THE DUST WILL WAIT

Today's conversation as Amanda backed her mini-van up to peer around the car parked next to us. She pulled back in to let some traffic pass. Amanda: That sure was a funny lookin ' woman. Me : What woman? Amanda: The one who was driving that car. Me: What car. Amanda: The one on the other side of the one parked next to us. Me: I'll take a look once you pull out. Amanda: Okay, I think it's clear now. Me: Whoaaa ... she's a dog!

I think they were humoring ME! The truth is in the question - which is not really about the intelligence of your blog - but rather how easy it reads. Or in English, I flunked.

Wordless Wednesday HQ!!

One of my very first blogging buddies is hosting today's Fun Monday . She asked that we make a list starting with A sylum and ending with Z any. Well, not those exact words, but the capital letter might give you the gist of it. I won't explain much more - except that we weren't obligated to follow the rules. So, without further A dieu or Z aboomafoo, I present to you and to Swampwitch my Fun Monday list of A to Z. Yesterday was Easter and we were delighted to join some friends for dinner at a buffet in a nearby city. The following are the things we devoured, and a few things that we didn't: A pple Pie, peach cobbler, and every dessert imaginable. B eets, (pickled) C ranberry sauce D eep fried chicken, home style chicken, baked chicken. E ggs boiled and dyed F ish, baked (and Fried shrimp I didn’t eat) G ravy, beef and turkey H am, sliced to perfection. I ce cream, chocolate or vanilla. J ust too much damn food (thanks to hubby for this suggesti...

Heading north. There is no explanation for the strange yearning that takes hold of me. I hear the calls of the wild geese echoing across the valley and my eyes and heart are hypnotically drawn to the sky. I want to fly and to follow the wind and the muted cry of the winged leader. The sunshine casts their shadow across my wistful countenance while they somehow use it's angle to calculate and correct their course. They know their destination. Every fall, every spring - they leave me below as they disappear over the horizon.

Nikki , as the host of this week’s affair, asked that we share our special made up words. I didn’t quite play by the rules. I’m going to tell you about the made up names that have been a part of our family life for many years. Dad made up names for us. He often called me "Shorty ." As the youngest, the title served me well until I grew taller than two of my sisters. I have perfect recall of a Sunday ritual, when dad would call out, “C’mon, Shorty, you want to go to town with me this morning?” My eldest brother had the most nicknames. At first he was Ronny Jew-Baby. (Dad spent the 1920's "hobo-ing" around the country and saw and received much hostility and bigotry. That is why I know this nickname was not meant to be cruel. I never heard dad ever ridicule or belittle anyone's race or religion.) Then as the years progressed dad and mom added to that the names "Hotshot" Manure Pile. The last two had to have something to do wi...

Sharp-shinned Hawk Canon Powershot update: Because some of you asked: I didn't realize he/she only had one leg until after I downloaded the photograph. So, I can't answer the question - Is he one legged, or is it tucked up? He was sitting on my backyard fence admiring the bird feeders. Looking for dinner ?

The following are two entries for Robins Pensieve's Poetic License. What can I say? How can I get serious about Limericks. They are too much fun. There once was a guy name’o Arnie Who only liked chili con carne But on St Paddy’s Week He tried Bubble & Squeak And a green beer to wash down the Blarney There once was a green leprechaun Who conserved and recycled - doggone! And… about global warming She cried: “I’m informing-- You all that my Hot Flash is ON!” Have a wonderful day filled with poetry Robin.... and all the rest of you, too! Read more HERE!

In early January, Elizabeth Joy brought some spring pleasure into our dreary winter days by creating a Wildflowers In Winter fun meme. I wasn't able to participate in every week's theme, but reveled in the ones I joined. Last week was a contest for kids art. I missed the deadline - but I want to share my grand kids talents, nonetheless. The first flower drawing was created by my sweet little Buttercup (4 1/2). Jammin' (almost 7) presented me with the second one. This must be vinca. I'm sure this is quince...and tulips. This week's theme is THE FIRST FLOWER OF SPRING. Last Sunday I walked up the creek and found this Oregon Grape ready to burst into yellow blossoms. I can't wait to go walking this weekend. Thank you, Elizabeth Joy , for including all of us in your prescription to cure the winter blahs.

Female Common Merganser, and Mallard pair. Canon Powershot s2 Wordless Wednesday HQ!!

Today would be perfect for doing some yard clean up. The sun is shining and I would much rather be outside than in. Neighbor Bill is turning dirt and adding compost to his garden. The packed dirt in my shoe tread reveals that I was over there discussing potatoes, strawberries, and daffodils earlier this morning . I am enchanted by the blossoms on his Hazelnut trees. My own daffodil and hyacinth bulbs have been called by the sunshine. Notice that I am not as punctual as Bill when it comes to cleaning fall and winter debris from my flower bed. We leave many of our plants as forage and habitat for the small birds that make their winter home in our neighborhood. I'll get my rake and wheel barrow out next weekend. Maybe. Instead of spring cleanup, this afternoon I'm going to drive 45 minutes to a wild life refuge where 70% of the migrating ducks and geese stop to rest and recoup. Last week I saw eight bald eagles perching majestically in trees amidst the wetlands...