Hard Headed Woman, et al

Elvis lovers will recognize that song.  Many others songs in his repertoire came to mind yesterday when Willowtree (of the infamous A Dingo) was chatting with me on Facebook.  He informed me (and provided a news link) that The King’s personal physician wrote a book with a disturbing revelation:  Presley died from chronic constipation.  If you don’t believe me – google it.

Then, WT and I changed a few words in his long list of performed songs.  You know, to go with the constipation theme.  I laughed. But I sure felt sorry for the legend.    GI Blues.  Elvis,  March, 1960.

The birds are going through two tubes of sunflower seed daily.  (I don’t know what to do about the Starlings!) When I hurried out to feed them this morning there were hot air balloons over the housetops.  Its the “festival’ weekend. I Believe in the Man in the Sky.   Elvis. October 1960.

Also greeting me was the cold white blanket of a May 7 frost.  I forgot to check the forecast last night so my Begonias (and Fuchsias) were exposed.  These are the ones that spent the winter in the garage.  I followed the directions from the experts.  Dried out the tubers, then planted them in February.  The guest bedroom became the “greenhouse.’  Lesson learned, I guess.   I will probably be in the market now for replacements.  Sniff.
Spring Fever.  Elvis.  June, 1964


This Osprey is a regular on my walks this spring.  Several years ago a pair showed up at the creek and small lake two miles from my house. (My favorite walking path) The Audubon group, with whom I bird, are pleased with the Ospreys return.

In my own backyard are Gold finch, House Finch, Cassins Finch, Pine Siskin, Crows, Magpies, Robins, Flickers, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Starling, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, and this week the beautiful Lazuli Bunting.  One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater.  Elvis. 1958.

This storm chased me on Wednesday.  I drove 30 miles with this fast moving squall on my tail.  I stopped at the top of nine mile hill and took this picture.  When I was delayed at my last stop in town it caught up with me.  The hail lasted at least 15 minutes.  I needed a snow scraper to clean my windows for the last 2 miles home.  Click on the photo to see the huge windmills in the distance under the dark monster.

When it Rains, It Really Pours.  Elvis, November, 1955


The contents of my medicine cabinet remind me of the days when I thought I would never grow old.   In the past 12 months there have been so many reminders that life is short and tenuous.  For instance, the daily handful of pills that help me maintain.  One of those was just added this week to see if it will suppress the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  I have been very proactive with this diagnoses for twelve years.  My efforts have not been enough the past four months.  Now I just need to get past this Zombie status.
Until It’s Time For You to Go.  Elvis.  January 1971


Meanwhile……
My watercolor paraphernalia is spread all over the family room. (I envy those people with craft rooms.)  The school district has been calling me more often to substitute.  I’m still helping my Sis-in-law and Great Auntie Fern with their needs. (But, that has been less stressful with them living in a retirement home.)   Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate requires time and energy, too.  The volunteer work is much harder than I expected.  In March I was called to testify in court…and the prosecuting attorney had not forewarned me.    The ‘bad’ thing was that I was surprised and unprepared.  The ‘good’ thing was that I didn’t waste hours and hours fretting and worrying.

And, I haven’t been blogging much….But I’m not quitting.  Nope. Not.  Says the Hard Headed Woman.   Elvis.  March, 1958,