tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74500760378113922302024-03-18T20:47:09.909-07:00A garden wenchThoughts,images, and sometimes a bit of poetry
about my garden
that I call, My Open Bar of JoySuzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-2238987398922077972016-07-08T18:12:00.001-07:002016-07-08T18:12:14.290-07:00ivy still here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d6JvGpdY8m1vY1gDdx5Vr77bTesRG6mFMBMNQs7q1IlMYXbltpJa9ZCcM5Z3dne-BH81ogsFc4MD9u0hofjvOC2JLtqZ2Z5TgGM4BBxE9hwUbnmsW2DNxeN33Wo7avwzcl5pm5F8-hx7/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d6JvGpdY8m1vY1gDdx5Vr77bTesRG6mFMBMNQs7q1IlMYXbltpJa9ZCcM5Z3dne-BH81ogsFc4MD9u0hofjvOC2JLtqZ2Z5TgGM4BBxE9hwUbnmsW2DNxeN33Wo7avwzcl5pm5F8-hx7/s320/P1010010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I spent the morning weeding </div>
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and inspecting the garden for you know</div>
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damage and bugs and poison ivy</div>
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found all three</div>
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bugs I can live with</div>
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but poison ivy...two little stalks found hiding under the dogwoods</div>
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but worse, I found a break in the drainage from the sump pump</div>
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oh dear, will it never end.....this is not sexy stuff</div>
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but the lilies are all in bloom....sigh I love lilies</div>
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so beautiful at dusk with that slant of light piercing their beautiful petals</div>
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Pablo was supposed to come tonight to look at the drainage pipe</div>
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of course ...he didn't come</div>
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he'll be here in the morning, but how does he know that I will be here?</div>
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I was out and about...near plants...I want to take them all home...it's a sickness</div>
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this love of flowers....</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-36388559172995484382016-06-27T12:23:00.002-07:002016-06-27T12:23:54.551-07:00sort of back into the garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh dear</div>
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I thought I'd write a bit</div>
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but everything didn't cooperate</div>
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this happens a lot lately since passing the unholy age of 65</div>
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But I miss my blogger friends</div>
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especially the garden and animal loving ones</div>
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so here goes....a few lines about my garden</div>
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It was a mess</div>
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really and truly a mess</div>
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I called in Pablo for help</div>
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he tore the hell out of it and got it straight</div>
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I'm too old for the hard work</div>
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But now that it is whipped into shape</div>
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I started </div>
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and wouldn't you know that nasty poison ivy from last year reared its ugly horrid head</div>
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but this year I knew what I was looking for</div>
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and despite making a pledge years ago about using chemicals</div>
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I sinned</div>
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<strong><em>Roundup</em></strong></div>
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had to.....</div>
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It's 90 outside</div>
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so I did a bit of watering and weeding</div>
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and then almost fainted from all that hot sunshine</div>
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getting old is a bitch</div>
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I used to move furniture around the house like it was nothing</div>
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now, moving a hosta plant all about does me in</div>
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more tomorrow</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-16202337813667992872016-02-15T16:21:00.001-08:002016-02-15T16:21:30.248-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Held by snow</div>
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a dried up curled up leaf</div>
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That about describes me right now</div>
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I promise to get back to gardening this year</div>
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and sharing my thoughts with you</div>
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I know there are a few followers left</div>
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who will love seeing transformations</div>
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and isn't the garden just that</div>
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transformations?</div>
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I try to be whimsical about my posting</div>
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letting you in on my feelings about the garden</div>
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last year I just couldn't conjure them up</div>
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If you don't go in to the garden....no salve for the weary</div>
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but that's okay.....I was busy being the salve somewhere else</div>
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But I ache for the flower petals, the dragonflies</div>
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toads....bunnies....bats</div>
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and the occasional stray oddity that has been known to grace my garden</div>
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just look back in my blog</div>
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I do have two resident feral cats now that have taken up on my deck</div>
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I have their 3 kittens inside...almost 15 months old now</div>
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My husband is well and the grandkids are doing fine</div>
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Little Tuula is doing the best she ever has</div>
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fingers crossed</div>
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I am going to keep it simple this year</div>
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no going crazy on planters</div>
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Iwill feel like a success if I can keep up with weeding and pruning</div>
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oh I am dreaming of a warm summer day...being in the shade of the pines</div>
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listening and feeling the breeze against my face</div>
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oh to feel alive like that again</div>
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so simple</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-9059875291507083172014-02-04T13:17:00.003-08:002014-02-04T13:17:57.496-08:00a spot of cheer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A friend sent this photo to me today</div>
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don't know where she got it from</div>
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she didn't write anything</div>
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sending it was enough</div>
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I got it</div>
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Oh this long long miserable winter</div>
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but a friend sent me a pot full of warm cheer</div>
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and hope</div>
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and </div>
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joy</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-75623186520486619922014-01-25T09:15:00.002-08:002014-01-25T09:18:26.289-08:00Dreaming of White Clover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI86ndSqgVTPeJmR08aM9IxYtKmgxMPNXGiFXWw9Xa1mhGvueyyOKAU-QpDbk3D-oUkO7Nsu2U2bi-yQhrkXY6ptr7cA81BJ3_iKwsaBuGqYQhXCGyOX5OwMpuxxPHr5TwMSOKMm7pvqId/s1600/clover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI86ndSqgVTPeJmR08aM9IxYtKmgxMPNXGiFXWw9Xa1mhGvueyyOKAU-QpDbk3D-oUkO7Nsu2U2bi-yQhrkXY6ptr7cA81BJ3_iKwsaBuGqYQhXCGyOX5OwMpuxxPHr5TwMSOKMm7pvqId/s1600/clover.png" /></a></div>
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Got a call from a friend from Galena</div>
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Want me to check on the house? he asks</div>
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Sure</div>
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He called back and said our propane tank was empty</div>
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and it is 5 degrees outside</div>
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and we are on a keep full basis.....so much for that</div>
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Now, don't worry, it's taken care of</div>
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and we always shut the water off</div>
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but.....lordie.....this winter</div>
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has been one lesson</div>
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that I am still trying to figure out what I need to learn</div>
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from it</div>
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I guess....trust that this too shall pass</div>
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and tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes</div>
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and tomorrow is always a gift</div>
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as is today</div>
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I have been looking out the window a lot</div>
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surveying the frozen tundra of a garden</div>
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and wishing and dreaming and lusting for color</div>
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making plans </div>
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Wanting to make a new garden this year</div>
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redo a few areas.....I know I say that every winter</div>
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But this time it is different...I am thinking </div>
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small and do-able</div>
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not grand and overwhelming</div>
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like sewing white Dutch clover in a barren area</div>
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between houses....oh! I hear you screaming</div>
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But I am wanting more bees and the smell of clover flowers</div>
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and the ability to make clover necklaces</div>
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while lying in it</div>
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looking up</div>
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with sky mind</div>
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yes....I think I shall invite clover in</div>
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and let the sorrel stay</div>
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along with the purple clover that bees</div>
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go gaga over</div>
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I am a wench after all.....I welcome all</div>
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Who am I to stand in judgment of anyone</div>
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Come all ye faithful</div>
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Yes this year it will be different</div>
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I shall do as I please in my garden</div>
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and it shall please me</div>
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joy</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-87887004213595382792014-01-15T06:44:00.000-08:002014-01-16T17:54:01.639-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
<strong>There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude,</strong><br />
<strong>a quiet joy</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
...ralph h. blum<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
The house has been quiet since the family<br />
...left to return to California<br />
...four birthdays celebrated<br />
...a birth-day rejoiced in<br />
...an anniversary given thanks for...<br />
...Tuula was Christened<br />
...the Christmas decorations all put away<br />
I slept 9 hours</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bz19-P4hOlYBOJtB6T9dSrLkTd8-T0wLo-PJKY9HlnBFvKiJHHAEXubMaxfZQWm9s-ss5jGXaVGlOBwlcvoWE7gesgj-Asknkj1y47eGLTymoFuYCjPxLSWdNmQGD2FKMUQrd29tn0QZ/s1600/DSCN7947.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bz19-P4hOlYBOJtB6T9dSrLkTd8-T0wLo-PJKY9HlnBFvKiJHHAEXubMaxfZQWm9s-ss5jGXaVGlOBwlcvoWE7gesgj-Asknkj1y47eGLTymoFuYCjPxLSWdNmQGD2FKMUQrd29tn0QZ/s400/DSCN7947.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Many years ago I started a gratitude journal<br />
heard of it on Oprah<br />
Sarah BanBreathnache's book....Simple Abundance<br />
......A literal journal of five things everyday that I was thankful for<br />
I found that it was not much different than the daily prayers<br />
I prayed<br />
...insight....I have learned from childhood to be thankful<br />
for everything given me<br />
But Sarah was right...it is the simple things<br />
that lift you up with joy<br />
Like my garden<br />
the birds<br />
the bugs<br />
the toads<br />
the sky<br />
the wind<br />
heat on my skin<br />
seeing cold in my breath<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
By late summer I am done with the garden<br />
but oh good Lord<br />
I am desiring it by early January<br />
I guess feeding my birds and critters outside<br />
is a way of gardening though<br />
They fluff their fur or feathers<br />
wait at my door or window<br />
for my tending of the feeders<br />
This garden connection continues<br />
and I am grateful<br />
The sight of the Cardinal against the snow<br />
....pure joy</div>
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Oh it was so cold this late December<br />
and snow was wet and heavy<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
The snow is a welcomed thing as far as beauty goes<br />
it is beautiful and wonderful<br />
...but it gets old quickly</div>
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<br />
<br />
Now it is early January and the weather <br />
is not too bad...20<br />
a few flakes yesterday after much of the 10 inches had melted<br />
The garden covered in heavenly white is welcomed<br />
but today the dirtiness of melted snow is present<br />
ying and yang in a way<br />
joy sorrow<br />
<br />
<br />
and I rejoiced<br />
when I saw the squirrel trying to hide from me at the gutter<br />
You survived little guy...yeah<br />
It was a few bitter bitter nights<br />
<br />
<br />
My feral cat Handsome is long gone<br />
I shall write about him someday and what he meant to me<br />
but I want to tell you that another cat has arrived<br />
A large, dirty, scraggly old orange and white striper<br />
another scaredy cat </div>
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<br />
<br />
And butterball Ms Kitty O'Shea<br />
doesn't like it<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<br /></div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-54979139566627027892013-12-12T06:53:00.001-08:002013-12-12T06:56:11.540-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now the gardener is the one who has seen everything ruined<br />
so many times that (even as his pain increases with each loss) he comprehends-----<br />
truly knows---<br />
that where there was a garden once,<br />
it can be again,<br />
or where there never was, there yet can be a garden<br />
<br />
<em>-Henry Mitchell</em><br />
<br />
Ah Henry, you have seen my garden<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCtXqaZTCEJJ4-99JEJXjEK3cmw_eU-WPVi52EGhtA3bLM8aUbV_SJAqN6rnbOAsI2d3MF7rAM5NmzKSLlwNtyV4E1uSRePXK9HgPIzOQ-NdEDW7ukY2DAXT8brTJe6mFVJeXTIicBzsl/s1600/P1010042.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCtXqaZTCEJJ4-99JEJXjEK3cmw_eU-WPVi52EGhtA3bLM8aUbV_SJAqN6rnbOAsI2d3MF7rAM5NmzKSLlwNtyV4E1uSRePXK9HgPIzOQ-NdEDW7ukY2DAXT8brTJe6mFVJeXTIicBzsl/s400/P1010042.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Today is my birthday<br />
no big deal, but this morning I gaze out the window<br />
and behold the garden at rest<br />
a blanket of cold comfort tucked about it<br />
It is -1 degrees<br />
brrrr<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
Happy Jack is gone, but others, maybe his children,<br />
have moved into the Alder tree<br />
How I chuckle now thinking back to the Fall day<br />
when I saw all those broken branches on the garden path<br />
which made me look up to see such cute baby squirrels<br />
already knowledgeable about getting ready for winter<br />
Ah you must have been the ones who ate the Tulip tree flowers<br />
..that's okay</div>
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<br />
I have been neglectful of the garden<br />
instead focusing my attention to what ails me inside<br />
that has been slow to be comforted<br />
But I am healed <br />
and now I make dreams of getting my hands back into dirt<br />
....on a much smaller scale<br />
...old age<br />
63...<br />
has set in<br />
I can't do what I used to do<br />
Ah, this struggle<br />
inside of me<br />
But, I say, I have known many a gardener that worked well into the night and early morning arose<br />
who where well into their 80's<br />
Why am I suddenly struck with pains and aches that keep me inside<br />
or sitting on the deck watching instead of doing?<br />
Grief of the heart did me in<br />
So this morning I take great joy again<br />
in the squirrels and the birds<br />
especially the happy chickadees<br />
that still let out sounds in the freezing cold<br />
...ah<br />
a lesson here<br />
Keep doing what you were meant to do<br />
and sing baby sing</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-37473244272006629522013-10-10T09:03:00.001-07:002013-10-10T09:03:12.163-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Took a walk through the garden this morning<br />
with an open heart..<br />
I sat a while to clear my mind of anything but the moment<br />
and then I looked up<br />
and saw the light coming through the delicate flower<br />
of the heavenly blue morning glory<br />
God in flower</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnp8ERy8ULdLtvNo_uVK3jfC55hUSYuJolJoYc7vlKTlV5LmRnpGsPO1thi2eKKiZxz4lMlearAh28nxSCvoXmo85m-A_5VmBaFmAgXjkQ5ova5uSHuMu1Xxr-7hdGOCOvrp5RJPDhw90/s1600/P1010028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnp8ERy8ULdLtvNo_uVK3jfC55hUSYuJolJoYc7vlKTlV5LmRnpGsPO1thi2eKKiZxz4lMlearAh28nxSCvoXmo85m-A_5VmBaFmAgXjkQ5ova5uSHuMu1Xxr-7hdGOCOvrp5RJPDhw90/s400/P1010028.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I looked down and saw this tiny slug<br />
slimming over a recently cut tree<br />
a mulberry<br />
ugh<br />
but he made it a dance floor<br />
and I watched until a flock of robins<br />
flew overhead and raided the mountain ash <br />
the Roam tree<br />
I am blessed to have two in my garden<br />
this ancient tree of protection<br />
I need to gather some dry branches<br />
tie them with red thread<br />
and place them over my door<br />
just a symbol<br />
but I am a wench after all<br />
and so much a gypsy of the wandering soul<br />
</div>
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<br />
my temple bell is certainly<br />
wabi sabi in the garden<br />
On a windy day I absolutely love sitting in the garden<br />
listen listen to all the bells<br />
I am taken away by the sound<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNRLrNNp-ngG3Cdxzhvm-qBdCgX1s4lXz8BZUrN4i9sprbxjX4KTxte_40to4KyEFN87HxIjiSwWcAYCULedNMQl2a_Ad8wXq9cC4M4eqQDnKgQMw3BzpZCP8c6cFVtrotkeAFYFrSTjI/s1600/P1010049.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNRLrNNp-ngG3Cdxzhvm-qBdCgX1s4lXz8BZUrN4i9sprbxjX4KTxte_40to4KyEFN87HxIjiSwWcAYCULedNMQl2a_Ad8wXq9cC4M4eqQDnKgQMw3BzpZCP8c6cFVtrotkeAFYFrSTjI/s400/P1010049.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh..poor bunny<br />
someone knocked you down<br />
...oh<br />
or maybe you were star gazing last night<br />
I understand<br />
or you were recharging your energy<br />
gathering it from mother earth at your back</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QGiQUys0ffi0MydYxqtoDFvlhsfW1QyeTsY0qwigNaafoOU37PcYEi2jDPFgK7aqE7H23O60_XarqpjIpICOfdb-Xn2YPBzhP04e6LgVasFSPzBDkv5Y5anWUUG2TA2RhjUWgTVXRgAU/s1600/P1010053.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QGiQUys0ffi0MydYxqtoDFvlhsfW1QyeTsY0qwigNaafoOU37PcYEi2jDPFgK7aqE7H23O60_XarqpjIpICOfdb-Xn2YPBzhP04e6LgVasFSPzBDkv5Y5anWUUG2TA2RhjUWgTVXRgAU/s400/P1010053.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOuU-gdkwpy1ldmensV1bCew_Q1bYOSJV0Cfp-Zgx4ixEKdQG5eBNJJSzGVCwv7pFfEJpA41CddF1bjR0w2EQO8fhPzEqyeyXXlYVRE8keUJxd4m0SCP8C_NIviUdZkgowOjEPta1IEdg/s1600/P1010055.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOuU-gdkwpy1ldmensV1bCew_Q1bYOSJV0Cfp-Zgx4ixEKdQG5eBNJJSzGVCwv7pFfEJpA41CddF1bjR0w2EQO8fhPzEqyeyXXlYVRE8keUJxd4m0SCP8C_NIviUdZkgowOjEPta1IEdg/s400/P1010055.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOzhM_hNZfzC7W-lUWYAcnsuXhc7MRfeJbNHY2s_5f3TblOFB1VqYuiExufIorZu0P8bWHB-RVVODC8LcDia1AdKuXA7iJdQtbrtrfDS1APG9yvCBUrvq6FlWr2LnygsZTkd_rtet5xY5/s1600/P1010056.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOzhM_hNZfzC7W-lUWYAcnsuXhc7MRfeJbNHY2s_5f3TblOFB1VqYuiExufIorZu0P8bWHB-RVVODC8LcDia1AdKuXA7iJdQtbrtrfDS1APG9yvCBUrvq6FlWr2LnygsZTkd_rtet5xY5/s400/P1010056.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Oak leaf hydrangea<br />
I love you most in autumn<br />
I promise to water you more<br />
next season of growing<br />
living water<br />
that's what we all need</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-89901059564230889852013-10-09T06:42:00.001-07:002013-10-09T06:46:20.540-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7e1hknhw6M9vc5J7OEvlu8GEiyq5zDANFCzhbxNAl_D16e_FTSt-2ZYfV4vPZ1_7JergEOqe7xjbdh79GIkif8vGCwXft8-0smlL4jB1JwpsLaq6NCZ3Ld0rc54F70pK7Zbg9D1KM9oY/s1600/P1010014.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7e1hknhw6M9vc5J7OEvlu8GEiyq5zDANFCzhbxNAl_D16e_FTSt-2ZYfV4vPZ1_7JergEOqe7xjbdh79GIkif8vGCwXft8-0smlL4jB1JwpsLaq6NCZ3Ld0rc54F70pK7Zbg9D1KM9oY/s400/P1010014.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I cannot tell you what overcame me this summer<br />
that I so neglected my garden<br />
life, I guess<br />
I let others prune my bushes and weed my garden<br />
and they almost destroyed it<br />
But I know better<br />
Every year in the garden is a new garden<br />
and I expect that when the first robin returns <br />
a spiritual match will light the dry kindling inside of me<br />
and nature will be faithful and there will be survivors<br />
and I will begin again<br />
walk barefoot on the earth<br />
receive its energy<br />
I'll dig out my gloves and hat<br />
and tools<br />
<br />
We'll begin the creative process all over again<br />
and there will be joy</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-29908250373989630072013-09-13T06:47:00.004-07:002013-09-13T08:01:26.688-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwSexEdXq2cE-psdoiGmXFCMI5Z69yZkRCHrGedodlkJSp4uGxU4441SYtCvJFOcZUPARq-GouM2E5czV6oOf7OXn8ZxiAuCU_VW8g12i_VMREEp6WM06b9VfbM2Z99ssMHCXttvUo1oq/s1600/DSCN7659.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwSexEdXq2cE-psdoiGmXFCMI5Z69yZkRCHrGedodlkJSp4uGxU4441SYtCvJFOcZUPARq-GouM2E5czV6oOf7OXn8ZxiAuCU_VW8g12i_VMREEp6WM06b9VfbM2Z99ssMHCXttvUo1oq/s400/DSCN7659.JPG" /></a><br />
The garden path leads to Autumn</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r56WF87b55vKwDgpvS2XFEb5-V7CpZ3Tiq9vPsrgbaxjiGfj2lCmWmgvOj70AQ_aOTfqOVFypPo0egaqbjMJe52g34M-LhOf8_LtBED2N0Ni-kBDDZuYgHNK4cHOmNyITgN1ZoDv1MsF/s1600/DSCN7662.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r56WF87b55vKwDgpvS2XFEb5-V7CpZ3Tiq9vPsrgbaxjiGfj2lCmWmgvOj70AQ_aOTfqOVFypPo0egaqbjMJe52g34M-LhOf8_LtBED2N0Ni-kBDDZuYgHNK4cHOmNyITgN1ZoDv1MsF/s400/DSCN7662.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
but there is still much beauty going on<br />
like this lone morning glory </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qxPAIvEePOgtQUc28iNCTGpIAkWjx7bHkWE6UIZ9mqJN-wN0PtP2xEfkF_P2AHvymE47k5SfqY5mPl0Tj53igqTkorql1bU97QDlnTF0miqLF_I9w78-N_edqfcwyQW3mplsrCbfodsh/s1600/DSCN7663.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qxPAIvEePOgtQUc28iNCTGpIAkWjx7bHkWE6UIZ9mqJN-wN0PtP2xEfkF_P2AHvymE47k5SfqY5mPl0Tj53igqTkorql1bU97QDlnTF0miqLF_I9w78-N_edqfcwyQW3mplsrCbfodsh/s400/DSCN7663.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
there is joy in the wabi sabi look of this chair<br />
and my heart swells with joy for the little flowers<br />
that are so ordinary, but today<br />
so welcomed and adored by me</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu9FWUZGA5E7H3uvD2qqQzYp486pNYrzWErsyBvfYFqH3RtLNV8JDbpZU8xkn_fmHwC4_3egAZrbIA1uvnX9retuDu9JMJot9psXt88hy7xF0CmNLw7hHUPbX-NpOt-EelmaSiF3_duKP/s1600/DSCN7670.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu9FWUZGA5E7H3uvD2qqQzYp486pNYrzWErsyBvfYFqH3RtLNV8JDbpZU8xkn_fmHwC4_3egAZrbIA1uvnX9retuDu9JMJot9psXt88hy7xF0CmNLw7hHUPbX-NpOt-EelmaSiF3_duKP/s400/DSCN7670.JPG" /></a><br />
Even the dreaded monstrous grapevine<br />
that has taken over my chimney this summer<br />
Is beautiful with its deep purple fruit<br />
<br />
......that my wards...who must move on soon<br />
will eat to to fatten themselves up for the long journey of migration<br />
<br />
Oh I will miss you all,<br />
but will hold tight<br />
to the awaiting feelings of excitment and anticipation <br />
for your return<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf0oSFlcOACXxbmkqrdr4ONALsBUoaVu4w8bHb6ACCN253YU_b7ZsXYaINTp_kQCc6Gm35PxIIbd0gPecIllE1fE9mzkXVTCJBADQOqs-aWR0IibHbnYwZgY2cYV45RKANbzobTV8IE_K/s1600/DSCN7672.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf0oSFlcOACXxbmkqrdr4ONALsBUoaVu4w8bHb6ACCN253YU_b7ZsXYaINTp_kQCc6Gm35PxIIbd0gPecIllE1fE9mzkXVTCJBADQOqs-aWR0IibHbnYwZgY2cYV45RKANbzobTV8IE_K/s400/DSCN7672.JPG" /></a><br />
Sweet Autumn <br />
your blooms are breathtaking<br />
I shall never have a garden again without you<br />
<br />
Remember the summer I cut you down instead of the grapevine<br />
and I cried out<br />
<br />
But you came back to me the next year<br />
thank you</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEiqbin9QIsut48BkM8gXh9FAU-NOcsW0otWvAEXR23BVveCn3yBJrdEtJFTaKkBprZWbRimGqrF2c3YI5GQhk1_pUBS9JWNcO3FPcecqE4J4awAnYzxd8IuzuE3SeclsR8_d7SMl_pjT/s1600/DSCN7676.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEiqbin9QIsut48BkM8gXh9FAU-NOcsW0otWvAEXR23BVveCn3yBJrdEtJFTaKkBprZWbRimGqrF2c3YI5GQhk1_pUBS9JWNcO3FPcecqE4J4awAnYzxd8IuzuE3SeclsR8_d7SMl_pjT/s400/DSCN7676.JPG" /></a><br />
Even the clinkin clanking caliginous collection of junk<br />
never fails to open my eyes to ordinary joy<br />
wabi sabi </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT9reGBK-K0sR0U9o7jgO8hVnkUj90Kw9LmVGHtAtOhGecAXj-1u3DymHHkPMAelDSJN3bdn3nbKhNHsSUk-K-T3kf6rosuMwx-L0w1arJKpb2q1QwKdT2K1KLN0OkI1Aq8AHQZuqnrOI/s1600/DSCN7682.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT9reGBK-K0sR0U9o7jgO8hVnkUj90Kw9LmVGHtAtOhGecAXj-1u3DymHHkPMAelDSJN3bdn3nbKhNHsSUk-K-T3kf6rosuMwx-L0w1arJKpb2q1QwKdT2K1KLN0OkI1Aq8AHQZuqnrOI/s400/DSCN7682.JPG" /></a><br />
and the new arrivals that spark childlike glee in me<br />
...You are in good company...welcome</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCiXF1kexXiRPtQScOkHemJsCb6iFbd2W_6JiII-oDPZBQAQYer_6yeUx2QYBoxhhft1lVfjcdCW8ayIGha9ZZNeGISQjRt2ymZ-1EtTEvN9fpE_wBPfdhHlcqh6kAKr0CeKPwz1LeMen/s1600/DSCN7683.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCiXF1kexXiRPtQScOkHemJsCb6iFbd2W_6JiII-oDPZBQAQYer_6yeUx2QYBoxhhft1lVfjcdCW8ayIGha9ZZNeGISQjRt2ymZ-1EtTEvN9fpE_wBPfdhHlcqh6kAKr0CeKPwz1LeMen/s400/DSCN7683.JPG" /></a><br />
autumn joy sedum<br />
how wonderfully named<br />
so true<br />
pure joy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQjP9VEmICseAE8THEu3UcfAzb5OrN47pFQunvQhLvcegrXvuJMD6Ub5Pe4j4T9WUL4SN9AI8DKuPt4H5eQHouqcOXePJ9sIwnOzJte428033rdBN3P0OdcOIgeHusTR8VvxkmGYX0BBS/s1600/DSCN7685.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQjP9VEmICseAE8THEu3UcfAzb5OrN47pFQunvQhLvcegrXvuJMD6Ub5Pe4j4T9WUL4SN9AI8DKuPt4H5eQHouqcOXePJ9sIwnOzJte428033rdBN3P0OdcOIgeHusTR8VvxkmGYX0BBS/s400/DSCN7685.JPG" /></a><br />
My obedient plant has spread over to my neighbors side<br />
and she thanked me<br />
ha....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHbPkjw4wvqJre_4Rnficb_AGo8wtoi-0jJ94IPAc716_WIS_ZDlkV-UcVM59SzmjQclII1WD1m2C1dwczhyE2NBrStGB5QMRPn4JLiqKh-M2GM4SYiVkGG4SFleMoEw35t9WvT_OvG34/s1600/DSCN7688.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHbPkjw4wvqJre_4Rnficb_AGo8wtoi-0jJ94IPAc716_WIS_ZDlkV-UcVM59SzmjQclII1WD1m2C1dwczhyE2NBrStGB5QMRPn4JLiqKh-M2GM4SYiVkGG4SFleMoEw35t9WvT_OvG34/s400/DSCN7688.JPG" /></a><br />
scarlet.....how beautiful you are<br />
against the iron<br />
Glad I remembered to toss your seeds in the ground<br />
for you have rewarded me with late blooms<br />
of such passion</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXLoF_MeERXxfguUkupJYVFv-8ABD_DR5ypKhsFG3HEnCiwkq5RkFOQbJ-PzNW4ltdAlru0NWc69kaIQbiuAqOLtn0oF5exameVG1ZXXSNaf3sb_IkkV-fIU_0yOkgDPnBu_kX8bCc4xA/s1600/DSCN7700.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXLoF_MeERXxfguUkupJYVFv-8ABD_DR5ypKhsFG3HEnCiwkq5RkFOQbJ-PzNW4ltdAlru0NWc69kaIQbiuAqOLtn0oF5exameVG1ZXXSNaf3sb_IkkV-fIU_0yOkgDPnBu_kX8bCc4xA/s400/DSCN7700.JPG" /></a><br />
I have gathered my pots together<br />
to keep them close by<br />
so I can nuture them to the end</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXTwmA2l5HHgVdrNOwaDe2Vb6L9-whsd2K33trWPsQykeWr6qJfKQLAmpB4XXNHc_H3d1vX4oPs_bC-kkG61rMWGI_SjIpBz-Ha29AWaV3zy0LWyrr17i2xhzGmygBSNQPrg7aYezl9os/s1600/DSCN7699.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXTwmA2l5HHgVdrNOwaDe2Vb6L9-whsd2K33trWPsQykeWr6qJfKQLAmpB4XXNHc_H3d1vX4oPs_bC-kkG61rMWGI_SjIpBz-Ha29AWaV3zy0LWyrr17i2xhzGmygBSNQPrg7aYezl9os/s400/DSCN7699.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh....I have seen too many of these little feathers scattered around<br />
The hawk returned <br />
<br />
I can only do so much<br />
...chase him vigorously<br />
...but he waits<br />
and he eats for the day<br />
<br />
so sad for my mourning doves<br />
<br />
....but the trees weeped leaves<br />
and your feathers were covered with deep respect<br />
<br />
The dove just having roosted in your branches<br />
<br />
Dark/light<br />
joy/sadness<br />
predator /prey<br />
<br />
Oh the lessons of the garden</div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-42151608264745396502013-09-05T06:48:00.002-07:002013-09-05T06:48:35.387-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKikzlu3QmRh8IQ5RdqciDT96ZNeNDp5rTWaBM0tIaH6JE8SiTwp_nYoYtIr9pW3fSGH7muD8uOvwkLQ8ACOO8eO5a6q3HZlfOOgYpbiN9NxzwrIF-iXeDDgkVcVaxz-lC1e22U5XMuBCM/s1600/spruce-grouse-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKikzlu3QmRh8IQ5RdqciDT96ZNeNDp5rTWaBM0tIaH6JE8SiTwp_nYoYtIr9pW3fSGH7muD8uOvwkLQ8ACOO8eO5a6q3HZlfOOgYpbiN9NxzwrIF-iXeDDgkVcVaxz-lC1e22U5XMuBCM/s320/spruce-grouse-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Google is giving me trouble over loading pictures</div>
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Lucky for me</div>
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an important one was able to get through</div>
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using another method</div>
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phew</div>
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The grouse.</div>
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today was a glorious day</div>
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truly one to put in a treasure box</div>
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So I ditched the inside work</div>
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and went outside to clean up the deck</div>
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....the deck that was supposed to be taken down this summer</div>
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....there's always next year</div>
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I heard some rustling in the fallen leaves of the horsechestnut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I looked over and I was dumbstruck</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
there was this bird I had never seen before</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it hopped onto the deck stair, then onto the deck and proceeded to walk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
right by my feet</div>
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I didn't move....I thought it was coming right up to me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
like a pet bird...what bird is this?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a grouse</div>
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We don't have grouse here....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It stopped about a foot away from me then proceeded to walk across the deck and jump off</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CAMERA!</div>
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I ran inside....'cause nobody is going to believe me</div>
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...just like the time in Chicago, in the Brighton Park neighborhood</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I walked out the door and there..in my landlord's garden</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
stood a curlew</div>
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.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....back to my grouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course (?) I found the camera on the kitchen table and ran outside to catch the grouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NO MEMORY!<br />son of a b</div>
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I ran back inside and found a card</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but the doggone bird was gone</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I heard him in the Autumn joy sedum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but they was absolutely covered in bees</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were in Galena this past weekend, near the Mississippi River</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chestnut mountain ski resort to be exact</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...my husband said he looked it up and said there are tons of grouse there</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one of the few places in Illinois</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Could this bird have hitched a ride ?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no way</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband insists</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I told my hairstylist about the grouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and he spun me around in the chair</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and asked</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Didn't you claim to see a mink too?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew he didn't believe me</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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The last words out of my mouth last night before lights out were,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>How did that bird get here and where will he go?</em></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB439yHN1bsCyz8vg42lvLkdtqccKF5-igYoihgocrSWf2FQfD5inYght2TjLC8P8ba4g7FsCC7Sky9NxIPgaMEx-yAs9IJN26Q_EoHJnA_yLqno-Uy9814tqW7uNHmcDY0PHW7v1cH_c/s1600/DSCN7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB439yHN1bsCyz8vg42lvLkdtqccKF5-igYoihgocrSWf2FQfD5inYght2TjLC8P8ba4g7FsCC7Sky9NxIPgaMEx-yAs9IJN26Q_EoHJnA_yLqno-Uy9814tqW7uNHmcDY0PHW7v1cH_c/s320/DSCN7655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband said,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>quit grousing and go to sleep</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<em></em> </div>
<br /></div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-27554155790223646102013-08-30T07:33:00.002-07:002013-08-31T10:01:10.563-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGrq-Y77cxbkaMQnctPfbjBttqul-htR-OnaZgfVUJRrprtdh2uVQ9rF8KPwHkizeuo69j_h-jzQePAVT-9DhbXrrGN6Di1l3qjqjQvl5ZfqKpMIQtA0RANLWx36uRvsjH-cI1rrl_OP/s1600/DSCN7617.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGrq-Y77cxbkaMQnctPfbjBttqul-htR-OnaZgfVUJRrprtdh2uVQ9rF8KPwHkizeuo69j_h-jzQePAVT-9DhbXrrGN6Di1l3qjqjQvl5ZfqKpMIQtA0RANLWx36uRvsjH-cI1rrl_OP/s400/DSCN7617.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I delighted in the Buddha's shadow<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieqezurA17Uy0gee1O9Q0xIKwFdgFmdadmRer42IZaCABBJOMw4LI_Klm0nhY31UjhPu9O99PDlLEIeNkNYSZSbF_KGVZoC2qJa8vCNgp_0wBPZJg-4fJ78DTOfx5fyEz2DjCFZXuSsHO/s1600/DSCN7618.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieqezurA17Uy0gee1O9Q0xIKwFdgFmdadmRer42IZaCABBJOMw4LI_Klm0nhY31UjhPu9O99PDlLEIeNkNYSZSbF_KGVZoC2qJa8vCNgp_0wBPZJg-4fJ78DTOfx5fyEz2DjCFZXuSsHO/s400/DSCN7618.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
and the wind chime's shadow<br />
...still... along the wall <br />
It's the none movement<br />
that quiets me this morning<br />
My mom's new cat is very sick<br />
and I have prayed for this kitty<br />
every night <br />
that God spare it for my mother<br />
who just lost her older cat this past year<br />
My mom is 83 years old<br />
and this is taking a toll on her<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPQcrjKvMZd5Le8Fx1ix7j0XnpDjtDpxE1CD_Pj5QwFe8iUbf6-lEdD5lplJ-fJ7_kqeykHhtLTu0cy8fIkmvmTD4m84qaUhnN7Jr3pYCgGhz6VyOpsGeACHT4lxP_GOaLGxtcG0CC_Ca/s1600/DSCN7623.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPQcrjKvMZd5Le8Fx1ix7j0XnpDjtDpxE1CD_Pj5QwFe8iUbf6-lEdD5lplJ-fJ7_kqeykHhtLTu0cy8fIkmvmTD4m84qaUhnN7Jr3pYCgGhz6VyOpsGeACHT4lxP_GOaLGxtcG0CC_Ca/s400/DSCN7623.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
A bunny runs out of the ground cover and stops<br />
hoping I don't see it<br />
or seek to harm it<br />
I would never hurt you Mr Bunny<br />
Every creature is welcome in my garden<br />
You give me so much in return<br />
glimpses of joy and wonder<br />
moments of awe<br />
and spirit<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe0c5ClP5-ElX50jo6BuvcM8D52gOIyKelMBzyeNHqM-w9b7L56xZqXAP8mgkCeBfruyYcjbd0DnkccuvLgOsd1ChTjZlFr2Vnxa7veuhx0wx-JlpfBb537CaKzGkuNpNYzaqPcH7KsxK/s1600/DSCN7610.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe0c5ClP5-ElX50jo6BuvcM8D52gOIyKelMBzyeNHqM-w9b7L56xZqXAP8mgkCeBfruyYcjbd0DnkccuvLgOsd1ChTjZlFr2Vnxa7veuhx0wx-JlpfBb537CaKzGkuNpNYzaqPcH7KsxK/s400/DSCN7610.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
You Mr. Hummingbird moth<br />
took me away to a place of bliss<br />
this morning...your movements up and down and over<br />
the Butterfly bush<br />
.....How this bush got spared from the landscapers march to Atlanta<br />
I'll never be sure of<br />
But it is one of those little miracles that I know<br />
and never question<br />
but rather stand in</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86Fn5Q2gKNQuk7TlrH9g9aHCFklzgCC40d3kXDFjyF7LhXMRbX-MGBUPqP-CioOkuF-5I-fxfFFPBoVRSMaCO_iy4TOtBOwsgB2EH8xFki_b2YMjyu10oM3XqMxNVIBLqi1xD2tCloqRp/s1600/DSCN7625.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86Fn5Q2gKNQuk7TlrH9g9aHCFklzgCC40d3kXDFjyF7LhXMRbX-MGBUPqP-CioOkuF-5I-fxfFFPBoVRSMaCO_iy4TOtBOwsgB2EH8xFki_b2YMjyu10oM3XqMxNVIBLqi1xD2tCloqRp/s400/DSCN7625.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Even the morning shadows across the brick<br />
make me look up in quiet<br />
appreciation<br />
for the sun<br />
that warms the earth<br />
draws forth life out of barren ground<br />
It is no wonder that the ancients worshiped it<br />
It is an orb of life<br />
<br />
It is going to be very hot today<br />
and the garden is waning as it is<br />
...the birds call for me to fill the feeders and the birdbaths<br />
Leaves are falling<br />
and I know the season of summer<br />
has gathered her skirt and romped over the hill<br />
seasons<br />
I feel like I'm passing through one right now<br />
joy<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-25152167723694620852013-08-17T08:46:00.001-07:002013-08-17T08:46:16.357-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOTkiEnCcaOxUrHbuHnyj3AnlB3-nQztsozk-jKx7c2gz6uFOHJ9ZCdgvJrDrkhHoKM8AmlOA2t-c7UtblKrYf5q3u5_JCqRrbM41JNSRBDT1VPgaUpx5b5SF-YOKc3Psf8oV2qcWabP6/s1600/DSCN7542.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOTkiEnCcaOxUrHbuHnyj3AnlB3-nQztsozk-jKx7c2gz6uFOHJ9ZCdgvJrDrkhHoKM8AmlOA2t-c7UtblKrYf5q3u5_JCqRrbM41JNSRBDT1VPgaUpx5b5SF-YOKc3Psf8oV2qcWabP6/s400/DSCN7542.JPG" /></a><br />
A photographer...I'm not<br />
but this morning I snapped away<br />
at anything that caught my eye and brought me joy<br />
the wench is back</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8OvMYjz85tSvm-Mbps9BGcq4pg27s5lnk8k8fbMa0mDfsDcJfi8GfCqralBJX57BLFEqcO7uaLy8G5AXAt3pDFZEyJyHvVPwjUCKWexG-cdTiCizfvekBv_Nkfqa0wEP_zzSsoDeU2cy/s1600/DSCN7546.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8OvMYjz85tSvm-Mbps9BGcq4pg27s5lnk8k8fbMa0mDfsDcJfi8GfCqralBJX57BLFEqcO7uaLy8G5AXAt3pDFZEyJyHvVPwjUCKWexG-cdTiCizfvekBv_Nkfqa0wEP_zzSsoDeU2cy/s400/DSCN7546.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKrUlW_T4075Scs21jimQrlc-yp72RC_W-UeYNAR6REruOYIsBK35QNIPlme6-FRgXAHPVbmpWa6GfJfMQ2OJud-XFWr-UjNOIX5ub3ANX_92BRhIAkKS4vzPi3bAbhwIpVPymXkktrJI/s1600/DSCN7551.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKrUlW_T4075Scs21jimQrlc-yp72RC_W-UeYNAR6REruOYIsBK35QNIPlme6-FRgXAHPVbmpWa6GfJfMQ2OJud-XFWr-UjNOIX5ub3ANX_92BRhIAkKS4vzPi3bAbhwIpVPymXkktrJI/s400/DSCN7551.JPG" /></a><br />
They spotted me first<br />
and waddled along the rooftop<br />
keeping an eye on me<br />
I love mourning doves</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQfa7N5W5GgLr2Wm187BZ4kprlYGW3JtMqgczBJj9BBDimgup2PMHockvMy_G_-kV46TuHoap_BF880PAct-mOJBsCTW9xq4uIJ_TNtBZOE5oVKyAC-W5vT7qGeQw6T31yVMVFBu-OxYc/s1600/DSCN7559.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQfa7N5W5GgLr2Wm187BZ4kprlYGW3JtMqgczBJj9BBDimgup2PMHockvMy_G_-kV46TuHoap_BF880PAct-mOJBsCTW9xq4uIJ_TNtBZOE5oVKyAC-W5vT7qGeQw6T31yVMVFBu-OxYc/s400/DSCN7559.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dajXisTEK2u301m7ON1IfJGVXGkZDSDwr7p0EyxwZN38J8TrBQ2_2iXL0CCe29VC5gt96fiXCJnHh44Di-xA7GzoVGqYIzmnc4u6zDt-WTUpJrqugaD9v88HN1QNncKd7NeoS9hrkDZ/s1600/DSCN7561.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dajXisTEK2u301m7ON1IfJGVXGkZDSDwr7p0EyxwZN38J8TrBQ2_2iXL0CCe29VC5gt96fiXCJnHh44Di-xA7GzoVGqYIzmnc4u6zDt-WTUpJrqugaD9v88HN1QNncKd7NeoS9hrkDZ/s400/DSCN7561.JPG" /></a><br />
all my undercover...gone</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGt2Yt5RYHyqJIomokQTu7ewqIH-PAF9Lh3WHfovgsygF-xL6cJde_f_CLcQPY-lcA79M99M9q21w-GgjPJdxScJMy7LS0dsn9gEgmC_MHJiZVsoqDYhVzLaQyOwsh4YEU6eZvWgH12Oz/s1600/DSCN7562.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGt2Yt5RYHyqJIomokQTu7ewqIH-PAF9Lh3WHfovgsygF-xL6cJde_f_CLcQPY-lcA79M99M9q21w-GgjPJdxScJMy7LS0dsn9gEgmC_MHJiZVsoqDYhVzLaQyOwsh4YEU6eZvWgH12Oz/s400/DSCN7562.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbmD0zhlvRTg3aVgWPiAeSVvI6oTScc4dUpbS0r5Z5vtQujmypmVlmUKGbMQURo512DjSrarWbaMoQ2UwaCHKY7QCmnv-X2KKeagzWgXQYw3QvZNOTSXjhvHDhWY_nqjYT2jxfqMIdIWA/s1600/DSCN7576.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbmD0zhlvRTg3aVgWPiAeSVvI6oTScc4dUpbS0r5Z5vtQujmypmVlmUKGbMQURo512DjSrarWbaMoQ2UwaCHKY7QCmnv-X2KKeagzWgXQYw3QvZNOTSXjhvHDhWY_nqjYT2jxfqMIdIWA/s400/DSCN7576.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2l2l7-2EhLsm9oVDWcAhkSOvSqVyBr8BLN0xSXf9IKFNKB9QZA1jhT7eXGL6oRb-gFDMWgCBf5-qHgGy488h7Pztm-Ti1CVh94Oc0ld4cvy8B_kWvhnRpIsCDtdLIGwTtbcAwUJ3ZfWN/s1600/DSCN7588.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2l2l7-2EhLsm9oVDWcAhkSOvSqVyBr8BLN0xSXf9IKFNKB9QZA1jhT7eXGL6oRb-gFDMWgCBf5-qHgGy488h7Pztm-Ti1CVh94Oc0ld4cvy8B_kWvhnRpIsCDtdLIGwTtbcAwUJ3ZfWN/s400/DSCN7588.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73cqA9yhC2oQO6zTjHtxN-ta4Y9Yx9apYXQAoErOWvVY331YIH5ZOpwMr0KKLjKOy9XtxmBWIMhtbiIqY0W10T9qFyyaxKRbMROhUEtL12UWBEW-CanTKiZXMTSAZPfG665Xjb9sUK_XB/s1600/DSCN7592.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73cqA9yhC2oQO6zTjHtxN-ta4Y9Yx9apYXQAoErOWvVY331YIH5ZOpwMr0KKLjKOy9XtxmBWIMhtbiIqY0W10T9qFyyaxKRbMROhUEtL12UWBEW-CanTKiZXMTSAZPfG665Xjb9sUK_XB/s400/DSCN7592.JPG" /></a><br />
but it hasn't deterred my little bunny family<br />
like ghosts they haunt the garden<br />
making rattling sounds in what is left of the brush<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-sSm6vffoupRyaRrkBv4jDxYlJXO-uBQyty0f5xMCW8LyH-7A1wWRt7MwtVsWadsrTpAOBkk_OIk7GXWxiHILa1pI3YmFrmhgWm_nYgO_GSV-kfG972by9_N89-4FPen69LQ9VYPUt4m/s1600/DSCN7596.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-sSm6vffoupRyaRrkBv4jDxYlJXO-uBQyty0f5xMCW8LyH-7A1wWRt7MwtVsWadsrTpAOBkk_OIk7GXWxiHILa1pI3YmFrmhgWm_nYgO_GSV-kfG972by9_N89-4FPen69LQ9VYPUt4m/s400/DSCN7596.JPG" /></a><br />
my butterfly weed has survived the "Sherman's march to the sea"</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjZAEELNtHKicxjIdqFbw0WScWkSoGU-8BvjhTUsEPtDAf2WFZ1LwQAzV9NFTJnXAG_TbZXRwz4fk-TWDjxaB8prb7TidxDCyOTEN1ivLLxUZYxEgR7dT0rZGYLY8V774hje3DAlGeNyP/s1600/DSCN7597.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjZAEELNtHKicxjIdqFbw0WScWkSoGU-8BvjhTUsEPtDAf2WFZ1LwQAzV9NFTJnXAG_TbZXRwz4fk-TWDjxaB8prb7TidxDCyOTEN1ivLLxUZYxEgR7dT0rZGYLY8V774hje3DAlGeNyP/s400/DSCN7597.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNPm3tOh0HtfyvUp9uYKHER0Mw8O0e3TLlZ-oDXNkZAVgZuvrog6IDCqbQxMKbKYlJTnFL45_-IpIaBcvhN0cdz0BJTQk7i9f10MPh8fgneSkNatd1QcNa4-G-hrgnGaUu6QPQo84vVLF/s1600/DSCN7594.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNPm3tOh0HtfyvUp9uYKHER0Mw8O0e3TLlZ-oDXNkZAVgZuvrog6IDCqbQxMKbKYlJTnFL45_-IpIaBcvhN0cdz0BJTQk7i9f10MPh8fgneSkNatd1QcNa4-G-hrgnGaUu6QPQo84vVLF/s400/DSCN7594.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGnPs5xgARqXyHlU5NsMSMHy1kuCYtnNoLPBhebjRVgHr6ZW868s8BjC1Xgw5rGh7KSJVWPL5mPiA98dh5250rvAlUKp02UoRRiw7fMPmdxXRV3MR6sx767f5q8XaiEtGQDRcUJrGT72_/s1600/DSCN7593.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGnPs5xgARqXyHlU5NsMSMHy1kuCYtnNoLPBhebjRVgHr6ZW868s8BjC1Xgw5rGh7KSJVWPL5mPiA98dh5250rvAlUKp02UoRRiw7fMPmdxXRV3MR6sx767f5q8XaiEtGQDRcUJrGT72_/s400/DSCN7593.JPG" /></a><br />
oh ironweed...it loves it here<br />
I think I have a rain garden going for sure<br />
now...if it would only rain</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSSMh2AbxN8aWp57M66HM9mX6caBAUkR9dQvK_1izcfiz0qluzbDO1JbjVkcz5LPgIwGoi86m-CrcT6ZdGCji8MV4rvC-Jw6_Kfg5oGxtziOU-bVLo1UMYF5uTFyQx50wJfZbwiB9H5Qk/s1600/DSCN7599.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSSMh2AbxN8aWp57M66HM9mX6caBAUkR9dQvK_1izcfiz0qluzbDO1JbjVkcz5LPgIwGoi86m-CrcT6ZdGCji8MV4rvC-Jw6_Kfg5oGxtziOU-bVLo1UMYF5uTFyQx50wJfZbwiB9H5Qk/s400/DSCN7599.JPG" /></a> </div>
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everybody needs beauty<br />
as well as bread<br />
places to play in<br />
and pray in<br />
where nature may heal and cheer<br />
and give strength<br />
to body and soul alike<br />
...john muir</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-58495502404590911472013-08-16T07:48:00.001-07:002013-08-16T11:55:24.564-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My garden has turned into a speakeasy<br />
wild and crazy<br />
a joint<br />
<br />
I have ignored her this summer<br />
and despite that she has blossomed<br />
The grass has gone all clover and dandelions<br />
sigh...the bugs like it<br />
but my husband sneers at it<br />
<br />
The despised grape vine has taken over<br />
growing into the horsechestnut tree and up the chimney<br />
and the morning glories have conneted to the queen of the prairie<br />
making the pathway through the garden tricky<br />
<br />
But the worst thing is that the volunteer trees that I usally cut out<br />
have grown without supervision into large teenagers...the mulberries and maples<br />
I had to call in professional help..<br />
which I dread, but it had to be<br />
But most of them don't know<br />
a tree from a bush<br />
and they just leveled everything<br />
The wench is in recovery<br />
no beautiful quiet serene garden to meditate in<br />
scorchd earth<br />
<br />
But it has been a few weeks and things are looking better<br />
the flowers... I was able to save them....with my dead body<br />
and arriving home just in time<br />
Ah she is survivor<br />
the garden<br />
and so is the wench<br />
we both go on<br />
despite hardships</div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-57642838162750450982013-06-07T07:43:00.001-07:002013-06-07T07:43:44.653-07:00bar's open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERF7HO8dO-UNBJQuIWd9KdylgUbCd2FeUHJ6xGEfpfvrm2XAZIKNF0uNn-fUJJSKYwmd-GKO3V_ksO1FL79D0q10oh_L-tdzIglNNOUK62OYshsVvKy40bFiWCDHlcHDPP7oJlEFhDa0C/s1600/DSCN7402.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERF7HO8dO-UNBJQuIWd9KdylgUbCd2FeUHJ6xGEfpfvrm2XAZIKNF0uNn-fUJJSKYwmd-GKO3V_ksO1FL79D0q10oh_L-tdzIglNNOUK62OYshsVvKy40bFiWCDHlcHDPP7oJlEFhDa0C/s400/DSCN7402.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
So you say...<br />
where is the wench?<br />
Well, it has not been a good season for the gardener<br />
to be in the garden<br />
too cold<br />
too wet<br />
too muddy<br />
stormy<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMSikGMb6lFTHOg3m4_Miq7D5EOYoDGR6FRCJToESOr78mHKCk6FjxCsV5eT2nXxzk94DBAzg26Ygq5n2jetLTPNGIzXAFql3AMP_5Xv0z8QYY9QYnZkg-xHj_s1_oxiRiGTwtWrHHWN4/s1600/DSCN7394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMSikGMb6lFTHOg3m4_Miq7D5EOYoDGR6FRCJToESOr78mHKCk6FjxCsV5eT2nXxzk94DBAzg26Ygq5n2jetLTPNGIzXAFql3AMP_5Xv0z8QYY9QYnZkg-xHj_s1_oxiRiGTwtWrHHWN4/s320/DSCN7394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
But my oh my...<br />
the garden doesn't really need me<br />
to begin<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ro4xBGcvK3s8BEjBkgwKWAfx7FMDxoCAYm_GUU9dXLo5reVMZyT_2vr-nB-jFX69cpS2CV8fV0EIysFKHNKAuDwHbJ1XrtzTpebF9R2Z5qFTEJRrjZSqJfFuyCWVlvhSbYC-Swjnn4v2/s1600/DSCN7408.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ro4xBGcvK3s8BEjBkgwKWAfx7FMDxoCAYm_GUU9dXLo5reVMZyT_2vr-nB-jFX69cpS2CV8fV0EIysFKHNKAuDwHbJ1XrtzTpebF9R2Z5qFTEJRrjZSqJfFuyCWVlvhSbYC-Swjnn4v2/s400/DSCN7408.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I have also been very busy<br />
selling our home in Galena<br />
it sold in one day!<br />
and we had to be out in 16 days<br />
..only one day in May to book the mover<br />
so I have been packing and schlepping<br />
stuff<br />
to our new home in Galena<br />
The new house has a beautiful garden<br />
....that needs expansion...hee hee<br />
<br />
</div>
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<br />
So now that all things have calmed down for awhile<br />
I have been weeding frantically<br />
even kneeling mud<br />
to give my beauties less competition<br />
from thistle and bind weed and dandy lions<br />
what a job<br />
for an old broad...can I say that word?<br />
of course I can....<br />
With all the rain everything is so lush<br />
...looks like I am quite the green thumb<br />
....the garden wench did nothing except leave it be<br />
God did the rest<br />
faithfully calling the seeds to germinate<br />
the lilies to send up shoots<br />
the trees to leaf out<br />
everything just continued<br />
while I was gone....<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaj4Yie7giLweo-7H5NH2cbRIR4e3qkihJJqyPxTBbxZqILcrXdgs7KVmCW3xtirRTTooNoVJKITot3fD8eIPUh4th9tEerFOivPf1bkRHQs5-zQWA7tddb15VHoaVbER4o4Xj9tsQGJ9/s1600/DSCN7401.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaj4Yie7giLweo-7H5NH2cbRIR4e3qkihJJqyPxTBbxZqILcrXdgs7KVmCW3xtirRTTooNoVJKITot3fD8eIPUh4th9tEerFOivPf1bkRHQs5-zQWA7tddb15VHoaVbER4o4Xj9tsQGJ9/s400/DSCN7401.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Of course it was a joy to drag out my old garden relics<br />
to adorn the garden space<br />
what would the garden be without<br />
colored glass<br />
wind chimes<br />
rusty things<br />
trellises<br />
and little wooden chairs?<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
I was shocked to see the clematis growing<br />
into the service berries<br />
oh my<br />
<br />
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sorry the picture is sideways...</div>
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it's been a while since I have posted</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU9_3OyXoToK3DhN_v_y_lg_lBOLAVtHCW3znT8V7UhEsarIWyl7Vi9mO0VB00lFv9FsMH_uJ9n8sa4bSHc64-PmSZtsGUJuUTlC_4KPCwzkPIAiuc89VtqlJS_aubXZX1c2CLfUk7VH8/s1600/DSCN7392.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU9_3OyXoToK3DhN_v_y_lg_lBOLAVtHCW3znT8V7UhEsarIWyl7Vi9mO0VB00lFv9FsMH_uJ9n8sa4bSHc64-PmSZtsGUJuUTlC_4KPCwzkPIAiuc89VtqlJS_aubXZX1c2CLfUk7VH8/s400/DSCN7392.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
But the dearest thing that is happening<br />
..is because of all this overgrowth of everything<br />
all at once<br />
it is lush and glorious<br />
for birds to build nests<br />
and little bunnies and squirrels<br />
to scamper around in<br />
..oh the true joy of the garden<br />
<br />
...the critters<br />
<br />
My yard, my garden is bird central this spring<br />
truly an audio delight<br />
<br />
the air conditioning man just came after servicing our unit<br />
and he declared....those were his words.....:)<br />
that he has seen many gardens in our area....but mine<br />
hands down was the best<br />
a true paradise.....<br />
...oh my slutty muddy heart went wild<br />
....how wonderful to have touched someone<br />
with my garden<br />
Oh....he added<br />
I think I saw a skunk out in the back by the fence<br />
...oh....I said<br />
I know....I smelled him too<br />
<br />
.....oh well<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-76138437796333453772013-04-24T06:28:00.002-07:002013-04-24T06:28:42.646-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
There is hope in the garden</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Though I am weighed down right now</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
with the news of a wonderful writer,friend,mentor's</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
death</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Though I am weighed down by a friend's suffering chemo</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
and loneliness</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Though I am filled with prayers for good news forthcoming</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
for a family member</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
though, though, though</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
all this worldly spirit weight of the being</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
There is the garden</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
hope and promise</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
rising through the wet mud</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
gray days</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
cold air</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Despite all this harshness</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
m' lady garden</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
rises</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Continues the process</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
it is called to do</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Lady Robin has finished her nest</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
despite horrible rain and wind</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
She kept picking grass and mud</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
arranging and rearranging the lining of her nest</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
swirling around and around making it just right</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
for her eggs</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Now she is settled in</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
I assume she has eggs now</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
....Yesterday she sat on that nest</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
while it rained</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
and rained</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
...and it was cold</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
But she did what she was called to do</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjcSL5qE928B48psFK75yOahyEXvg3FjpPTnxm6EmIPgjiyKCqy4PQP-NOhtD8A9F4S8dpckiZ3xoZUaRhWpjC9VcUcROy3wUzXB34qx-qFD2qIeFF-qocF_Uv8zqgq_ZR9Upgd_6Nua/s1600/DSCN7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjcSL5qE928B48psFK75yOahyEXvg3FjpPTnxm6EmIPgjiyKCqy4PQP-NOhtD8A9F4S8dpckiZ3xoZUaRhWpjC9VcUcROy3wUzXB34qx-qFD2qIeFF-qocF_Uv8zqgq_ZR9Upgd_6Nua/s320/DSCN7202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Signs</div>
<div align="center">
all over</div>
<div align="center">
the blood root rises</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApe_QeGYayQqwQEEHUwp2SAEi8AmuZf3uoH0YiF_CMzG1OuEcZucwsBJ8xXi1OKnPEvSmYrtj1sGc61BPDXa1q-H0prZW8ahHJLAmnCot2FdTNMb-4UVplYwkIRk17d9h9NsS_RvUrmoQ/s1600/DSCN7119.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApe_QeGYayQqwQEEHUwp2SAEi8AmuZf3uoH0YiF_CMzG1OuEcZucwsBJ8xXi1OKnPEvSmYrtj1sGc61BPDXa1q-H0prZW8ahHJLAmnCot2FdTNMb-4UVplYwkIRk17d9h9NsS_RvUrmoQ/s400/DSCN7119.JPG" /></a><br />
and the bluebells</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1JieavEXv0uyJZvhiSyzEJ2S7RomsaCZ07UY3pNaIh3JjpOMYP7w_x3lSqb91IufX5bT7jkmtcbJFeHcz7JK95LUf0F-B_DI4qgeLNsU0622MQcgyF0fIC_uIbzPwrgNY0feip72wKLc/s1600/DSCN7120.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1JieavEXv0uyJZvhiSyzEJ2S7RomsaCZ07UY3pNaIh3JjpOMYP7w_x3lSqb91IufX5bT7jkmtcbJFeHcz7JK95LUf0F-B_DI4qgeLNsU0622MQcgyF0fIC_uIbzPwrgNY0feip72wKLc/s400/DSCN7120.JPG" /></a><br />
the aconites</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulFvfABB4xtTUOqi33wAkjPxfscG1mGS8qHnwjkaOW9Qyz40uuem6_-RlbzbH4_ElCxrADggVjYE4Z9FI7ubajZqUv9X54Oxlg7h88HKOBgCGhRbcb-K71FbYiMh-sd88-3TWww0NV82B/s1600/DSCN7125.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulFvfABB4xtTUOqi33wAkjPxfscG1mGS8qHnwjkaOW9Qyz40uuem6_-RlbzbH4_ElCxrADggVjYE4Z9FI7ubajZqUv9X54Oxlg7h88HKOBgCGhRbcb-K71FbYiMh-sd88-3TWww0NV82B/s400/DSCN7125.JPG" /></a><br />
the trillium</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKJx8-_oFMJeqLsCvaKVbHP98-J4RSURuzUPgvwDUOfrmSo-Hkl-cqrKdhytwLiv7gpxmeulRZ-gISH8VHHL8Q-YBfjdJQ4y5ls1QI_ZlQRMBoUIdlYo-jLnk53DgvK95hsGNElPAlVVS/s1600/DSCN7123.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKJx8-_oFMJeqLsCvaKVbHP98-J4RSURuzUPgvwDUOfrmSo-Hkl-cqrKdhytwLiv7gpxmeulRZ-gISH8VHHL8Q-YBfjdJQ4y5ls1QI_ZlQRMBoUIdlYo-jLnk53DgvK95hsGNElPAlVVS/s400/DSCN7123.JPG" /></a><br />
and the sedum</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2-eST9AKqghYmk4TznvPe5VpL_DlKQsSbAxitfg03IcNzP0T672h01z6WVaU11daEDUQRHX5OHhAHF4zXr_2fzOuhca1G6ZPNatSP5fU268gPkIsZhyphenhyphenKAZdiyYbfIh_RQ-sXmCegAc7w/s1600/DSCN7122.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2-eST9AKqghYmk4TznvPe5VpL_DlKQsSbAxitfg03IcNzP0T672h01z6WVaU11daEDUQRHX5OHhAHF4zXr_2fzOuhca1G6ZPNatSP5fU268gPkIsZhyphenhyphenKAZdiyYbfIh_RQ-sXmCegAc7w/s400/DSCN7122.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I thought to save this for my artist friend, April<br />
...she loves nature stuff<br />
(for her studio)<br />
...oops<br />
I think I have waited too long<br />
...</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzlBcw0k5d7otQeoK-ASKppkF5YqLX3gTFlvonBxpeMzfB1KgCbNFmWi3eyamdZNohXJ9cbPnz2VQXsrufMkQY5g96HAeNbPr11HD-yqS_XW6jNwh7lFwrAEe1vUKSiofEuAJ0dxY-92h/s1600/DSCN7127.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzlBcw0k5d7otQeoK-ASKppkF5YqLX3gTFlvonBxpeMzfB1KgCbNFmWi3eyamdZNohXJ9cbPnz2VQXsrufMkQY5g96HAeNbPr11HD-yqS_XW6jNwh7lFwrAEe1vUKSiofEuAJ0dxY-92h/s400/DSCN7127.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Even the common daffodils<br />
are risen from the desolate looking earth</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyY3XfNIWD55-1YzyTRPoMLhccud9moxvWdP8GjBV2CQoEXzWhVHT5mV8bf0dJuLHQA_mEJa9uWD8MKqukqNRIwo9LMRwdHzFigu819YhqnJwkZi4WCzx-gh_vyCDboMMxPH-b17GLiFM/s1600/DSCN7128.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyY3XfNIWD55-1YzyTRPoMLhccud9moxvWdP8GjBV2CQoEXzWhVHT5mV8bf0dJuLHQA_mEJa9uWD8MKqukqNRIwo9LMRwdHzFigu819YhqnJwkZi4WCzx-gh_vyCDboMMxPH-b17GLiFM/s400/DSCN7128.JPG" /></a><br />
and the peonies</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh02_wp9FCEFIFNFyVJroiWPHV5mq7vxHoSaLmH-5bQv5X1V0N_-Fdo3hufMFvqJy2Gra3VV6ZY6ltfFi8VDGxrTRepyM97grOlXG29HvQODNJ0TpV9A6-LMq2s8QX8XdGKIJnEqLdi03f/s1600/DSCN7130.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh02_wp9FCEFIFNFyVJroiWPHV5mq7vxHoSaLmH-5bQv5X1V0N_-Fdo3hufMFvqJy2Gra3VV6ZY6ltfFi8VDGxrTRepyM97grOlXG29HvQODNJ0TpV9A6-LMq2s8QX8XdGKIJnEqLdi03f/s400/DSCN7130.JPG" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP0Z8ZrUg7_lbo4YmMQxdLBezkky8HNhWGyuWPbb2QRI8UI9nzDqMZpEWV8jUHiqfZzXeIDvbX9a_FmvvwxOyWwxKohUF29_5Hkw8LpjP7Nzg4WFVeJAbKVQveLNJFgzAP2LbYmwHOd4R/s1600/DSCN7136.JPG"></a>Nothing special happening in my garden<br />
....the ordinary<br />
AHHH<br />
but the ordinary<br />
is my saving grace </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-16989278699153733122013-04-14T07:42:00.000-07:002013-04-14T07:42:07.125-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yjDezuk2JqSV4TT7-dEif6ZJ_75akaYzXoVPrTc33jINZuvTbdmfnSxD30sMrnYy6NP6TK7gF3EdFDslkQ9KPfg5TX8_BLTt0m1quOvkNsFxImE9vKoiUSOsqEuit8ELsT2FzkRKiaw/s1600/DSCN7107.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yjDezuk2JqSV4TT7-dEif6ZJ_75akaYzXoVPrTc33jINZuvTbdmfnSxD30sMrnYy6NP6TK7gF3EdFDslkQ9KPfg5TX8_BLTt0m1quOvkNsFxImE9vKoiUSOsqEuit8ELsT2FzkRKiaw/s400/DSCN7107.JPG" /></a><br />
Do you know what this is?<br />
...the beginnings of?</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWPu5I1iBPYp2oQJfrxkZ_N0cCiRk8mCQj5zI9EtvZ2eXgN2tLZfS_61dda2jMFyU-JvhClkbeBN_xTeMA90xuEahhhaGPpsEcFFB58J1kwpQMeyx20esiWBQRr2Ms3Wyzk22bnCJyxYk/s1600/DSCN7108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWPu5I1iBPYp2oQJfrxkZ_N0cCiRk8mCQj5zI9EtvZ2eXgN2tLZfS_61dda2jMFyU-JvhClkbeBN_xTeMA90xuEahhhaGPpsEcFFB58J1kwpQMeyx20esiWBQRr2Ms3Wyzk22bnCJyxYk/s400/DSCN7108.JPG" /></a><br />
yep, there she is rearranging</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PsDZ4EB84SuMYwuSR5tGcGr9LiGUdIofLAjXCJSGReTFEyzLgxcHudalZHJtjKDLOfYdDaWOjri2ojJWXwDOxwPlxJHUuLl2uTke7IHxw7J7VpA3UHwk619a1-9mRkqxVn5L_UuxgfA2/s1600/DSCN7112.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PsDZ4EB84SuMYwuSR5tGcGr9LiGUdIofLAjXCJSGReTFEyzLgxcHudalZHJtjKDLOfYdDaWOjri2ojJWXwDOxwPlxJHUuLl2uTke7IHxw7J7VpA3UHwk619a1-9mRkqxVn5L_UuxgfA2/s400/DSCN7112.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
rubbing her body around and around<br />
forming a little muddy cup<br />
..sigh..with Reagan's last year's Easter grass that she scatterd all over my yard<br />
do you remember?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6-1h6dJE7nUPPe6sd8w8IWBm8i4qp5H_eKefin1UDmAdWsr0JJHebIKDKBO7QFG9cTm3fR6Zo_ZMVjtVPjjD87TD-g68YvhB71tEzJ4xw9SjLprfV3LZ6KSdzYYfzziyaWtReNMle06Y/s1600/DSCN4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6-1h6dJE7nUPPe6sd8w8IWBm8i4qp5H_eKefin1UDmAdWsr0JJHebIKDKBO7QFG9cTm3fR6Zo_ZMVjtVPjjD87TD-g68YvhB71tEzJ4xw9SjLprfV3LZ6KSdzYYfzziyaWtReNMle06Y/s320/DSCN4159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Golly look at what last April looked like last year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...not a single leaf is out now</div>
<br />
I guess I need to stop scolding myself for not doing a great job<br />
of cleaning up last Fall<br />
and I need to halt spring clean up<br />
by the landscapers in this area<br />
.....critters and birds first<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
The weatherman says it is going to reach 70 today<br />
hmm<br />
I'll believe it when I feel it<br />
But Mrs. Robin may stifle my gardening joys today<br />
I don't want to scare her away...<br />
what with a bird's eye view from my study window<br />
...and if you know Me<br />
You know that I LOVE robins<br />
<br />
Handsome looked so pitiful yesterday<br />
I locked Boo up in the basement and tried to catch Handsome <br />
to bring him inside<br />
Guess the guys not that weak<br />
he ran<br />
and cried<br />
So I left him alone<br />
He came back this morning...to find a new warm snugly tiger blanket<br />
in his igloo and a warm bowl of chicken waiting<br />
<br />
I know that everyday is an adventure<br />
never to be offered again<br />
so I will be outside today<br />
I'll let you know what is showing through the earth<br />
...my spirit is hungry<br />
for garden<br />
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-29062831151079993832013-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:002013-04-12T14:53:16.456-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk5QGp2KtGidPFT21oBgpLt69mwpNsem6ApHp4MtcLoz7ktyJm1T1GTGQ_A1mvCZflUhfwHq2WRri30cJ-9FPkpk2dP9y08IS9aniqcBqQivxrqF4K0hfADwWjOC4pLc7UyQMkt52ebj2/s1600/DSCN7030.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk5QGp2KtGidPFT21oBgpLt69mwpNsem6ApHp4MtcLoz7ktyJm1T1GTGQ_A1mvCZflUhfwHq2WRri30cJ-9FPkpk2dP9y08IS9aniqcBqQivxrqF4K0hfADwWjOC4pLc7UyQMkt52ebj2/s400/DSCN7030.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Every year this pair walks through my yard<br />
quaaaacking a low quack<br />
she scurrying around <br />
he a watchful eye on everything<br />
One year they actually nested in my blue bells<br />
layed an egg<br />
then abandoned it<br />
and some mr racoon <br />
I think took off with the little egg<br />
I rejoice quietly<br />
when I hear their quacks<br />
somehow it comforts me<br />
this cycle of life<br />
going on in my own backyard garden</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayR58tbyySeYxhC700P05yTkRLbzkkWYUeAoHyyoHS2Xd1PUZuyrCRcIudZ2XWVgXdz_8hz6qYCbz6HFKSoOE4-croiUt04J_WrzLBfLyp_YItwQV6GhfqAvraAN7AfjLNCsEDQ1Ts3Ni/s1600/DSCN7025.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayR58tbyySeYxhC700P05yTkRLbzkkWYUeAoHyyoHS2Xd1PUZuyrCRcIudZ2XWVgXdz_8hz6qYCbz6HFKSoOE4-croiUt04J_WrzLBfLyp_YItwQV6GhfqAvraAN7AfjLNCsEDQ1Ts3Ni/s400/DSCN7025.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It has been a sucky winter and so far<br />
a sucky spring<br />
cold wet windy<br />
muddy....<br />
but oh my looky here....daffodillies<br />
thank you thank you<br />
trumpets of spring</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsELy6k_DFeMk27e2tAgPjZadVzF-RzbZRll3Uql1yLBF15mVe3SMUYRpg6fX7yKVh-JpzCa8n2B2lrAO6ys0-r7rsBi28eMUL0KdoafdZ4FOM0vJLBiRqG9CHW53-agC-UbjCMclSzAZ/s1600/DSCN7035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsELy6k_DFeMk27e2tAgPjZadVzF-RzbZRll3Uql1yLBF15mVe3SMUYRpg6fX7yKVh-JpzCa8n2B2lrAO6ys0-r7rsBi28eMUL0KdoafdZ4FOM0vJLBiRqG9CHW53-agC-UbjCMclSzAZ/s400/DSCN7035.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
ha! who knew Mr. Cardinal would go to the Handsome's carryout<br />
diner for his lady's meal</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Maybe just maybe<br />
Spring is just about to come over the hill<br />
! joy !</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-14868504939062111512013-04-09T13:31:00.003-07:002013-04-09T14:33:20.084-07:00Long Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusYj13WLKZBgbAAjmc7OYSpGeJVljIIlP1aK8wjU-CqJOZtScBfBD3lYDeLuMMmdBQe3AVK4O1fFn9dTfKmk307Ln8Xodiuuf-OAp7hdYjSjjy8uSG2PH4JKNB-rxMPtIt84yQXCCuuZ2/s1600/DSCN7003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusYj13WLKZBgbAAjmc7OYSpGeJVljIIlP1aK8wjU-CqJOZtScBfBD3lYDeLuMMmdBQe3AVK4O1fFn9dTfKmk307Ln8Xodiuuf-OAp7hdYjSjjy8uSG2PH4JKNB-rxMPtIt84yQXCCuuZ2/s400/DSCN7003.JPG" /></a> </div>
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I awoke this morning and thanked God for another morning<br />
though lately my days have been dull and busy<br />
<br />
and I was also grateful for another morning with Handsome<br />
He's not been looking too well lately<br />
thin, dull fur, bent ears, runny nose, sneezing<br />
But some days this is my happiness of joy<br />
seeing him...one more day<br />
The guy's used up all of his nine lives and then some<br />
But God has given him another morning too<br />
and so we rejoice together<br />
two suffering souls...finding and giving comfort to each other<br />
Feral.....adjective.....wild<br />
Yes, some days I have wild in me<br />
belonging to no one, journeying through<br />
and over rough paths<br />
finding shelter where I can...in a spiritual way<br />
...sort of on the run<br />
mostly from myself and the disquiet within<br />
<br />
I fed him a bowl of warm chicken<br />
he meowed his gravel truck meow<br />
and I made a bowl of oatmeal<br />
<br />
We watched each other<br />
through the glass door<br />
our stomach hungers fed<br />
ready to venture into a new day<br />
He to rest awhile posing as a kept kitty<br />
me to get to work <br />
posing like I knew the answers<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-32675707751554946732013-03-07T06:48:00.000-08:002013-03-07T06:48:10.638-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWdyCV2-rpXfuWi1vfPZnUVifiCx43NfQfDGaLvQ7ex_iSGvPlPiu3pbSPn7tTqF_9IREhMQI2_GsJ-m8VVLNqAFu4DDbDBC-Ya-2az2ufnnaZIqjPo9GhIycmFonaSFjmw8Lx5D74uE/s1600/DSCN6996.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWdyCV2-rpXfuWi1vfPZnUVifiCx43NfQfDGaLvQ7ex_iSGvPlPiu3pbSPn7tTqF_9IREhMQI2_GsJ-m8VVLNqAFu4DDbDBC-Ya-2az2ufnnaZIqjPo9GhIycmFonaSFjmw8Lx5D74uE/s400/DSCN6996.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It snowed all day and into the evening<br />
A beautiful snow<br />
I wished for snow flowers so I could go out and tend them<br />
boots on, warm scarf around my neck<br />
soft mittens and an open heart<br />
I stood in front of my home<br />
lost in quiet hushed snowfall<br />
fairyland before me<br />
ahhhh<br />
This is how winter should be<br />
wonder, pure wonder<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"> </a></div>
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-65799898992760434782013-02-24T09:00:00.001-08:002013-02-24T10:32:06.375-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrZrLWIKaH84XB44svXUwOJeG3WeapBtchsAvrsOzDfXD63s1F7n_EaI3Zg5Yv_UwIEUnpjMuQ1ssys4p6Q5HMlxGJS_yCq7sfCNZEmqolC52tt_dvM_xJSl8r_J4CAgT7L6shn1bNvv3/s1600/DSCN5126.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrZrLWIKaH84XB44svXUwOJeG3WeapBtchsAvrsOzDfXD63s1F7n_EaI3Zg5Yv_UwIEUnpjMuQ1ssys4p6Q5HMlxGJS_yCq7sfCNZEmqolC52tt_dvM_xJSl8r_J4CAgT7L6shn1bNvv3/s400/DSCN5126.JPG" /></a> </div>
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It's that time again...<br />
time when yearnings for the garden seep<br />
into the daily breathing of my heart and soul<br />
<br />
I remember the evening pictured above<br />
..after a day of rain<br />
Somehow it cleared up by late afternoon<br />
and the sun shown in the cloudy sky<br />
like a miracle of joy<br />
It was late June <br />
and my mood fit the rainy day<br />
<br />
Losing our little Isla Maeve in May<br />
made the garden seem less joyful<br />
to me as I daily sought refuge<br />
where it usually was to be found...amongst the green and flowers and trees<br />
and birds and bug and toads of the garden<br />
But it was in the heavens above<br />
just be before dusk<br />
that the comfort came to me<br />
in the simple reminder that the sun always shines<br />
....I remember cutting a few flowers<br />
and bringing them inside<br />
joy in a vase<br />
joy<br />
and I <em>was</em> comforted<br />
<br />
I can't wait to return to my beloved space<br />
in the garden<br />
As usual I have grand plans to redo some parts<br />
...that's the beauty of it really<br />
the opportunity to make better<br />
and knowing that it really doesn't matter<br />
for things become what they are<br />
always and still <br />
my Open Bar of Joy<br />
<br />
I've already purchased my four o'clock<br />
and my heavenly blue morning glory seeds<br />
so it begins....the great dreaming in late winter<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-74421652910612025602013-02-20T08:46:00.002-08:002013-02-20T12:16:18.673-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijlSe-hRyVUjaJzFW4ZICdv8y2F-9Dma-8B9AwMrH243sjfaAhlbi1LoTfOZDXVIZJgvZoFqd5UuT9qoCB_Ir7dUdLqatuu8mY5rsswyvS3FuoIzVmW6EB4ZcWYs0RRxchtZW5h65XCqv/s1600/DSCN6878.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijlSe-hRyVUjaJzFW4ZICdv8y2F-9Dma-8B9AwMrH243sjfaAhlbi1LoTfOZDXVIZJgvZoFqd5UuT9qoCB_Ir7dUdLqatuu8mY5rsswyvS3FuoIzVmW6EB4ZcWYs0RRxchtZW5h65XCqv/s400/DSCN6878.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday it was windy and cold<br />
and i stood at the window and watched this indigo glass bottle<br />
submit<br />
letting itself be taken by the wind<br />
and I saw a flash of joy<br />
<br />
"When you do something,<br />
you should do it with your whole body and mind;<br />
you should be concentrated on<br />
what you do."<br />
<br />
-Suzuki<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zbmH1dJf9UTG21RVXDQ_-uy6nSaOGS9d3ZAe0mzceio8Nnu4Mn9RgRlwj5UkUfVuBUxCZ5TDPplNDGXCk1vvk_cpqHZ8n1NamBhN_LSrxJKnk4acMyxp1k3rvnEACYElUIljvR2avDp2/s1600/DSCN6883.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zbmH1dJf9UTG21RVXDQ_-uy6nSaOGS9d3ZAe0mzceio8Nnu4Mn9RgRlwj5UkUfVuBUxCZ5TDPplNDGXCk1vvk_cpqHZ8n1NamBhN_LSrxJKnk4acMyxp1k3rvnEACYElUIljvR2avDp2/s400/DSCN6883.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It got done to 4 degrees last night<br />
and Handsome found his way to us<br />
and hunkered down in comfort<br />
belly filled with chicken<br />
and his body warmed by soft blankets<br />
and a heated pad underneath them.<br />
He did it with his whole body<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMzaVeGolv1N0yBSbAPe9mwFvSzC9j8yl6FYykCwlPQoiiLKUa9fbrQyQuGBv8VUgp1jQiDFbOFKhC7IdontPVC5nSMlKxnTbbnzFIydDlp6V1s9syw2PdzqsH99c2peu77DWcTW7MFFp/s1600/DSCN6885.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMzaVeGolv1N0yBSbAPe9mwFvSzC9j8yl6FYykCwlPQoiiLKUa9fbrQyQuGBv8VUgp1jQiDFbOFKhC7IdontPVC5nSMlKxnTbbnzFIydDlp6V1s9syw2PdzqsH99c2peu77DWcTW7MFFp/s400/DSCN6885.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
And early this morning<br />
I saw that he was snuggled way back in the igloo<br />
and stirred when he heard me<br />
and ventured out and stretched<br />
that wonder wonderful cat stretch...<br />
that we humans try to imitate<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlguswno5Sa7O4LWWgPU4PkqLwTKLXbP2eoupJBIH8eOFJajGFLHh93ekaS3qZNcMOkyNYH2vgfiuT7my9354UAE9rMHXhWYj3OHT5XG_zHEbyXjutAfGsUhzFXhbR0ouo5dvqAtW2STZ/s1600/DSCN6886.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlguswno5Sa7O4LWWgPU4PkqLwTKLXbP2eoupJBIH8eOFJajGFLHh93ekaS3qZNcMOkyNYH2vgfiuT7my9354UAE9rMHXhWYj3OHT5XG_zHEbyXjutAfGsUhzFXhbR0ouo5dvqAtW2STZ/s400/DSCN6886.JPG" /></a><br />
I warmed his chicken up in a pot with a bit of butter<br />
.....so it would stay warm...<br />
In this cold weather it freezes so fast.<br />
He wolfed it down and then stared at me<br />
...more please..<br />
but I was out of chicken<br />
So I slipped him some dry food..and he took what was given<br />
with his whole body<br />
<br />
Then I saw that he moved into the sun and let it warm and nurture him<br />
wise kitty<br />
I wish he would let me own him<br />
but I think he will not be owned<br />
This too he does with his whole body....<br />
lives free<br />
<br />
<br />
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Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-77765378024678659892013-02-02T07:42:00.001-08:002013-02-02T07:42:58.215-08:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVBaIj7h-Xkj2EgK20H7XNGst5bxtJaSpdU574nOOVwIOPTkRaV2liW1SSQCIOW0dNAHUwsP46jGVqYhRRCBSsRqoM71brhjN2Bf4EUGD4SS0trmeIUWolr0kuv1GbH2a98StKvyxbiK2/s1600/DSCN6818.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVBaIj7h-Xkj2EgK20H7XNGst5bxtJaSpdU574nOOVwIOPTkRaV2liW1SSQCIOW0dNAHUwsP46jGVqYhRRCBSsRqoM71brhjN2Bf4EUGD4SS0trmeIUWolr0kuv1GbH2a98StKvyxbiK2/s400/DSCN6818.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Now do you believe me.<br />
This little fella actually crawled into Handsome's house<br />
and squirreled under the pillow and blankets and stayed there for<br />
most of the afternoon!<br />
I guess..warm is warm<br />
<br />
I didn't see him yesterday.....<br />
but Handsome showed up....and stayed all day<br />
snug in his igloo that is heated with a warming pad for outdoors<br />
....I guess I can never move.</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-20801870516840362202013-01-25T07:03:00.002-08:002013-01-25T10:09:12.294-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y2aGJQg95YzXBWp95g2DQCJfX6PvXQOJZptWXAm85WybNHs7a_NK_A5x_3xcCDYP7tHxg29mxF7fBICuBPATUbXusWICgNpx-3-xSg1Kd1I4HcYb8_NJBHnE4R5QHGffaOHxhidMhxji/s1600/DSCN6805.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y2aGJQg95YzXBWp95g2DQCJfX6PvXQOJZptWXAm85WybNHs7a_NK_A5x_3xcCDYP7tHxg29mxF7fBICuBPATUbXusWICgNpx-3-xSg1Kd1I4HcYb8_NJBHnE4R5QHGffaOHxhidMhxji/s400/DSCN6805.JPG" /></a> </div>
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Honestly<br />
a mink?<br />
<br />
We don't have mink here in our suburb.<br />
<br />
I once had a baby muskrat fall down my window well<br />
and a sick fox called my deck home for two weeks before he died under my deck<br />
and an injured goose with a broken wing<br />
and countless dogs and cats appear at my back door<br />
but a mink?<br />
<br />
Could he have been an escaped pet?<br />
or does he live mysteriously in my neighborhood?<br />
<br />
He was tiny.<br />
He struggled to eat the dry food<br />
He had an injury to his neck fur as if he had been caught somewhere.<br />
<br />
He stayed about 10 minutes then scampered off<br />
leaving the little child inside of me filled with joy<br />
and wonder<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450076037811392230.post-4471075777487176892013-01-24T12:48:00.000-08:002013-01-24T12:48:22.307-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEzwSSMbLPgEIeKJ1G9xV7g2N38ALMylQZm-18TOJuGLVT8Jl_-p_BCQjvKFnpxab4IZQ7CRNagyB7ntDNRhuTQHm-z9ygZ5M0xM39dhlHDGmyNmJicNHh4syQnTo8KhhOBdeIY8b0iv_/s1600/DSCN1017.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEzwSSMbLPgEIeKJ1G9xV7g2N38ALMylQZm-18TOJuGLVT8Jl_-p_BCQjvKFnpxab4IZQ7CRNagyB7ntDNRhuTQHm-z9ygZ5M0xM39dhlHDGmyNmJicNHh4syQnTo8KhhOBdeIY8b0iv_/s400/DSCN1017.JPG" /></a> </div>
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The dove<br />
the mourning dove<br />
One of the garden's simplest pleasures<br />
to watch<br />
This one sat there for about 15 minutes<br />
then flew down to the ground<br />
picking around the snow dusted earth...<br />
I took pity....and filled the feeders...<br />
cast some on the gorund for her or him<br />
....a kindness<br />
that came back to me<br />
When she sat again on the deck rail<br />
and watched me watching her or him<br />
Funny how a simple little bird<br />
can brighten ones morning<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7