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January 27, 2006
Pest Alert and Oh my, a Robin!!
This morning's visit across the backyard fence (via telephone) brought Gloria's warning to check for pests on the mandevilla wintering over in my basement. She and I bought some of the plants at slashed prices last September and hers has aphids visiting. Mine look ok, albeit rather dormant and not exactly what an aphid is after! Anyway, when I finished my basement gardening and came back upstairs, what should I see outside my kitchen window but a nice plump robin at the heated bird bath! Has to be a returnee from the south as I haven't seen a one of them here all winter. Just another reminder to finish up with my inside projects before gardening season returns as well!
Posted by Carol at 9:41 AM | Comments (1)
January 24, 2006
Back from Orlando and Wise Words
Had a fine time in Orlando ~ being treated to Cirque du Soleil and dinner afterwards by Matthew and David was heavenly! Also very enjoyable were outings to the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve near their apartment, and riding the new themed coaster at Disney's Animal Kingdom "Expedition Everest" ~ wheeeeee!
Returning home, it is always satisfying to share news of my travels with Gloria. Of course we can ramble on for a long time until we have covered much more than current news! This poem by Robert Frost was in the Writer's Almanac last week and I think it apropo...
A Time to Talk
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don't stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven't hoed,
And shout from where I am, 'What is it?'
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
Posted by Carol at 10:17 PM | Comments (1)
January 18, 2006
Welcome Winter
Last night big, fluffy snowflakes fell quickly from the heavens as if in a hurry to blanket the very wet, murky, brown winter ground. The flakes hit my face and with such force that I do believe I could feel their faceted form. It was lovely actually, a little sting but sensual nonetheless.
Then this morning the ground was mounded with the lovely shape of a pure white cashmere blanket of the finest weave. The stillness, the peacefulness the ahhh of the surroundings was a blessing to behold. Sadie and I set forth for a walk to rapture in all the goodness of the morning, we slipped a little and shivered some but mostly we skipped in joy that snow had come to briefly visit.
Now the sun shines brightly and the promise of spring like weather returns tomorrow. What a winter in 2006, puzzlement. I worry a tad that my little spring bulbs are not getting their little bodies cold enough...we shall see won't we.
Posted by Gloria at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2006
Off to Orlando
Flying down to Florida this afternoon for a short visit with Matthew ~ he promises warm breezes, flowers, and plenty of sunshine. Saturday night we are going to see "La Nouba" Cirque du Soleil which will be a real treat! And on Friday, he tells me he has pulled strings to get us both on the inaugural run of the newest roller coaster attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I think I am supposed to be excited about that as well....hmmmm.
Posted by Carol at 9:54 AM | Comments (2)
January 7, 2006
In My Glorees
That I am, because this morning I have at long last successfully snapped a decent photo of a Red-breasted Nuthatch! They are half the size of their deeper colored relative, the White-breasted Nuthatch, but twice the speed. When they alight on feeder or tree they are seldom in one spot for more than a second or two. But this morning, (with the sun actually shining for extra lighting) I was able to get the picture I was hoping to add to my Nature Photo Album!
Posted by Carol at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)