Flowers for Friday

I am going to do something new for my Friday posts.  I have decided to post photos of flowers that catch my eye.  The flowers may be either cut or wild, but to me they must be beautiful.
My choice for this week is...

the locust tree.
They are in full bloom around here right now and they are beautiful.
Enjoy your weekend.

Why Do I Blog?

I blog for three reasons:  Alexandra, DJ and me.  Originally, I began the blog as a way to keep in touch with daughter when she traveled abroad to Africa. 

She returned and we enjoyed it so much that I continued to do it just for us.   

It's moments like this that I document because they are amazing and I want to share them with them (no matter where they are in this world).

It may be something as simple as my evening walk with the dogs, but it documents a positive part of my life and something that we share together - a love of nature and fitness.

It is a common thread that keeps the communication going.

It let's them know that even though we are miles apart, I think of them throughout the day and hope their day has been enjoyable.

That's why I blog.
Have a good night.

May Apples and Turkey Eggs

Almost two inches of rain has fallen since yesterday.  The woods are saturated and lush leaving me with soaking wet sneakers.

The lower pond is full to the brim and overflowing.

And randomly laid turkey eggs...

and may apples...

dot the trails the dogs and I travel.

Mother Robin and her Brood

I had wondered how many baby robins there were in the nest on the back of DJ's basketball hoop.

Yesterday, I found out.

I spied Mother Robin with a mouth full of grubs and worms.

Sure enough she flew to her nest and three hungry babies popped their heads up. 

Animals - domestic or wild - give me so much enjoyment.
Take a look around you.
Life is everywhere and it is good.
Have a great day.

Memorial Day

I didn't go to my local parade today.  I just wasn't into it.  I kind of felt bad, but I was busy - I mowed the lawn, put the screens in the windows and picked up around the house.

And then there were these two.
I mean look at them.
They are way too cute to leave alone...

And then there's Stripes.
Even though he cuts me off when I am walking and attacks my feet, I still think he's pretty cute...

So instead I stayed home and watched Mother Robin...

Hung out by the pond...

with Snoop...

and my Mom...

In my bare feet...

with my Lime A Rita...

Until it was time to eat some barbeque chicken...

a green salad, applesauce and vanilla pudding in a margarita glass.

And I enjoyed my Memorial Day thoroughly.
I hope you enjoyed yours too.

Wild Geraniums and Blueberry Buds

I love to take photos of the various wildflowers that are blooming in the woods when I take my dogs for their evening walk.  Last night on our walk, Snoop and I enjoyed wild geraniums...

and blueberry buds...

I love how the colors change... 

as the evening wanes into night.

Fruit Cocktail Pudding Cake

I actually saw snow in the air yesterday morning and last night I had a fire going.  Today has been cold, but I refused to start another fire!!!  Instead, I opted for baking (it always warms up the house just enough).  I baked a cake that my Mom used to make for us when we were kids (over 40+ years ago) - fruit cocktail pudding cake.  She found the recipe on the back of a can, cut it out, baked the cake and we liked it so much that it became one of her standard, easy to make deserts.
And that tattered, cut out recipe?
It still remains in her recipe box to this day.

Fruit Cocktail Pudding Cake

As for me, I still like mine with a big dollop of Cool Whip on top :) 
The recipe is under my recipe tab if you are interested in making it.
Have a great night.

You've Heard of the Movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" Right?

Well, this is "Cat Up A Tree"...

"I know..."

starring...

"I know..."

the one and only...

"I am beautiful.  Now if you will please excuse me, my kitty food calls..."

Suzie!!!
What am I going to do with you Girl?

The Weekend

Here it is.
In A Nutshell.
Dropped this kid off at the airport and balled just like a baby.  

Felt so sorry for myself that I got myself a pedicure.  (It did make me feel better :)

Finally finished clipping Snoop down (I started clipping him Wednesday).
He smells so much better.

I wasn't finished clipping Snoop down in this photo.

Went for a hike back to the creek.

If Violet looks a little cockeyed, it is because she was shaking off the water :)

Enjoyed the wood's foliage.  

Milk Wort

New Growth on Ferns

Dogwood

On Saturday, I mowed my lawn for the first time (Bessie had been at the Lawnmower repair doctor).
On Sunday, I mulched. 

I need to wash the little doggie nose prints off my door :)

Enjoyed my lilacs.
They smell wonderful.

Enjoyed the birds.
I did see a Baltimore Oriole on my Sunday morning walk with the dogs, but did not have my camera with me.

Mother Robin

Did some container gardening.

Pansies

Noticed that the Robin's bird nest is on the back of DJ's basketball hoop.

Cleaned off my barn porch.  Rearranged.  Placed my new-to-me round iron table on the porch,got rid of a set of drawers, put a quilt on top of the table, adorned it with a Seagrams Jamaican Me Happy and then polished that baby right off.

Ahhh :)

There you have it.
My weekend.
In A Nutshell :)

The Prom

My nephew Daniel went to his Senior prom last night and once again I was lucky enough to be asked to take photos of this event.  I can't believe he will be graduating next month.  As always, he looked handsome and his date for the prom was gorgeous.  Although the weather was a little on the cool side, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and dotted with big fluffy clouds making it perfect for photos.

This was location of the photo shoot.  Yeah, I know - beautiful...

This is my nephew Daniel...

Here he is with his date...

The group of kids that went to the prom.

My sister (Daniel's Mom) and DJ were there too.

Best friends regaled with stories of their adventures...

and brought smiles and laughter to everyone around them.

Pretty soon this field of dandelions is going to be a field of wishes.

I will pick a bouquet of these wishes, blow on them and wish only the very best for Daniel and his circle of friends :)
I am very thankful that I am part of Daniel's life.  He is a wonderful young man and I am proud to be his Aunt Dee.