Of Strawberries, Flowers, and Birds

Strawberries.  Luscious, red strawberries by themselves, or sliced with a little sugar.  I love them and I'll eat them any way you want to serve them.  I've been finding them at a good price lately. 

When we lived in the country, and our children were very young, we had a nice-sized strawberry patch.  I remember one day I went outside to check on our daughter, who was probably 6 at the time, and found her in the middle of the strawberries.  I asked her what she was doing walking on the strawberry plants and didn't we tell her not to do that?  She replied, with her hands behind her back, that she was only looking and about that time I saw something red fall to the ground behind her.  I had to smother a laugh, because I would have picked one or two to pop into my mouth myself!  

We are thinking of planting a few strawberries this year.  I saw an interesting way of planting them using pallets.  If you grow strawberries, do you plant yours in a raised bed, garden or some kind of planter?

We had a really nice weekend.  BG (the hubby) and I did a little shopping Saturday and I spotted some beautiful purple Hyacinths at Home Depot.  One of them just jumped into my cart and begged me to take it home.  Oh, the scent wafting through the house is wonderful!  

It warmed up to a very nice 70+ degrees yesterday.  I see the Stella d'Oros and Salvia are coming up along with the Peonies and other flowers.  I'm hoping the Coneflowers survived the winter.  We have 2 garden plots.  One of them is still very wet and it will be a while before it can be readied for spring planting.  Did I mention that we had a thunderstorm and hail a few days ago?  Yes, it's spring!  

 
I keep the finch feeder filled all year long, but the other feeders will be taken down as soon as I know wintry weather is over for sure.  The Goldfinches are beginning to get their color back. 

Yesterday, I realized while refilling the feeders that I haven't seen the Dark-eyed Juncos lately.  I suppose they've headed back up north for the summer.  I've spotted at least one pair of Bluebirds and believe they've begun nesting in one of the boxes we have up for them. 

What are your plans for this last day of March?  Where did this month go?  I can hardly believe tomorrow is April 1.  Look out for those April Fool's jokes!  

Until next time...

Random 5 Friday

1.  Callie has turned into a real lap kitty.  She's happiest when she is on my lap and gets really huffy if I won't let her stay.  Stormy likes to be on my lap quite often, too, and it is fun to see her face when she jumps up on the arm of the recliner only to discover Callie has gotten there first.

2.  As you can imagine, it's a little hard to hold a laptop and work when you have a furbaby in the way.  Speaking of laptops, mine is being contrary.  I could get it booted up yesterday, but I couldn't click on anything.  I'll be taking it in for a checkup today. 

3.  I still have what I call my foster furbabies.  I keep hoping someone will want them and I won't have to take them somewhere.  It's hard to think of them sitting in a little kennel waiting for someone to adopt them.

4.  Double your pleasure, double your fun....name that commercial!  My hope is that they will get to stay together.  Sox and TJ are pretty much inseparable and what I call Double Trouble.  They are into everything!  I have to put them downstairs numerous times a day and just shut the door.  They can't get into quite as much trouble down there and they like to sit in the deep window sill and look outside.  

5.  I don't normally use slipcovers because I've never found one that looked good or fit nicely until now.  I'd begun to notice a few scratch marks on my relatively new sofa.  Can't have that.  So, I took a chance after looking at several and ordered this one from SureFit.  The only thing that I could complain about is that the color isn't quite the cream color that they show online, but it will still do nicely with the other colors in this room.

Linking to Random 5 Friday at Nancy's A Rural Journal.

Until next time...

What do you think about....

Selfies.  Love 'em or hate 'em?  Or maybe somewhere in between?

It seems like many are taking photos of themselves, including celebrities and even the president.  

I have taken one or two, but that's it and that was for the blog and the other time was just for fun.  Here is a link to the post where I included a selfie that I took while I was shopping and it was at the end of a very long day.  (Not the best time to take a selfie, by the way.)

Now here's what the world has been waiting for....The Farmer's Daughter's advice for selfie takers:  

-Please don't take photos of yourself at a funeral.  Not cool.

-If you snap a shot of yourself in a bathroom mirror, please crop out the unpleasant accessories.  (I have to say it's rather hard to crop out the dark circles under ones eyes.)

-No duck faces please.

-Watch the nostrils.  We don't need to see your boogers.

-Ask yourself how many selfies have you shared this week?  You don't want people to think you are a narcissist.  

-Make sure you haven't just eaten broccoli before cheesing for your selfie.

-And last but not least (see photo above):  don't leave your camera unattended.  You never know what will turn up when you transfer your photos to a computer.

Until next time...

Dessert for breakfast

You know what they say...life is uncertain, eat dessert first.  

This is all that's left of the dessert from the weekend so I thought I might as well have it for breakfast.  Hey, there's fruit in this dessert!  

Cherry Delight is the name of this quick and easy recipe.  To make it, you will need a graham cracker crust, a can of cherry pie filling, an 8 ounce container of whipped topping, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 2 cups of powdered sugar.  Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until well blended, then fold in the whipped topping.  Pour into the graham cracker crust and top with 1 can of cherry pie filling.  Refrigerate a few hours before serving so the filling will firm up.  That's it.  Easy, delicious!

I'm still puttering around the house, trying to decide what to toss and what to keep and do some spring cleaning.  It's been slow going as I had dizziness to contend with the last 2 weeks.  It's nothing serious as I've had this for several years now, it's just that it always strikes at the worst times.  Not that any time is a good time.

Our son was here for the weekend.  It's always fun when we are all together.  I can't wait until it's warmer weather and we can sit out on the patio.  I've been thinking of ways to spruce up our outdoor room.  I have a few ideas floating around.  Now, I just have to double down on the inside and get it done.  It won't be long now and I'll be able to work outside.  Can't. Wait. 

Until next time...

Random 5 Friday

Here are my randoms for this Friday and a few questions, too.  
 

1.  My latest flea market finds were a red crock and a Mary Engelbreit flower pot, both for just a few dollars.  I haven't decided what to do with the red crock, or whatever it is called.  It's bigger than it looks and I already have a utensil holder.  Any suggestions?  I haven't a clue whether it was previously used for utensils, food or plants.  It doesn't have any lettering on the bottom.   

2.  Seen by the pond this week was our resident Blue Heron.  He wasn't around much through the winter, but now I see him pretty often.  I feel like he ought to have a name since he's here so much that he's almost like a family pet.  Well, sort of like.  What would be a good name for this heron?

3.  After a busy day of grocery shopping, looking at Lowe's for a new light fixture, and a little flea marketing, it was time to stop for a little "energy boost."  I'm sitting in that white car and picked up my camera to capture the sign inside the store.  It says "what's your favorite flavor".  My first choice is Pistachio Almond when I'm at Baskin Robbins, but truthfully, any flavor would do.  What is your favorite?
 

4.  Here is BG, and a co-worker on the left, trying out their new safety belts this week.  I didn't take the photo, another co-worker on the ground snapped it with his phone.  He's quite a guy...to be his age and having had a heart attack nearly 3 years ago and can still keep up with those half his age.  I would have a heart attack if I had to climb that pole.  I'm scared to death of heights!   BTW, I think that is a new line they're building, otherwise he'd have on those heavy, long rubber gloves they wear when the lines are energized.

5.  The weather was nice enough yesterday to sit outside in the sun without a jacket on.  Today promises to be more of the same.  "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy...."  Name that tune!

That's all I have for this Friday.  Be sure to stop by Nancy's at A Rural Journal to see other randomness and have a fantastic Friday!

Until next time...   

March 2014 Note Card Party

Most of us are eagerly looking forward to spring after such a long winter.  So, with that in mind, here are my selections for this month's Note Card Party hosted by Vee at A Haven for Vee.

I have been avidly watching for signs of spring.  Our first robins appeared at the beginning of the month.  Lately I've noticed the grass is getting a bit more green with each passing day.  We've had some very warm days sprinkled in among the chilly days.  Surely warm weather will be here to stay for awhile very soon and we'll see the flowering begin.  I can't wait!  

Thanks to Vee for hosting this fun party.  Be sure to drop by A Haven for Vee to see many wonderful photos made into note cards.

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time...  

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Do you have your Irish on?  Whether you are really Irish or just Irish for the day, do you celebrate or maybe fix an Irish dish on this special day?  Do tell!

We have sunshine today after waking up to a little snow yesterday and that was after having turned the a/c on in my car the day before that because it was so warm!  

Have a fun day!

May God grant you always
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you. 

          

Until next time...

Random Five Friday

1.  We've had some very nice days although there's very little green to be found yet, but I know it's on the way!  I'm still on a wee little blog break as in cutting back on posting and commenting in order to get some much needed things done. 

2.  I bought a new pair of Clark's shoes, or clogs I guess they are called, the other day at Marshall's.  They were brown, I thought, but when I got them home and looked at them more closely, I realized they were burgandy.  Darn.  I don't need burgandy shoes!   Anyway, I took them back and did a little browsing and found a nice leather purse for 14.99 (original price - $169) that I liked and then in housewares I found a large Lodge iron skillet for 14.99.  After exchanging these for the shoes, I still had $5.00.  Score!  

3.  Some have asked about Sox, the kitten in my last post.  Sox is what I call our foster kitty.  We are still trying to find a home for him and his brother, TJ.  They both are adorable kittens and as much as I love cats, I can't keep them all.  I'm hoping a family with children will take them together.  Sox and TJ are brothers and best buds.  

4.  Speaking of cats...don't you just love it when you are trying to write a blog post and a kitty jumps up into the middle of your computer and your post accidentally gets published almost before you get started?  It's happened to me more than once.

5.  Well, I wasn't going to mention it because when you get to be my age, it's just another day.  But, someone has a birthday today.  I'm actually really thankful to have reached this age and I have to say that most days I don't feel this old.  Sweet BG told me that I don't act look my age.  Isn't he nice?  To celebrate, I'm going out tonight to eat at one of my very favorite places.  Can't wait! 

Linking to the Random Five Friday party at Nancy's A Rural Journal.

Happy Friday to you and thanks for stopping by!
Until next time...  

Sox Sez

"Mom is always using Google, so why can't I?"

"Let's see if I can figure out how to key in the right words."

"YES!!  I did it!"

Note:  My wall isn't really pink.  The lighting isn't good most days and the true color, which is a very light shade of beige, never shows up in my photos.  Now, I'm off to keep Sox out of the pantry and to enjoy another warm, gorgeous day.  Happy Monday to you!

Until next time...

Random 5 Friday

~February sunset~

My randoms for this week:

1.  We're setting our clocks forward this weekend.  Why can't they just leave it one way or the other?

2.  I'm really excited about finding out where a Bald Eagle's nest is, thanks goes to BG for showing me.  It's a bit of a distance from the road, but I'm hoping to get a photo soon.

3.  I envy people who can make up their minds what they want quickly.  I'm still pondering what color to paint a wall shelf.  Sheesh, you'd think I was going to paint something really important!

4.  It's supposed to be near 60 degrees today.  Yesterday was nice enough that I had to roll my window down a bit in the car for some cool air after the inside had heated up from sitting in the sun.

5.  I want to get some photos enlarged and put in frames.  Care to share where you get your photos enlarged?  I've had a few done at Wal.Mart, but I'd like to try somewhere else. 
                                 

Linking to Nancy's A Rural Journal.  

Until next time...

Back Yard Birds

Today I'll be showing a few of the birds I've seen in my backyard at the feeders this winter.  So, if you aren't a bird lover like I am, then you might want to just skip on along! 

White-breasted Nuthatch

Juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay, who just turned his head as I snapped.

I spotted the first Robin this year about a week ago.

In front is a Chickadee, in back is a Goldfinch.

 Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker

"Where's the corn?"  asked the Cardinal, Junco and Sparrows 

 

Goldfinch and Junco

Red-headed Woodpecker that I snapped yesterday.

In front, a Song Sparrow.

A very cold, icy tailed Cardinal.

It's been a long, cold winter for so many of us and we are all ready for spring.  I'm going to be doing some sorting and tossing and spring cleaning the next couple of weeks, so I'll be posting and commenting as I have time.  Think spring...it'll be here soon!  

"...How can one know color in perpetual green,

and what good is warmth without cold 

to give it sweetness?"

                                                 ~John Steinbeck

 

Until next time...

Country Roads

Let's hop in the car and take a drive, shall we?  BG had been telling me about the snow geese that he had seen while out working.  "I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main roads..."  Name that song.  He also drives a lot of gravel roads, too, just for the record.

Back to our drive, while we're looking for the geese, we've got to have some music playing.  I love to listen to the oldies station, how about you?  Maybe we'll hear this tune.

First, we'll stop by a flea market where I've spotted this little table with 2 chairs.  It's on the small side but it's for the family room downstairs.  I have a round oak table there, but it really takes up too much room and I've had it since we were first married and I'm ready for a change.  I'll think about the table and chairs later.  I just thought I'd show it to you while we're in the area.  Ready to head on down the road and find some snow geese?  Got your camera ready?

Look!  There they are...there must be thousands of Snow Geese!

Let's zoom in a little and see if we can get a better look.

A little closer...

 
Not a clear shot, but you can see the black-tipped wings.  It was quite a sight and the line of geese on the ground stretched much further than it appears in the first photo.  Let's head on down the highway and see what else we can find.

The clouds have moved on and the sun is beginning to set.  I love old barns and this one really looks abandoned and lonely just off the highway in the middle of a field, but it still gets your attention with its faded red paint.  Well, that's it for this little country drive, I hope you enjoyed it.  

Weather report:  Yes, March came in like a lion.  We had some sleet and snow, but we didn't get quite the snow that was predicted.  It is bitterly cold tonight as I write this with temps dropping to -15 to -25 with wind chill by morning.  

Happy Monday to you!  Stay safe and warm wherever you are!  If you're in one of those balmy weather states or countries, we don't want to hear it.  lol!  Just kidding!  Maybe.

Until next time...