one stunning bird.

Daylight Saving Time:

Party Time:

Hi, come on in, I'm running a bit behind. While I'm waiting on the cream puffs to finish,

grab yourself a snack and take a look around.

Ok, looks like we're ready to start the party!