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| A quick search showed this from Pinterest, which is surely faked... The males mate and then bail on the mother... |
Why didn’t I think of this sooner? Are these tiny flying jewels amazing or what?
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Thursday, July 16, 2026
I Wish I’d Thought of This Sooner
Early this summer, I decided to make a full pitcher of sugar water for our many ruby throated hummingbirds. What a time saver!
Why didn’t I think of this sooner? Are these tiny flying jewels amazing or what?
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Why didn’t I think of this sooner? Are these tiny flying jewels amazing or what?
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Wednesday, July 15, 2026
One Fine Sunday
My friend Scars was very angry at the world when we first met and really wanted to end his life of extreme pain. But he promised his dying mother not to leave his father further bereaved. I wish I could have met Betty, but Scars’ father is a treasure.
In honor of both these chivalrous and delightful men I left my comfort zone (home) and drove north to attend church with them. There, we witnessed Scars’ reconfirmation baptism.
Sitting alone for a bit before the service began, I prompted Paul to tell me travel stories. Scars inherited his storytelling skill, by the way, another reason I so enjoy their company. In fact, I told my husband we should both visit to hear Paul’s tales before his failing health takes him from us.
~sigh~
When Scars was called up to the baptismal pool, Paul said he’d stay where we’d parked his wheelchair despite his son and I each offering to wheel him over. “I’ll keep an eye on his stuff,” he insisted. I didn’t know this until afterward, but he accepted a stranger’s offer, for which I’m very glad. Scars also refuses assistance at almost every turn. Letting me do anything is rewarding.
Unfortunately, Scars’ niece, mother of a five week old boy, couldn’t attend and most of the remaining family lives out of state. That fact and my ability to physically help in small ways multiplied my contentment. One fellow took a photo of us three and there is video of the baptism, too. If my decades ago searches for a church family had led me to a congregation so friendly and not clamoring for membership I would have likely remained a member.
Like father, like son, right? And now, do you think I’m in the majority of my contemporaries when I say my garden is my cathedral of choice?
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In honor of both these chivalrous and delightful men I left my comfort zone (home) and drove north to attend church with them. There, we witnessed Scars’ reconfirmation baptism.
Sitting alone for a bit before the service began, I prompted Paul to tell me travel stories. Scars inherited his storytelling skill, by the way, another reason I so enjoy their company. In fact, I told my husband we should both visit to hear Paul’s tales before his failing health takes him from us.
~sigh~
When Scars was called up to the baptismal pool, Paul said he’d stay where we’d parked his wheelchair despite his son and I each offering to wheel him over. “I’ll keep an eye on his stuff,” he insisted. I didn’t know this until afterward, but he accepted a stranger’s offer, for which I’m very glad. Scars also refuses assistance at almost every turn. Letting me do anything is rewarding.
Unfortunately, Scars’ niece, mother of a five week old boy, couldn’t attend and most of the remaining family lives out of state. That fact and my ability to physically help in small ways multiplied my contentment. One fellow took a photo of us three and there is video of the baptism, too. If my decades ago searches for a church family had led me to a congregation so friendly and not clamoring for membership I would have likely remained a member.
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| Where I find spirituality... I am excited to harvest my first eggplant! |
Like father, like son, right? And now, do you think I’m in the majority of my contemporaries when I say my garden is my cathedral of choice?
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Sunday, July 12, 2026
Dazed and Confused
I went outside in a great mood one morning to check my vegetable plants when I saw a slip of paper fallen from my front doorknob. A city employee left a weed violation warning that totally deflated my good mood. I’ve worked so hard on maintaining a decent yard. And I’m on my own due to my husband’s imbalance issues.
I immediately called and left the inspector a polite message requesting guidance. And I shamelessly played the old lady card, how I alone maintain the property.
Still feeling down and confused, I knew that taking action was an excellent morale booster. Two rare but always amicable neighborly encounters improved my mood before I even started. Then I walked to the north side of our house.
Invasive, fast growing Johnson grass went nuts when I wasn’t looking. I immediately took my electric hedge trimmer and mowed down as much as possible without tumbling down the hill. While the landscape has eroded beyond recognition, the hardest to reach spot is almost exactly where I caught Tilly falling from the neighbor’s tree so long ago.
The inspector called the next afternoon and confirmed my wishful suspicion. My husband was relieved by both the fact we wouldn’t be facing any fine and our vegetables are in no danger.
I need to follow up with weed killer. And keeping this obnoxious grass down demands vigilance.
Can you imagine how worse it would have been if that notice blew away? Is there a particular invasive plant plaguing your area?
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I immediately called and left the inspector a polite message requesting guidance. And I shamelessly played the old lady card, how I alone maintain the property.
Still feeling down and confused, I knew that taking action was an excellent morale booster. Two rare but always amicable neighborly encounters improved my mood before I even started. Then I walked to the north side of our house.
Invasive, fast growing Johnson grass went nuts when I wasn’t looking. I immediately took my electric hedge trimmer and mowed down as much as possible without tumbling down the hill. While the landscape has eroded beyond recognition, the hardest to reach spot is almost exactly where I caught Tilly falling from the neighbor’s tree so long ago.
The inspector called the next afternoon and confirmed my wishful suspicion. My husband was relieved by both the fact we wouldn’t be facing any fine and our vegetables are in no danger.
I need to follow up with weed killer. And keeping this obnoxious grass down demands vigilance.
Can you imagine how worse it would have been if that notice blew away? Is there a particular invasive plant plaguing your area?
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Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Polly, Don't Change
I wiped up a bit of fur off my comforter and immediately Polly acted interested. The title is what we say to her on a regular basis.
Do you think pets act cute on purpose? Can you spot the extra toes on her murder mitten?
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Do you think pets act cute on purpose? Can you spot the extra toes on her murder mitten?
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Sunday, July 5, 2026
An Amazing Transformation, & One of My Cats is Next...
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| The spot on his pretty white skull cap is so unique... |
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| The change looks subtle; it was not... |
It’s transfixing to watch and she says the process is almost as rewarding as the outcome. She wears what looks like a beekeeper’s hood until time for final brushing. The big baby’s whines also required her to don hearing protection and caused me to lower the TV volume.
Meanwhile I plan on transforming Dandelion. She has this super dense, almost microfiber layer that’s shedding like crazy. The stuff leaves snowdrifts on the carpet when she scratches herself. I don’t mind that so much as how it these fibers cover all textiles inside and out. When I’m sweating out in the garden and wipe my face on my sleeve… well… minor miseries commence. As soon as I can book an appointment with our pet groomer this girl is getting shaved down to her adorable pink hide.
Can you believe that huskies and malamutes are some of the whiniest drama queens? Have you seen any videos of their antics?
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Saturday, July 4, 2026
Happy 250th Birthday, United States of America!
I am in awe of the celebrations going on around our great nation. What I find most stunning is the drone display.
A friend sent me a cute message this morning: hoppie birdie, USA! Meanwhile, I wish blessings upon everyone, especially those living in war torn lands.
Are you enjoying a nice Saturday wherever you are? -
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| I did a screen shot off YouTube & plan to watch in entirety... |
A friend sent me a cute message this morning: hoppie birdie, USA! Meanwhile, I wish blessings upon everyone, especially those living in war torn lands.
Are you enjoying a nice Saturday wherever you are? -
Sunday, June 28, 2026
The Most Recent Crisis Averted: Terra
I can’t believe an entire week has passed since my last post. I’ve been meaning to share this story as it kicked off my entire little series, so here goes.
As on many lazy afternoons I lay across my bed flipping a wand toy for Terra to chase. All of a sudden she let out an ear piercing scream. She allowed me to pick her up and put her on the mattress but struggled hard, hissing and growling.
The toy came with her and I soon saw why. Apparently she stepped on the clasp just so, opening it long enough to trap a toe. I ended up cupping her face with my left hand to keep from accidentally getting bitten.
The pain must have been excruciating. Not wanting to leave her like that for even a moment, I couldn’t reach out for help as my husband was asleep and would never hear me calling. Dandelion approached as I fought to free my girl. And finally, somehow, I did. After a mere moment Terra acted as if nothing had happened.
Do you think Dandelion was concerned or just curious? And how lucky is it that neither Terra nor I bled as a result of the melee?
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As on many lazy afternoons I lay across my bed flipping a wand toy for Terra to chase. All of a sudden she let out an ear piercing scream. She allowed me to pick her up and put her on the mattress but struggled hard, hissing and growling.
The toy came with her and I soon saw why. Apparently she stepped on the clasp just so, opening it long enough to trap a toe. I ended up cupping her face with my left hand to keep from accidentally getting bitten.
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| We have played with this since, just not anymore that day... |
The pain must have been excruciating. Not wanting to leave her like that for even a moment, I couldn’t reach out for help as my husband was asleep and would never hear me calling. Dandelion approached as I fought to free my girl. And finally, somehow, I did. After a mere moment Terra acted as if nothing had happened.
Do you think Dandelion was concerned or just curious? And how lucky is it that neither Terra nor I bled as a result of the melee?
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Sunday, June 21, 2026
Crisis Averted, Part Two: Jezebel
All our kitties’ outdoor adventures ended after I saw what looked like rice on Jezebel’s backside. The same vet who cared for both Tilly and Luna confirmed a tapeworm infestation. Back home I vacuumed every crack and crevice of furniture and carpeting and made my decree.
I don’t know how sick she could have gotten left untreated but am grateful I got her an appointment so fast. Quite a scamp in her youth, she jumped up onto our fireplace mantel (!) numerous times. She broke a candle holder once and found the catnip bag ‘hidden’ up there on another occasion. ~rolls eyes~ We returned home from someplace or other to find the herb scattered all over the carpet and three very stoned cats. My saddest casualty was a beautiful Christmas cactus knocked down and broken to pieces.
A focal point of our entryway destroyed, at least it landed on linoleum. She’d been found by friends a few blocks away as an older kitten and lived a long, long, easy life. Inevitably her body became frail and thin but we believe that adopting Terra and Polly invigorated her until old age overtook our sweetie. I have video of my husband hand feeding all three treats and Jezzy was very much engaged.
Why do graceful felines sometimes become the proverbial bull in a China shop? Can you guess I wouldn’t have wanted Jezebel any other way?
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I don’t know how sick she could have gotten left untreated but am grateful I got her an appointment so fast. Quite a scamp in her youth, she jumped up onto our fireplace mantel (!) numerous times. She broke a candle holder once and found the catnip bag ‘hidden’ up there on another occasion. ~rolls eyes~ We returned home from someplace or other to find the herb scattered all over the carpet and three very stoned cats. My saddest casualty was a beautiful Christmas cactus knocked down and broken to pieces.
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| Even when fading away she continued enjoying many favorite lounging spots. |
A focal point of our entryway destroyed, at least it landed on linoleum. She’d been found by friends a few blocks away as an older kitten and lived a long, long, easy life. Inevitably her body became frail and thin but we believe that adopting Terra and Polly invigorated her until old age overtook our sweetie. I have video of my husband hand feeding all three treats and Jezzy was very much engaged.
Why do graceful felines sometimes become the proverbial bull in a China shop? Can you guess I wouldn’t have wanted Jezebel any other way?
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