New Year's Eve 2018

Greetings, my friends.  This is an (almost) eleventh hour post to close out 2018 and to vow to be a better blogger friend in the New Year!  My Christmas tree looks about the same as it does every year, but I love it so.  My favorite ornament continues to be Dorothy's Red Shoe, purchased at the Smithsonian Museum of American History a few years ago.  It's there in the middle - a little to the left.  My bear was from the now defunct Rich's Department Store, free with a purchase (or something like that) back in the 70s.  I saw one at an antique mall last Saturday for $24.  Mine still looks new every year, since it stays in a plastic bag in the Christmas closet during the year.  

My sister and brother-in-law's home on Christmas morning, before I saw anyone.  Peaceful and quiet.  This was my late mother's wee Christmas tree that she had in her assisted living apartment.  I love that my sis puts it in her foyer every year.

Kitty Pete on Christmas Day.  It was warm enough in the Florida panhandle to sit outside with no jacket.  Pete was the first one I saw on Christmas morning.  He was lying on the kitchen table, which he is forbidden to do.  I was looking at the view out back before I spotted him.  He looked at me with no guilt.  He either figured I didn't care that he was on the table, or he didn't care what I thought.  I imagine it as the latter.  :)

Spotted at the aforementioned antique mall last Saturday.  A cardboard cutout of the King of Rock and Roll.  I texted the photo to my friend Steven, who has a partner who adores Elvis.  He replied, "I love what you've done with your living room!"  

I hope your holidays were Merry and Bright.  And I hope the New Year will be good to you.  Hugs!

Good Things Happened: Another good dog and friends

I love dogs like friend Carol's dog, Bailey.  He was chosen from a shelter years ago and has been just the best dog, she says.  He never commands attention, like his brethren at the park.  I like that.

This hosta gets a mention every year, just for being faithful. It hibernates in the winter and makes an appearance in early spring.  I had almost forgotten about it until I saw some little shoots coming up.  It has made this miraculous transformation in the last two weeks.  It will double in size from this - it's just getting started.

Neighbor Rhonda is laying in some bedding plants, which gave me a huge smile when I got home yesterday.  She didn't feel like it last year, so this is definitely a good thing.

Google presented me with this altered photo of the dogwood tree that presides over the trash compactor at the condos.  I had not planned to use it, but it's rather striking now.  :)

I know it's not pretty everywhere like it is in the south, but you'll get there, I promise.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

Good Things Happened: Dog of the week, lilies and blessings

Friends Janice and Chip's dog Chili, at the park, after I asked him if he would like to be dog of the week.  I think the answer was clearly, "Yes!"

I was invited to Easter dinner at friends Laura and Bob's home.  The table was exquisitely set with pretty Easter themed china, crystal and napkins.  I loved the Lilies of the Valley from their yard - so perfect I thought they were artificial at first.

A wee present from Laura at each place setting - these beautiful little "Spring Blessings" packages.  Such a gracious hostess.

I hope you are having a good weekend.  I've finally gotten caught up on some sleep!

Smiles, blossoms and relaxation

Friend Laura's dog Mac - who clearly loves her very much.  And it was a special treat for him, to walk with us at the park without his very boisterous younger sis.  

The blooming Bradford Pear tree at the library.  I was parked underneath it and went home with little white blossoms on my car.

A water main line broke in my county a few days ago and we were under a boil water advisory, which affected local businesses.  My favorite neighborhood pub had to use plastic ware while that was going on.  I didn't mind and enjoyed the view of my village's main street while waiting for a friend.  The plastic cup reminded me of college days and Mardi Gras.  :)  

It's Friday!  Yay.  I hope you have a great weekend.

Good Things Happened - Saturday in the park

Friend Laura and I had just finished our walk at Mountain Park Park last Saturday, when her friend who fosters dogs stopped to chat.  I looked down and one of them was standing at attention on his hind legs, without moving.  "He wants to be petted." she said.  And so we did.

A little boy was hanging out with his father, waiting for the ball field to open.  I smiled at the wee one on my first pass by.  On our second pass, he approached and said he had picked this bloom for me. 

It's been gloomy here for days (and strangely warm), so that's why this photo from the drive thru at Starbucks isn't more bright than it is.  The cherry trees are blooming already!

Here's something not to be gloomy about - it's Friday!  Yay.  I hope your weekend is amazing, my friends.

Early morning gift, another batch and pure bliss

The rain stopped just as I got to work, one early morning, a few days ago.  And this lovely rainbow appeared, like a gift.

At home, lovely vegetables waiting to be put in another batch of Alice Water's Ratatouille, which was so delicious and made my home smell so good, that I had to make another batch.  The avocados were just hanging out here waiting to be put on toast or in salad.  :)

And at the park, friend Janice's dog, Chili, enjoying a blissful roll in a puddle. 

Off to the beach, birthday boys and fun in the sun

- You'd have to click to enlarge to see the Pensacola Beach sign, which I love for its retro look and the marlin at the top.  We were headed to the beach area for brunch on Sunday.

- It was a warm, breezy day at the beach.  I love the white sand of Pensacola Beach. 

- But the real reason for the visit was to celebrate the birthdays of two precious boys.  Their cousin Kloie made this paper "Happy Birthday" crown for them to share at their party on Saturday.  Cute.

- The very patient and loving Hank, having a rest, after a full day of fun in the sun.  The best part of the weekend was being surrounded by family.

Rolling clouds, moon with three names and captivated

- The skyline of midtown Atlanta up ahead during my morning commute this week.  And look at that beautiful sky!  Don't worry - we were all stopped.  Really stopped.

 - The Buck Moon that happened Tuesday night.  So called because bucks begin to grow new antlers at this time.  It's also known as the Thunder Moon, because of the frequent thunderstorms in July.  And it is also known as the Capricorn Moon.

- And more sitting in traffic.  On Thursday morning, I was captivated by this commuter pup - on an early morning trip with its person.

Here's something else to be captivated by:  the weekend!  I hope yours is lovely.

Steam engine, snoozing and they're on a roll

More good things from Christmas Day in northern Florida...

 - My sister and I were traveling from one farm to another on a Christmas Day visit, when we passed this steam engine displayed in Madison, Florida.  I love to read historical markers, so we pulled over.  It was used for cotton and peanut processing until 1919.  Cotton and peanuts are still the major crops in that area.

 - Hank, watching over my sister and brother-in-law's house in Monticello, Florida.  He loves to visit the grandparents here, so he can roam freely or just sleep on the porch. 

- When I asked niece Abby what I could get great nephew Monroe for Christmas, she said he loves PAW Patrol.  They are cartoon characters from a show of the same name on Nick, Jr. network, who go on high stakes rescue missions and solve problems through teamwork.  I like that, so I got Monroe the action figure set for a gift.  Chase, Skye, Marshall and Zuma are represented here - Rubble and Rocky were around somewhere, probably solving problems.  We all smiled when Monroe opened his present and shouted out the PAW Patrol slogan:  "No job too big, no pup is too small!!!" 

Moby St. Nick, wren visitors and satsumas

- My sister and I took a golf cart tour of their farm property in northern Florida on an 85 degree (f) Christmas Day.  Their dog, Moby, who is really getting up there in age, loves to go along on these rides.  My brother-in-law takes him at least twice a day.  He was born on Christmas Day and his full name is Moby St. Nick!

 - Carolina Wrens at my feeder on New Year's Day.  A couple of weeks ago, on a night it was dipping into the 20s in Atlanta, I was bringing the plants in and one of my wren visitors flew inside the condo and retreated to the back bedroom.  After some wringing of hands, the solution:  I opened the front door, closed all of the other doors (except where the bird was), turned off all the lights and it made a break for the front door.  I wish I had a video of it sailing up the hallway. 

- Satsumas at Whole Foods Market.  I love how the lighting inside makes it look like an outdoor farmers' market.  I texted this photo to my sister in Florida - she had a satsuma tree in her yard in the first home they lived in.  We don't see these for sale that often around here.  Beautiful (and delicious.)

Perfect spot, wondrously wonderful and happy visit

- When my sisters and I finally made our way up to the top of the mountain where our aunt lives in Franklin, North Carolina, she was leaning on this railing, waving to us.  Our late uncle designed this beautiful home and this year she decided to leave Florida and stay here through the hot weather months.  Her dog Cotton favors that spot, too, and likes to lie on that mat.

- She wanted to take us to visit her brother and sister-in-law's garden in nearby Cashiers, NC.  This is just a small section of this wondrously wonderful spot. 

- Can you see the butterflies?  Click to enlarge if you can.  They were swirling around in droves, as if they couldn't decide which spot to settle on next, since it's all so wonderful.

- This playhouse is named after Pippi Longstocking's house "Villa Villekulla" and features framed artwork from each of the grandchildren.  Grandchildren from Florida arrived to visit before we left and I mentioned to the little girl that I liked her playhouse.  Her eyes widened, "I forgot about that!"  Her grandparents are so delightful and welcoming - it was clear that she and her brother were in for a happy visit. 

Shop cat, shop dogs and welcome home

- The owner of a shop in the North Carolina mountains estimates that this sleeping kitty has cost her at least $500 so far.  The kitty had wandered up to the shop and had severe injuries from an animal attack.  She was promptly taken care of and is a beloved shop cat now with her own chair to sleep in.  She merely purred a bit when I petted her very lightly.  What a nice life she has now.

- The repair garage up the street is run by a cheerful blonde woman, with two equally cheerful female helpers.  Two shop dogs (a chihuahua and a tiny terrier) were sitting in a man's lap when I came in to inquire about an oil change.  (The man was a customer, too.)  The welcoming look shifted slightly when I gave an Atlanta address, but became friendly again when the two shop dogs clambered into my lap when the man stood to leave.  (In other words - I'm not from around there, but if the dogs like me, I must be OK.)  :)

- My Gerber daisy was blooming and looked as if it was welcoming me home when I got there on Sunday evening.  I had a lovely time with my sisters - it went by too quickly though.  We all texted that we were home later and agreed that it was truly lovely.

There was no internet access while I was gone and I haven't even gotten started with catching up.  But what a delightful catch-up that will be!  See you on your blog soon.  More pics on Friday.

Freedom, farmers market, greeter and peace

- My favorite farmer is Mr. Martin, who grows vegetables by the Hiwassee River in North Carolina - across the river from my sister's vacation home.  On this day, I snapped his photo through the screen of the back porch as he drove that tractor all over his property.  (Click to enlarge.)  He is well into his 90s, has cancer (diagnosed more than a year ago), and lately has been living in assisted living.  When I was there in May, I saw him on the property, but someone was always with him.  This time, I watched as he drove his tractor alone - no one else in sight - even over the part of the property that is not farmed. Freedom.

- Downtown Hayesville, North Carolina, last Saturday morning.  They always have a farmers market on Saturday mornings there.  Vegetables, preserves, baked goods, some crafts.  People are so friendly there.  One man proudly gave credit to his wife for the bonsai trees he was selling, "She's off talking somewhere if you want to ask her about anything."  

- This dog walked up to me for head rubs.  A nearby man said, "That's Rowdy.  He lives a couple of blocks down the way there (waving his hand) and comes up every Saturday morning to hang out with us."

 - Here's Rowdy again, this time greeting at the pie lady's table.  She was selling her homemade buttermilk pie, a proud secret recipe.  (Although I have it if anyone wants it - my grandmother used to make it.)  She asked me what time it was, and said "never mind" when I pulled out my cellphone to look.  I explained that I don't wear a watch anymore - I just look at my phone for the time.  She said, "I gave up watches and cellphones when I retired here and have never missed them."  I could see that and totally agree.  She just wanted to know the time so she could go home after selling those last two pies.

- I asked if I could snap a photo of the flowers in the wine bottle (a great idea, I think.)  She said (smiling), "You can have them if you buy a pie."  I replied that although I probably have it in me to eat a whole pie, it doesn't seem advisable.  :)  I left with no pie, but a little later noticed the women in the photo just above this one, walking away with pie and flowers.

Thank you for sharing my walk through the farmers market.  Mr. Martin used to sell potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, etc. there - I have a photo of my sister buying potatoes from him to take home (probably 10 years ago.)  I'm betting he'll be back, judging by the crops I saw coming up across the river.  Have a great weekend, y'all!

Calico, loving and off to a party

 - Another shop cat - this time a resident of an antique shop in north Georgia.  The shop owner had put out signs saying (tongue in cheek, I thought), that there was an "attack cat" on the premises.  At one point, he said, "If you run across the cat, don't rub her belly, even she rolls over and presents it to you."  When this no-eye-contact-kitty finally turned up, I ran fingers lightly over her head, while the owner looked on anxiously.  I think it's fun that this calico / manx seems to run the place.  :) 

- My friend looks on as her granddaughter plays, looks at me and says, "I love her so much."

- An unmarked van crammed to the gills with emerald green balloons.  What fun and where were they going, I wonder. 

In search of tomatoes, sun-drenched and greeting committee

- After a brisk early morning walk with friend Janice, I stopped by Doug's garden to see if there were any tomatoes.  There was no one in sight, so I stood for a moment and took in the sun-drenched welcoming area.  If you click to enlarge, you can see the hand lettered list of vegetable offerings.  My favorite thing about the picnic area is the seat from a car thrown in, for a little extra added comfort, I guess.  :)

- The sun works its magic over the lily pond.  Doug, a rather taciturn man, stepped out of his house with a cup of coffee and started calling for his helpers.  I asked if I was too early and he shook his head no and went back inside, as a smiling young lady rounded the corner.  I remembered her from last time.  She and her dog Bobby lead me to the tomatoes.

- Bobby was a puppy last time I stopped by in February.  He came over for a head rub, then took up his post in the driveway.  I chuckled that I had to drive around him when I left with my tomatoes on this sun dappled morning.

What it looks like this year, a faun and Whiskers

- Another photo from last Sunday morning.  The couple who belong to this property have always worked very hard on making their side yard look beautiful.  (Click to enlarge.)   I've seen them out there year after year.  Quite beautiful on this day.

- At the Greenway trail last Saturday morning (early - about 8am), a faun ventures out of the woods to the left there, beyond the wooden area.  It stands there a moment and then realizes the women looking at it aren't its mother and darts back into the woods.  A man out running approaches and says, "That made it worth coming out here this morning!"

- No photo of this:  the gray tabby cat in the antique shop around the corner is sleeping on a settee, but looks up at me as I pass and stretches.  He jumps down and weaves in and out of my legs, then stands on his hind legs and stretches up to put his front paws on me.  The shop owner says, "He wants you to pick him up for a cuddle, but you don't have to."  Of course I want to.  He purrs and purrs and walks me to the door as I leave.