Friday, December 30, 2011

The Old Man...


...has fallen

May The Old Man rot in peace.
I'll miss him terribly.

~~~

xoabb
change isn't always pleasant

I've blogged about this magnificent tree over the years - the photo in my blog header is that of The Old Man in all his glory. I always knew that the above was inevitable, but still...it was hard to see this. What finally happened is the "sprout" (you can see it lying on the ground on the left) that was growing out of the left side finally got too heavy and caused The Old Man to split. I really am sad to see him go. He was magnificent! 


Photo taken December 2011.


Monday, December 26, 2011

Sunday Serenity Surely Sidetracked by Monday Madness

Memories... by annbumbly
This little ornament, which had it's beginnings as a pine cone located on a tall, tall, very much alive pine tree, was originally a party favor for one of our many wonderful bird parties my mom put together for us when my sis and I were kids. (Yes, the above ornament is at least 40 years old....which means I'm old. Pooh!) Our family would find a cedar tree, bring it to our home and then secure it to our deck. We'd ask our friends to save hollowed out orange halves and then bring them on the day of the party. The oranges would have wires attached to them so they could be hung from the trees and then we'd  fill them with a mixture of peanut butter/seeds/suet. We'd also fill pinecones (the above ornament's sibling) with peanut butter, and string wires with popcorns and/or cranberries. The birds then enjoyed their feast the entire winter! Such fun! 

In the present, we had just a wonderful, wonderful Christmas! All of the immediate family are together in one place, (oh, and with our newest addition, Angie) for the first time since Carrie was married to Marty in 2001.  


We're having a perfection time together! 

Who could ask for anything more?

~~~
xoabb
expect extreme joy!



Saturday, December 24, 2011

And We're Off!

IMGP8931 by annbumbly
A Frozen Rustic Road Pond From a February Past
Our kids are already in Missourahhhh with their Grands and GB and I are leaving very very early this morning to join them and all the rest of our family. We have a ride to the airport (thank you Neil for getting up at 5:30 am and driving us), folks to take good care of Miss Stella-dog and Mr. Pain-in-the-Butt Trey-You-cat, a ride home to Columbia and then a Christmas with our ENTIRE FAMILY  together (first time since sis Carrie and her Marty got married in '01)! And instead of Christmas cards, (which I've not done for 3 years now - naughty!), I'm hoping to send out Valentine's Day cards, with a picture of us all. (O right, we'll see if that happens.)

To all of my friends, family and lovies,
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas or
whatever other holiday you might celebrate!

It really is all good...

~~~

xoabb
it's a wonderful life!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Sunset on Second...Serenity

Sunset on Second by annbumbly
 A few thoughts...


There's been a lot of troubling news of late;
(There's also been lots of good news as well.)
But my glass has always been half full, 
(Though lately I've begun to think I've sprung a leak...)
Then again, I think of all the good,
And remember that the half full glass stuff
Is a very good thing indeed!
Sunday Serenity
There's a reason to believe in serenity!

~~~

xoabb
good thoughts!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday Serenity...Family

Family by annbumbly


Our beloved Mimi, my husband's mom, our kids' grandma and my truly wonderful mom-in-law died a little over three years ago. Her home was sold shortly thereafter. Imagine our surprise when the gentleman who bought her home wrote us that three boxes full of family photos and memories had been found! I've no idea how we missed them, but miss them we did! He kindly mailed everything out to us.
Inside those boxes we found many photos we'd already seen, every card that had ever been given to her, and a few wonderful surprises. Above was one of those surprises. It's one of the only photos we have of Mimi as a young girl - and what a treat that her mom and dad and great grandfather are in the photo as well! (As far as Gladys and Otto that are on the left of the photo...have no idea who they are.)


Such a treat to find
Unexpected glimpses of
Our families' past

~~~

xoabb
expect family treasures to pop up!

~

And a happy happy birthday to you, brother Billyum! Tho it was yesterday, the loves and hugs flowing your way are just a big today! 

Thursday, December 08, 2011

2nd Street Sunset

2nd Street Sunset 3 by annbumbly

Weather is crazy
Trust not what weathermen say
Just rely on self!

Thursday, December 01, 2011

The FBB's Roasted Bourbon Turkey

Bourbon Roast Turkey from "The Beekman ~1802~ Heirloom Cookbook", page 146
Beekman Boys Turkey
How good could it really be??
How 'bout best ever!

One week ago on Thanksgiving Day we had not one, not two, not three but four Thanksgiving turkeys. While the two smoked turkeys were wonderful (a contest between me (mine's here) and our friend Tony (contest ended in a solid tie)) and the deep fried one done to perfection this year (unlike the nuked turkey year), the turkey that was oven-roasted this Thanksgiving rendered all of us speechless...it was that good!

I happen to love The Fabulous Beekman Boys. I was originally told about their TV show on PlanetGreen by friend Ellen, who raved about them. It took me just two shows to totally agree with her! The boys just released their first cookbook (sold out already) and in it is a recipe for a roast turkey that requires cups of bourbon. That piqued my interest. Quite a bit. Anything involving bourbon? Count me in! Not only that, the recipe also calls for maple syrup, molasses, citrus and Worcestershire sauce. Those are a few more of my favorite things...just how good was this bird going to be? I can tell you now - in a word - perfection!

We had a hard time carving all four of the birds as there were sticky picky fingers darting in and out of the carving stations the entire time! (Lucky no one lost a digit.) And at the end of the night, there was one small bag of turkey leftovers (didn't think there was any at all, but the bag was hidden under the lettuce in the crisper drawer. A planned hiding, perhaps??) and not one morsel of it was the Beekman Boys Turkey. The entire 20 lb. bird was consumed. Dang it!

Of course the recipe is in their cookbook (which you really should treat yourself to), but if you're not so inclined, below is a copy of the recipe and a link to the original on their website:

Bourbon Roast 14 lb. Turkey
Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients:

1 turkey (about 14 pounds), rinsed and patted dry, neck and giblets removed, liver discarded
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1 juice orange
1 lime
1 small onion, halved
2 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
3/4 cup maple syrup (preferably grade B)
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup bourbon
1 cup canned chicken broth
1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Tuck the wing tips under the turkey by bending them back and pushing them under the wings. In a small bowl, combine the salt, sugar, and chile powder. Carefully run your fingers under the breast and thigh skin of the turkey to loosen and then season with about one-third of the salt mixture. Rub the remaining mixture in the cavity of the turkey and all over the skin. With a fork, pierce the orange and lime all over. Place them in the cavity along with the onion, bay leaves, and garlic cloves. Truss the turkey.
In a small skillet, combine the maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes for the flavors to concentrate.
Place the turkey on a rack and the turkey neck and giblets in a heavy roasting pan with a lid. In a small bowl combine the bourbon and chicken broth and carefully pour the mixture into the pan (do not splash the oven or outside of the pan with the mixture). Pour all but 1/3 cup of the maple syrup mixture over the turkey breast. Cover the pan with the lid and roast the turkey, without uncovering, for 1 hour 30 minutes. [Tent with foil if the bird begins to get really toasty brown - mine did.]
Uncover the pan and brush the turkey with the reserved maple syrup mixture. Roast for 30 minutes, uncovered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh, without touching bone, registers 165°F.
Lift the turkey from the pan and transfer to a platter or cutting board. Tent with foil and let stand for 30 minutes. Discard the neck and giblets.
Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a gravy separator or a large measuring cup and remove the fat, reserving 3 tablespoons. If there isn’t enough turkey fat, add butter to make up the difference. If you don’t have 4 cups of pan juices, add water to make up the difference.
Place the turkey fat in a large saucepan and heat over low heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour has browned, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of pan juices and cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy is lightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Slice the turkey and serve with the gravy and your other sides.

~

Below are the adjusted amounts for our 20 lb. bird:


Bourbon Roast 20 lb. Turkey
Serves 16-18

Ingredients:

1 turkey, about 20 lbs., rinsed and patted dry (neck and giblets removed; liver tossed)
1/3 cups coarse salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
1 large orange (be sure to remove the sticker - as you can see, above, I forgot)
1 lime (2 if they're small)
1 medium onion, halved
1 cup pure maple syrup (preferably grade B)
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
3 cups bourbon
spray oil for oiling foil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Remain as above. Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure of doneness.











Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday Serenity

Our (Thanks)giving tree... by annbumbly
Daughter Remy began our Thanksgiving day tradition of everyone writing what they are thankful for on an autumnal-looking leaf three years ago. This year we carried it a bit further and put the leaves on a tree that cousin Heather created. While all the sentiments were wonderful - some funny, many filled with love of family and friends - the very best one came from Miss Elle, age four. When asked by Rem what she was thankful for, without hesitation, she replied: "Well, dinosaurs and sticks!" That kinda sums everything up in a nutshell!

~~~

xoabb
hope your Thanksgiving was half as wonderful as ours!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Ahhhhhhhhhtumn

Autumn Glory by annbumbly
November 10th was just about the only day this fall when the light made the colors really stand out. The above has only been slightly enhanced. Just one week later, the trees have all lost most of their leaves, and it's gray and dreary out. No sun to reflect on our gray clouds.

I feel winter coming on.

Tonight is bridge night and I'm feelin' lucky! A certain friend of mine thinks she's going to be the big winner. I beg to differ - it's gonna be me! Regardless, we always have so much fun, and that's all that really counts.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Cousin Julie and I are the Grand Hostesses (lots of lesser hosts and hostesses around to help, but only two Grand Hostesses) of 48 this year. We haven't had that many in probably 5 years or so. I'm kinda freaked out over the whole thing because I can't remember how I possibly made enough gravy and mashed potatoes for everyone, (those two dishes are my particular specialty). I think possibly I'm getting old and losing my cooking groove. Hello! O children of mine....possibly it's time for you to take over and put this old gal out to pasture...
Nah...all will come together, as it always always does for us, and it will be wonderful. As always.

~~~

xoabb
I just love Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sunday Serenity

A wonderful memory... by annbumbly
Cayman memories
What wonderful times we had
Treasured forever

~~~

xoabb
memories....


For many years we went to Grand Cayman for Christmas, first in rented homes and after my parents bought a vacation home, there. What wonderful memories our kids (and we) have of those years! Pictured above is the very first Christmas our youngest, Brynn Lee, spent on Cayman. It was 1985. In the above photo our children are 7 months, 18 months and 5 years. Their dad 35 and me 30. Damn...what happened to me??  

Friday, November 11, 2011

So Loverly, Showing Gratitude

Respect for those that have served and still serve by annbumbly

I had just left a newly discovered old cemetery I'd photographed for findagrave (I AM the tombstone chronicler after all!) when I stopped at a red light, looked to my left and saw this wonderful church that had American flags all over their grounds that, according to their sign, were honoring both those that have served and are serving our country. I find great tranquility in that.

~~~

xoabb
It's Veteran's Day. 
Kiss a Veteran!
Hey, Daddy, here's a kiss from afar!
xoxoxoxoxox

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Morning Spirits were Dancing

Spoooooooooooky... by annbumbly
Last night the stars and moon were out; 
the sky as clear & bright & beautiful as it's ever been. 
This morning, just a mere 7 hours later, 
a nearly all-enveloping fog...so very etheral!
(and very very weird...just sayin'.)

but

The spirits were surely dancing this morning!
such a good good thing...

~~~

xoabb
is your spirit dancing?
hope so!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Booooooooooday...

IMGP5685 by annbumbly
A bit snowy for us here in the Northeast, 
And no school for most (me? Not so much, POOH). 
However, it's candy time!
And costume time! 
Yea! 

~~~

xoabb
somebody's been eatin' the halloween candy in our house....anyone? anyone?

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday Serenity

Spirits rising on the Saugatuck by annbumbly
Spirits Rising

~~~

xoabb
always believe!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Sounds Like a Good Fit



2ed075b0db32012e2fae00163e41dd5b?width=900
9 Chickweed Lane

~

I've been reading the comic strip 9 Chickweed Lane for years now.
Most folks don't get or like its extreme quirkiness, but I love it!
Today is especially good, considering the upcoming elections.

~~~

xoabb
I really don't like elections. At all.


Monday, October 17, 2011

What Fun We Had!

What Fun We Had! by annbumbly
Ella, Connor, Auntie Jules
The four of us (Auntie Jules, Connor, Ella* & and moi) went to the New Canaan Nature Center's Fall Festival this past weekend. What fun we had! (BTW, any of you in this area who have younger kids in your life, don't miss this annual event!)
Even I, an old fart, had a glorious time! Needless to say, Miss Ella and Mr. Connor had just the very best of times as well! Auntie Jules (there on the right) kept everything on course...of course, and wasn't ONCE led astray by moi, though I really tried!

*(Don't tell her mom and dad, but Jules and I personally fed Ms. Ella a self-decorated cupcake, cotton candy and two cookies. We weren't very proud of ourselves...but we sure had fun! And, um, we'd do it again. In a minute! :)

xoabb
love my family!

The Swing (for modern times)


How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

~Robert Louis Stevenson

~~~

xoabb
o to be young again!

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Sunday Serenity: Unfurling a...

Unfurling by annbumbly
...new family member,
One we already adore...
We are SO lucky!
~~~

xoabb
expecting guesses as to who the new family member is!
and no, I'm not preggers...56 here....GAH...
:)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday Serenity

Bly's pic by annbumbly
even in times of 
trouble, there are magical
moments to be had...

~~~

xoabb
demand serenity!

~
Photo taken by my son Bly with his blackberry. 
Quite the eye he has! (Just braggin' :)

Thank you Hilary for honoring my son's
wonderful photo with a POTW!
Magical indeed!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sunday Serenity...Today, No...Remembrance

Sunday Serenity by annbumbly

Remembered torment
A torment we have LIVED THROUGH
Because we are STRONG

~~~

xoabb
expect USA unity. Always!
(Despite our house and senate.)

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Varmints Not Welcome!

Pest-be-gone spray 5246 by annbumbly

Master Gardener
trying in vain to protect
his ripe melon patch
~
alas!

~~~

xoabb
expect failure, because of possums, at times

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Hunter-Dog takes his Human Sister for a Walk. It didn't go well...




My loverly niece Lauren took her family dog Hunter to the dog park for a run and a swim (photo in last post). I tagged along just because I'd never seen our Norwalk dog park up close and personal (BTW, it's really wonderful).

Hunter had a lot of fun in the doggy pond until Halo, the VERY bitchy weimaraner, decided Hunter shouldn't be part of her posse!

It clearly was time for Hunter and his humans to leave!

So Lauren put the leash back on Hunter. He immediately grabbed his leash in his mouth, and proceeded to drag Ms. Lauren all the way back to their car. When they finally got to the car, Hunter sat down and waited for Lauren to open the door. When she did, he immediately jumped in...then, once inside, at last, our Hunter was a happy happy doggy! We know this because he looked at both of us and "talked" about it. Hunter is a very verbal dog. 

Hmmm....

Not a terribly successful dog park experience...

~~~

xoabb
expect doggys!


P. S. Give my friend, Kate, a visit. She has a very informative post about Lab dogs. 
While Hunter is officially a Chocolate Lab, we're all pretty convinced 
the bottom right photo is what he really is.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Dogs + Water = FUN!!!

IMGP5294 by annbumbly

~~~

xoabb
loverly!

Photo taken at Taylor Farm - Norwalk, CT 's dog park - complete with a swimming hole.
From Connecticut Dog Fun: Taylor Farm. The pond at the park is great however your dog will need a bath when she or he gets home! Large fields, swimming pond, trails, fenced by the road. Location: Beach Road, Norwalk CT. Across the street from Calf Pasture Beach.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Just Totally Irritational!

That is for HUMAN Consumption!5235 by annbumbly


My parents are gardeners extraordinaire and work long and hard for the produce and flowers that are around their home. This year, for the first time in a while, Dad planted a melon patch. When I arrived on the first of August, the melons were growing beautifully, but not nearly ripe enough to harvest.
Almost 2 weeks later, that not-nearly-ripe-enough stage had changed. Abruptly. Two days ago, the first melon out of their patch went missing. As in, there was not a remnant of that melon to be found! Varmints do not tear off a melon and saunter away with it, they eat the innards on the spot. So where did that melon go?? We'll never know.
This morning, when Dad went to the melon patch, the above ~greeted~ him. It was still attached to the vine, but thoroughly disturbed and almost totally eaten. Some varmint had had a veritable FEAST! 
So, tonight, Dad declared WAR and set a trap... 
He just went and inspected the trap. A baby opossum has been caught. BABY being the key word. As you can tell from the before and after photos, baby 'possum did a fine job of eating the melon in the trap, but we don't think it could have eaten an ENTIRE one. Which leads us to believe baby 'possum's family is waiting in the wings to devour the rest...uh oh.

(Anyone have a melon patch guard dog we could hire??)

(For the pictures, go here.)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Snow on the Mountain. In August??

IMGP5122 by annbumbly
 Snow on the Mountain, 8/10/11: Columbia, MO 
Plant it one year in the garden, and WATCH OUT! 
You'll have it forever! (Just ask my dad.) But what a beauty it is.
It's one of my favorite flowers - so brilliant and such a butterfly magnet!

Snow on the Mountain also reminds me of my most dear departed M-I-L, Mimi. It was also one of her very favorite plants as well, and she had a hedge of it growing along her porch in front of her home. Actually, her S-O-T-M was part of the front porch hedge that was also full of more permanent shrubbery, and which she asked read: begged...long, loud and often my hubs - her son - to trim once a year. Once started, after pulling many a hens' teeth, he did an admirable job, and for quite a few years.

Then there was the year he used his mom's new electric shrub trimmers. 

That, my friends, was the last year he ever trimmed the Snow on the Mountain-laced hedge at her home.

It was also the first and we who love him fervently hope, the last time said hubs actually flew through the air. Back then before certain precautions of the electrical type were mandatory, when you cut through an electric cord, (and especially when the ground and everything else was wet), baaad things tended to happen. Yup, it's possible to fly.( It's not necessarily fun to fly this way, but it is most certainly possible!)

My only regret is that since I didn't know him at the time, I had no chance of witnessing this Entirely-Entertaining-Because-He-Lived-Through-It-Unscathed event first-hand. Pretty sure I would have laughed. Loud and long. (I'm baaaaaad!)

I'm certain that our Mimi would be pleased to know her favorite flower/shrub is still just as beautiful. (Even though her son, to this day, still isn't allowed to be a  S-O-T-M trimmer - or any other kind of ~trimmer~, for that matter!)

~~~

xoabb
expecting - and getting - cooler MO temps!
HURRAY!

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Toward the Sun...


Temperatures?  HOT!
But still pockets of beauty -
Zinnias...Ah yes!

~~~
 
xoabb
Sunday Serenity...expecting Missourahhh  heat!

Friday, July 22, 2011

The art of hotness...


Anyone have a swimming pool...chock-full of ice cubes?
I'll be joining you!
~~~

xoabb
expect sweating


Wish I could give the artist credit for the above image 
I believe she/he's from Germany.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Three

Iris by annbumbly

Three kids, mine to love
They are just my heart and soul
The flowers say that

~~~

xoabb
expect lots!

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Honey Bee & a Thought

Well hello! Not been
Around lately. And I have
No idea why.

~~~
xoabb
My 1001th post! Wow! Whoda thunk?!?

Friday, June 24, 2011

CBS Sunday Morning

Can't Believe I'm On Set! by annbumbly

Can't Believe I'm On Set!
My favorite show ever!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Missourahhh Mosaic



Heritage Apple Tree Blossom

Such a beautiful flower!
~~~
xoabb

Go 'way, human!

Photo taken 5/30/11 of a robin fledgling that was not at all happy to see a camera, let alone a human!

While the above, in my mind at least, is appropriate robin behavior - mom and dad flying about finding food for their nested young-uns - at our house appropriate robin behavior has been, well, of late, not so much. We have two major issues with the robins living round 6 Sasqua Pond (tho possibly it is only one robin being twice as naughty). 
First is, that around 5:00 each morning, if our bedroom window is closed, Mr. (pretty sure, could be Mrs.) Robin begins throwing himself against the glass. Don't know if he thinks he's courting a young cutie patootie or protecting his beloved; either way, it is more than annoying.
Secondly,

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sunday Serenity


Who has the best dad in the whole wide world?
ME!
(along with my sis and bro)
~

Bonica Rose by annbumbly
Photo: Bonica Rose, 6/2/11

"Some people are always grumbling that roses have thorns...
I am thankful that thorns have roses."

Alphonse Kerr



~~~

xoabb
expect anything!

~~

P.S. -  Happy happy birthday to my one and only and most dear son! Can't believe you are as old as you are - and I've loved every year we've shared.  And, you're sharing a special day with your dad and granddad as it's Dad's day as well! May you all have the best day ever, and a wonderful year till your next birthday/father's day! Love love love you all!!!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Dear L1 Community Garden Plot Keeper...

What's wrong with this picture?? by annbumbly

You are in BIG trouble!

Love, the M8 Community Garden Plot Keeper

~

Yesterday afternoon I walked around our Community Garden to see how other plots were doing. Imagine my surprise to come upon L1's plot and see a rabbit just hanging out...inside L1's fenced-in plot! When I got closer, bunny started charging randomly into the "fence" and quickly found a hole to go through. I followed bunny who also quickly found a hole in the outer fence to go through. (flickr stream has all the glory - click on above photo to view). "Quickly found a hole" seems to be a theme here, and not a particularly good one. Possibly our community garden needs to address outer fence holes?? (I have to say, I've never seen a bunny quite the color of this one, and it turns out it had just 3 legs. Strange. Sorta felt bad about chasing it out of such a good food source.)

Last week, I chased a ground hog out of our "fenced in" community garden. Next week, what???

And just wait till I show you my bean plant carnage. Not pretty!

~~~

xoabb
expect garden frustrations...damn rabbits!

Monday, June 13, 2011

So this is the way I started my day...

IMGP4656 by annbumbly

So this is the way
I started my day. Must be
Grand Central Station!

~~~

Grand, don't you think??

~~~
xoabb
there's strangeness all around!!


A gentleman went up to her and asked why she was dressed as she was. 
She told him it was her expression of free thought.
 I then went to him and asked him what she said. He told me about the freedom thing. 
Then that gentleman asked me if I believed in the Holy Trinity. 
Told him that was way too personal.
People!

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

It's Planted! (6/3/11)

First Community Garden Photo: 6/3/11 by annbumbly


My garden plot for the 2011 growing year! Late though it was started - first because of bad weather, then just me being...me - up and planted it is! The closest part of the bed is dedicated to tomatoes...and two types of varieties of the allium (read onion/garlic) family. I haven't a clue in the world when to harvest either of them. I planted them late last summer/early fall. Parental units, Master Gardener sister....help! 

Further part of the bed is dedicated to peppers, two types of beans, and, I had hoped, lettuce...but, we're having a heat wave the next week or so, so I'm thinking something else needs to go there. 

Snippy comment: As you can see, not EVERYone in our community garden has gotten their plots in order! Hmmm.....

~~~

xoabb
expecting bountiful gardens for all!

Sunday, June 05, 2011

I am loved

I am loved by annbumbly


On the back of a birthday card envelope.
Makes me feel just wonderful!
xoxoxoxooxauntiemxoxoxooxxoxo

Saturday, June 04, 2011

The Backside of 50...

Iris by annbumbly

The Short-Side of...O....Never Mind!
(Name that country song!)

~~~

xoabb
for all the birthday wishes already given, and it wasn't even the day - thank you! 
my family & friends are just the best best best!!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Thank you...



Time to remember

Those that gave their lives for us

I am so grateful...

~~~

xoabb


Photo: January 15, 2011 during a snow storm


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday Serenity



Dog Nose, Boy Ear...SPLASH!!!

yup...every time!

~~~

xoabb
memories...

Friday, May 27, 2011

Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin'...

Along...



I long to find the
Perfect robin's egg to keep,
Abandoned...of course

~~~

xoabb

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday Serenity


A contemplation
Of all things fascinating
Takes time to absorb

~~~

xoabb
~blessings

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Such a Good Day the 18th is!




It's the 18th of May...
That means my oldest baby is 31!
Happy happy birthday, my dearest Rem-Rem...
(Amazing I had you when I was 10)
You are one of the 3 bestest things in my life.
(Your dad is a close 4th, tho none of you would be...um...well, nevermind!)

Wednesday also means it's garbage day
And recycling day
Hi ho, hi ho! Off to the curb we go!
(Cleanliness is next to...(a miracle as far as I'm concerned))

And it's almost half-way through the work week day...
That's all kinds of loverly!

Good friend LaLa has walking pneumonia,
and has to go to the Grand Canyon on Saturday, the 21st.
She's the team director/leader for the
Leukemia & Lymphomia Society's
Team in Training Grand Canyon walk
Hope she's well enough to go...but...oh wait...
May 21st is THE END OF THE WORLD
Sooo...she has nothing to worry about,
But, then, oh, whatEVER
Neither will the rest of us!

Hmmm....what else....

Oh yes, though I'm sure most of you have known about them forever,
I've discovered the band ~Lifehouse~
I'm in ~musician love~ for the first time since...
Sting (and then John Mayer)
And I do love Sting (and then John Mayer)
Best. Musicians. Ever.
(do not disagree with me as I won't be listening)
(And yes, mother of mine, I do love jazz and also heavily like classical music)

Our Farmer's Market is up and running on May 26th
That's also my younger daughter, Brynny's birthday - such a day to celebrate!

Hmmm, what else??
Spent a loverly evening yesterday with good friends playing
a resoundingly disappointing round of bridge
(goodbye pot $$ contribution - next time?? Please??)
And thanks as always to Ms. Jane (aka ~winetipper~)
for the strategy tips, God knows I need them!

Oh, and my brother's iPad has had an ~Incredible Journey~
across the US of A courtesy of Fedex.
Said iPad spent 48 hours parked somewhere in Sacramento.
This was not a predicted nor a desired stop.
(I know hope he'll be sharing said adventures via his blog.)

Lastly spent some time with Ms. Jules
We watched "The Good Wife" - soooo well done!
Then we proceeded to solve all the world's ills...
Matter of fact, the demise of the world on the 21st has been AVERTED!!
Courtesy of the two of us!
Wow!
Heavy work for one evening.

I must go to bed...now...
Just exhausted!

~~~

xoabb
always smiling!!

~

Above is the Heritage Apple Tree in our neighbor's yard.
It must be at least 100 years old.

Photo taken 5/16/11

Friday, May 13, 2011

Cody-Dog of the Big Splash


Cody-dog, my brother and nephew had more fun together than should be ever allowed!
Summer 2008

~~~

xoabb

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My Wisteria


As I'm sure you've figured out by now, I love flowers.

Among my favorites is wisteria.

Love the scent as well its wonderful ~shape~.

~

and you?

~~~

xoabb

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Rem-Rem's Cherry Tree


This is the cherry tree that has been blooming faithfully each spring for the 30 years we've lived in our home. It's right outside the window of my older daughter Remy's childhood bedroom and she's always considered it her tree!


She asked me the other day if it was blooming this year as she's in Missouri and hasn't been able to see it. Rem, as you can see, your cherry tree is blooming and absolutely gorgeous this year! (Click on the above photo or the photos link to the right to see more cherry tree glory if you're so inclined.) I do believe there'll still be blossoms on it when you arrive this Friday. Can't wait - for you to see your tree, and for me to see you!

~~~

xoabb
your mommy loves you, Remela!

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Sunday Serenity

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

~ Wendell Berry

~~~

xoabb

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Just Sleeping...


No, ducky is not dead, but just sleeping.

Fell to sleep, then fell straight back...

It's hard work breaking out of that egg!

Go see the hatching here!

~~~

xoabb


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Sunday Serenity

A most blessed Easter
Filled with family and friends
Is my wish for you!

~


Stormy skies abound -
Funnel clouds are everywhere!
For us? A rainbow!


~~~

xoabb