Monday, April 20, 2009

The Morning After

See the worm in her mouth? You may have to enlarge to see it, but she's working hard to feed her babies. :) The irises are starting to bloom. I have a miniature peach iris that I took a photo of-- for another day. My phlox, starting to bloom and smelling oh so heavenly...the morning after this photo, not a bloom in sight. Clean cut. So who's the culprit? The bunnies? :/ We had rain yesterday. The ground had started to dry out again and was ready for a drenching. The pollen has been thick in the air, and allergies are running riot around here. This morning is so clean and fresh, the sun shining highlights on everything it touches. Mornings after rain are just so clean and beautiful.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Birds and Blooms at Ships Landing

I love this shot of my Bleeding Heart. Of course, it wasn't obvious until I uploaded from the camera that it was going to be one of my favorite bloom shots. Isn't he a sweetie? He was gathering food for his new 'babies'; he and Momma worked so hard all day, constantly back and forth, from the yard to the bird house. They are wonderful parents. Easter Sunday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail came for a visit. (I just wish my Coralbells weren't one of their favorite dining experiences.) My first Luna Moth of the year. My friend, Flannie, came to visit and brought me this lovely bouquet. Aren't they gorgeous?? White Lilac, Azalea, Redbud, Dogwood, Daffodil, and Hemlock. She's such a sweetie. :) My hummingbirds made their first appearance on Easter Sunday afternoon. I was delighted to have them back. :)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Happy Spring

The Bluebirds are beginning to nest, and the Swallows are trying to decide which rental house they want. I've picked up needle and thread again, and have been doing some applique. My niece, Glorie, was here last weekend for the annual Pigeon Forge Quilt Show, which we attended on Friday, and we each made an apron over the weekend. :) Lots of fun. For the last week, I've been spending several hours a day volunteering at my local vet clinic helping introduce those adorable Beagle puppies to collars and leash. What better therapy could a dog lover have?? :)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thank you...

for all of the kind, comforting thoughts sent my way. They mean more than you will ever know.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Foggy Morning

The fog is thick as pea soup this morning. Yesterday we had a high of 64; today is supposed to be 76!! I am soooo ready for warm, sunny days. I feel like this has been one of the longest, darkest, coldest winters that I've had in many years. Dewey and I are wandering around, lost in our own personal fog of grief and longing, wondering where we go from here. I have this huge hole in my heart, and I feel like a bright light has gone out of my life. I am relieved that my Badger isn't suffering any more, and I smile when I 'see' him running with his little back and legs whole, his ears flying in the breeze, chasing those bugs. I am grateful that he isn't in pain any more. We will heal, and life goes on, but for now I dwell in a cold, dark place-- wondering where I was at as 12 years seemingly few by. Wondering how we capture and hold on to those precious moments in time, how to be more conscious of each moment...

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Life Celebration

The Robins and Cedar Waxwings were gathered and singing the most heavenly songs in honor of our sweet Badger, the trees literally alive with the sound of wings and music. It took our breath away. We stood humbled and in awe at what we heard. It was truly a surreal moment in time. (They were still here the day after, which was my 53rd birthday. To my knowledge this was the first time the Robins have come in such a huge flock-- I've never seen a real Waxwing before, and the trees were FULL of them! Click to enlarge for the full effect)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Rainbow Bridge

My Precious Heart, Badger-Darlin Shipley, December 6, 1996 - February 25, 2009

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cold but Beautiful Saturday

It's a gorgeous day here in TN...deceptively so with the sun shining so brightly. Makes one think that it's a warm Spring day, but the wind is chill, and I'm huddled up next to the woodstove. :) I've had some queries as to how Badger is doing. He's still hanging in there. The past few days he's been a bit worse in his disorientation, and I think his hearing is getting worse. He has a hard time following my voice and finding me now. In light of his not being able to 'find' me, I'm virtually tied to his small area of sensibility. His voice has changed so much, and when he can't 'find' me, he just sits and makes the saddest sound you've ever heard. I am more and more confined at home unless Randy is here. If he's home, I grab that opportunity to run out for groceries, meds, etc. However, nothing lasts for ever, and this won't either. His appetite, however, has not diminished one whit! He's a whopping 21 lbs. now, which presents another set of problems. His weight gain, and Dewey's serious walking issues, have me carrying BOTH of them in and out. Hence, my lower back issues have revved up into high gear. This is definitely not the 'fun' part of having pets, but I am grateful that they are small enough that I CAN pick them up. What would I do if they were larger dogs? Badger had adjusted quite well to his blindness, but he seems to be losing the ability to 'sense' that he's about to walk into furniture or corners that he's been able to avoid up until about three days ago. He breaks my heart by getting 'caught' in corners and he can't find his way out. He and Dewey both are having a hard time letting me know that they need to go out, so unless I pay constant attention and take them out every 2-3 hours, I'm washing floors. It's not an easy situation, but Badger still has too much life left for me to be able to make a decision to put him to sleep. If and when his pain level gets worse, then that would be the time for me to consider that. Until then, until I KNOW that he's ready to go, I will continue to take care of him and love him.

Monday, January 19, 2009

A Blanket of Goldfinches and Pine Siskins

It snowed---just enough to get me excited that it MIGHT snow. :) But oh my it was sooo pretty coming down, whiting out everything. I have NEVER seen so many goldfinches AND pine siskins (?) in one place!! They literally were a covering on the feeders and ground. I keep watching -- and waiting -- for those colorful birds of Winter to come visit me. I even put out a pan of apples and grapes---but I haven't seen even one new (Cardinal? Blue Jay? Junco? Chickadee?) feathered friend check it out. :( Ah, but I will keep trying, waiting, hoping, and maybe, just maybe one of these days.... The double-decker feeder with roof is a new one that my brother-in-law, Fred, made me for. Isn't it AWESOME!!! He also picked up some threaded pipe and flanges for me so I can mount a couple of others that I have sitting around waiting to be put into use. :) AND, I ordered some holly bushes that came last week. I am so excited I can hardly wait for the ground to thaw enough for me to plant them. Of course they came on the day of the COLDEST morning of the year. LOL

Monday, January 05, 2009

Belated Happy New Year!

No time to write right now but I'll be back soon with a Holiday and Badger update post. Hoping everyone had a wonderful Holiday,

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

My baby boy still has enough life about him that he wanted his stocking---did we give in? You bet ya! And if he's still here in the morning, Santa will fill it again for him! :) Yummy holly berries Peek-a-boo, I do see you, Mr. Mockingbird! From Ships Landing, we wish you all of the joys and blessings of this beautiful Holiday Season!