Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Just Today

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After almost two weeks of a glorious Indian Summer with temperatures touching 80 during the day and dipping into the mid 50's at night, rain has arrived.  It isn't unwelcome.

It is the kind of day that invites one to curl up on the couch with a good book and a pot of home made vegetable soup simmering on the stove.

Outside my window fallen leaves litter the ground and a lone geranium struggles to hang on to summer.  It's single white blossom a stark contrast to the yellows and oranges of the season.  I can't hear the soft melody of the wind chimes swaying in the breeze but I know the tune.

Tomorrow the sun is scheduled to return.  It too will be welcomed as there are still many projects to complete before the cold November winds begin to blow.

But today, just today,  I will stay indoors contentedly watching the rain fall and the soup simmer.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Summer

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"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." ~ Dr. Seuss

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Recalculating

I admit I wasn't on board when The Kid and the boys first hatched the idea.  It's not that I'm not spontaneous, okay, I'm not.  It takes me a little time to recalculate; get my head wrapped around the change of plans.  But once I do I usually jump on board the train and ride it with abandon.

That's what happened this week.

We were in Nashville last weekend (the purpose was for me to help B shoot a wedding on Sunday) when someone got the crazy idea that The Kid and I should venture to Atlanta and take in a couple of baseball games.  The Pirates would be in town and if they played well, could clinch a playoff berth.  When Chris offered up some of his Marriott points the deal was sealed.  While I was busy stuttering and stammering and spitting out reasons why this was a bad idea, reservations were made and tickets purchased.  We were on our way.

On the drive from Nashville to Atlanta I readjusted my thinking and by the time we arrived at Turner Field on Tuesday evening I was all in.

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We had amazing seats four rows behind the Braves dugout for the first six innings.  A combination of a Buc win and a Brewer loss would clinch a trip to the post-season.

With momentum building, we made our way to the section behind the Pirate dugout where several hundred Pittsburgh fans were gathering.  At the end of 8 and 1/2 it was a 3-2 ball game with the Pirates in the lead.  As the Pirates were taking the field for the bottom of the 9th the scoreboard flashed the news that Milwaukee had gone down in defeat.  We were three outs away from a clinch.

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The crowd, such as it was, was on their feet.  Minute by minute the excitement mounted.  And then the final out...BUCS WIN,  BUCS WIN, BUCS WIN.  We are on our way to the post season.  And the crowd went nuts.

What a thrill to be there and be a part of that victory.

It was so much fun that we decided to do it again on Wednesday.  That game didn't go our way but it seems that our seat location placed us squarely in the camera's frame whenever a right-handed batter was at the plate.

We were on television.  All.  Night.  Long.

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And everyone we know who watches Pirate baseball saw us.  My phone lit up with texts from family and friends and we obliged by waving to one and all.

Our little trip to Atlanta was a fun filled two days of baseball.  Memories were made that I will cherish for a long time.   As much as this pains me to admit, I owe The Kid and the boys a big thank you for pushing me into the change of plans.

Just don't let it go to your heads.

P.S.
It seems Henna had a good time too.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Spontaneity

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Don't despair.

I haven't forgotten you.

I have been otherwise occupied.

First there was company,

followed by a long car ride,

and a wedding.

There was supposed to be a final long car ride,

but,

I have been encouraged to "be spontaneous"  thus plans have changed,

there will be more car riding,

baseball,

possibly more baseball

before that final even longer car ride,

unless the plans change yet again.

Spontaneity is not for the faint of heart.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

It Is The Way Of Things



There were two pair of geese in the cove this morning.

I am somewhat surprised as it is the time of year when they begin to gather in large flocksin preparation for the long flight south.

It is also goose season.

As much of a nuisance as they are with all of that pooping,

I hate to hear the sound of gun shot.

I hate to think that one of our residents is now missing its mate.

But it is the way of things.

The sound of gun shot also means the geese will disappear for a spell.

They have an uncanny ability to high tail it to protected areas during our short goose hunting season,

reappearing when the all clear sign is given.

I look forward to their return,

to hearing the honking and the whoosh of feet hitting water announcing their arrival in the cove.

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And then I too will begin to gather my flock and prepare for the long flight south.

It is the way of things.












Monday, September 15, 2014

A Hummer Of A Summer

It has been a hummer of a summer here at Little Red.

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In June I purchased a bright, red, glass hummingbird feeder and suspended it in the maple tree outside the kitchen window.

It worked like a charm and the little hummers took to it like bees to honey.

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In fact it worked so well that a few weeks later I tossed the old red plastic model that hung from a shepherd's hook on the lake side of Little Red, replacing it with a similar green model.

I questioned the clerk upon purchase.  I wasn't convinced that a green bottle would grab the attention of the little birds in the same fashion the red one did.  She assured me the birds would find it.

And find it they did.

We soon found ourselves thoroughly entertained by the aggressive little buggers at all hours of the day and evening.

They were sipping their sugary brew at 5:45 AM while I was enjoying my first coffee of the day.

They were still there at 9:00 PM getting one last gulp before the bar closed for the night.  I swear they are addicted.

Heaven help me if the bottle ran dry.  The would fly right up to the window, flap their little hummer wings and chirp like looney birds in an attempt to grab my attention.  It never failed to work.

And talk about aggressive!  These tiny creatures were so aggressive that they swooped in like kamikaze pilots if we attempted to sit in the chairs near the feeder.  The distinct hum of their rapidly moving wings the only advance warning of an oncoming attack.

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About two weeks ago we noticed they were gone.  The newly filled feeders sat idle and untouched for several days.

I can only assume our tiny friends have taken off for points south.

I guess they need to get a head start since they have a long trip ahead of them.  You know, that short wing span and all.

Have a safe trip little hummers.

We'll see you on the flip side.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Eliminate The Unnecessary

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“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” ~ Hans Hofmann

Friday, September 12, 2014

It Was A Very Good Week

It is Friday and looking back I can honestly say it was a very good week.

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There were early morning walks and two kayak paddles.  It seems we are choosing paddles over walks more and more often.  Partially because it is both beautiful and invigorating on the lake at 7:30 a.m. and partially because we know our paddle days are numbered as October marches ever closer.

My foot has improved dramatically.  I have my two month check up on Monday and have high hopes of getting paroled from the athletic shoe prison for time served.  It is not yet 100%, more like 85%, but oh so much better than a month ago.

I helped a friend serve a luncheon for a good cause.

A ton of stone (literally) was delivered on Tuesday and we are one step closer to my vision of a flagstone sidewalk becoming a reality.  If this project goes well there may be a flagstone patio on the project list for next summer.

I survived a dinner party.  I don't know if you can call two additional people a party but I survived none-the-less.  We had a wonderful evening visiting with our new, old friends and even managed to get out on the lake for a little boat ride.

It only rained one day.

My Pirates aren't out of the play-off picture just yet.  Hope springs eternal.

It was a very good week.

And...

I have enormous expectations for next week.  My oldest (in friend years) and one of my dearest friends is coming for a visit.  There is a Pirate game on tap (which was the carrot we dangled last April to get this party started) and hopefully a couple of sun filled days to make it perfection.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Oh Pshaw

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There are people in my life who do not appreciate the many flower photographs that I post.

To them I say, pshaw.  Get over it.

Although I guess at this stage in my blog evolution I should be more willing to please my readership.

I fear that my little one year sabbatical caused me to lose a follower or two (or three, or ten).

We have now dwindled from the faithful eleven to the faithful five, maybe six on a good day.

But no worries.

I'm happy to be here,

to be back,

in my tiny spot in the blog world.

I answer to no one.

Which means that I can post flower photos until the cows come home.


P.S.  Welcome Ms Mickey.  I heard through the grapevine that you have been visiting.

P.P.S.  Give my grandchildren a hug for me the next time they wander over for a cookie!  


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Last To Bloom

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They may be the last to bloom, but they sure are pretty.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Don't Miss The Moment

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I have been making a concerted effort to capture the beauty that is my every day on a regular basis.

Taking walks down the lane.

Getting up close and personal with the last blossoms of summer.

Walking away from the nightly baseball game when the sun slips beneath the horizon,

When the sky turns shades of pink and purple and the lake is smooth as glass.

There is beauty in the every day.

And if you pay close attention you won't miss that moment when the magic happens.

When the beauty in the the every day becomes extraordinary.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Ready Or Not

Ready or not it is coming.

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In spite of my best effort at denial fall is rapidly approaching.  Much like a runaway steam locomotive on a downhill track it is gaining more speed by the minute and will soon be pulling into the station.  It's arrival announced by heralds clad in brilliant shades of red and yellow and orange.

I find it hard to believe that summer is almost in the history books.  But there is no denying the shortening of the days or the leaves that are beginning to gather beneath the Maple trees.  Soon a fire will be blazing inside of Little Red and we will be waking up to frost on the last of the Hydrangea blossoms.

In short order the car will be packed and pointed south.

But I refuse to get ahead of myself.  There is still a lot of living left to do before the sun sets on the summer of 2014.

And I plan to savor every minute.






Sunday, September 7, 2014

Friday, September 5, 2014

Fair Week

There is nothing quite like living in a small town.  It is the place where everybody knows your name.  At least they do if you have lived there for the entire span of your life (which we have not).  Small towns are novels in their own right, filled with quirky characters, mystery, and intrigue.  Our little town is no different.

Every September, like clock work,  on the Tuesday after Labor Day the Fair comes to town.  School is closed for the week because that's what you do.  And because the Fair takes place on the school grounds, right smack dab in the middle of town. During Fair Week everything comes to a stand still and everyone goes to the Fair.

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This year Fair Week was kicked off with the first annual 5K race.  And guess who participated?

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Yep, the BAA Babes (minus one, who is still recuperating from foot surgery).  We didn't run,  we walked.  But we finished in fine fashion and even managed to score a couple of T-shirts.  (I hope those three little girls I knocked down on the way to finish line will be all right.)

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Last night The Kid and I headed back into town.  It was Thursday evening and in addition to the braised steak on the menu at the Lions Club's building, a hymn sing was also on tap.  Where else but in small town America would you find a hymn sing at the local fair...in 2014?

The Kid went to sing.  I went to peruse the offerings in the gymnasium.  The competitive part of the fair.  There were table after table of tomatoes, watermelon, blueberries, corn, wheat, grapes, sunflowers and whatever else can be grown, submitted and judged in this neck of the woods.  There were exhibits for art and photography which is my particular favorite and of course political booths filled with small town politicians making their pitch to all would listen.

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But it is outside where the action is.  Where the quirky characters hang and the mystery and drama unfolds.

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It is where the rides spin, and whirl in a kaleidoscope of color.  It is also where the food wagons are located.

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Who in their right mind can pass up funnel cakes, sno-kones and hot sausage sandwiches?

Surely not me.

This is small town living at it's best.  Because amid the quirky, the mystery and the intrigue friendship and kindness abounds.  There is an aura of steadfastness and dependability that permeates the air and lifts the spirit.  I am proud to a be a part of it.

Even if nobody knows my name.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

It's That Time of Year

We have the most beautiful sunsets this time of year.

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I am certain there is a meteorological reason for it and I am also certain that I don't know what it is.

And quite honestly,

Who Cares!


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Like A Box Of Chocolates

This early morning kayaking thing has caught on with the residents of the B.A.A.

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Several mornings each week are now designated as kayak days.  We gather at 7:30, slide our boats into the water and quietly (or not) set out in one direction or the other.

And just like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.   One day may be overcast, the next morning might bring low hanging fog.

But one thing is certain, it is always beautiful.

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As you can see, our mornings have turned cool.  Sweatshirts are a must, at least for the early going.


On this particular day the sun was shining.  I found myself lagging behind, intrigued by the red and orange reflections against the deep blue of the lake.


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Wild life can often be spotted along the shore.  We have seen deer, raccoons, great blue herons and eagles.

It has been noted that our Bald Eagles have a preference for tall, dead trees.  They are usually spied perched high above the water on a bare branch affording them an unobstructed view of the lake.

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These morning paddles have convinced me that good can always be found in the bad.  If three of us had not had problems with our feet limiting our walking we would have missed out on something special.

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I'll take this box of chocolates any day.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

And Then...

I was going to post on Friday and report that it had been a good week.

And then on Thursday evening we got a call from some new old friends saying that they were out for a ride on their new motorcycle and were in the area and where exactly did we live....

And then the phone rang again and it was my friend Diann calling to tell me she had an extra ticket for a Pirate game on Friday evening and could I possibly go....

And then on Saturday we went to a wine festival with some other friends and just had to stop at the Amish farm for fall flowers because we were in the neighborhood....

And then on Sunday one of The Kid's brothers and 12 members of his family dropped in to spend the remainder of the weekend with us so we all took a deep breath and squeezed into Little Red and enjoyed a wonderful 48 hours of swimming in the lake, fishing, canoeing, boat riding, eating and rain and then we all stepped outside and exhaled again....

And then I was too pooped to pop so I layed on the couch like a slug...

And that's why there wasn't a post on Friday telling you what a great week it had been.

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But with sunsets like this and friends and family with whom to share it I would say it was a very good weekend.