Ponderings and Plans

While standing at my window this morning, I was thinking how most days seem so much the same.  But, as I continued to stand watching the birds at the feeders and noting that a couple of ducks were on the pond, I realized that out my window is an ever-changing scene.  

The grass is getting greener with each passing day.  The sky may be cloudy like today, but the next might be clear and bright, or filled with fluffy clouds in a beautiful blue sky.  

The maple tree may be filled with cardinals one day, waiting their turn at the feeder or the pesky starlings may swoop in to gobble up any food they can find.  I'll open the window and clap to scare them away, but they'll fly up into the tree and wait for me to leave so they can get at the food again.

The sounds of nature are also ever changing.  I am hearing the crows cawing as they fly overhead.  I might be in the minority here, but I like hearing them.  Their cawing reminds me of my years spent on the farm where I frequently heard them.

Soon, maybe this week the weatherman says, we will start hearing again the sound of rain and thunder.  We've had some very nice spring-like days.  The nights are still cool enough to have the furnace on, but I love to open windows when I can to let fresh air into the house.  

The greening grass is not the only sign of the changing seasons.  I found this sweet little crocus in full bloom while looking around the yard.  It was a little gift to see when at first all I was noticing was the work that needed to be done.  

Hubby and I worked awhile in the yard yesterday cutting out volunteer trees and shrubs growing where they are not wanted.  We cleaned out the peony bed.  I wanted to do more, but when I first start on yard work I have learned it is wise to take it a little at a time until those unused muscles have gotten more used to the work. 

Speaking of changes....

I know I've been getting behind in blogging and commenting lately due to several things including another phone outage which means I can't get on the computer.  Someone had cut into a fiber optic cable. 

When I have had time to peek at my blog list, I've noticed several who haven't posted in quite a long time.  I always worry if something has happened to them.  Even if you haven't met the blogger, you still feel a loss when they aren't part of the blogging community any longer. 

One thing that never changes for me is my love for Branson.  It is my favorite go-to spot in all of Missouri.  I like the Lake of the Ozarks and we spent lots of weekends there when our children were young, but Branson just has something special that appeals to me more.  In spite of the traffic during the tourist season.  

Maybe it's the condo where we always stay.  It's like a home away from home to us, and it's relaxing there.  The view in the photo above from the deck is one that we'll be seeing soon.  We'll be there for around 5 days this month to celebrate my birthday.  Can't wait!  

 

This isn't a very good shot as it is so far away and it was a cloudy day too, but I just had to drive to the lake not far from us the other day to check on the bald eagle nest.  Yes!  I see that white head!  Do you see it, too? 

I ordered myself a birthday present and it should arrive tomorrow and I'm excited to get it.  Bet you can't guess what it is that I'm so anxious to get!  A new vacuum.  Yes, I can't wait to get a good vacuum.  It's a job that I have to do fairly often as I have too many kitties in the house and you know what that means.  My last vacuum isn't all that old, but it doesn't seem to be working as good as it should.  Having kitties means needing a good vacuum. 

Our plan is to get the rental house finished soon.  If BG can get the wiring figured out.  He has to get into the attic and it's hot in the summer and cold in the winter, without electricity there is only flashlights to see with.  There is also loose insulation covering the wires so that makes finding them difficult.  

He will rarely hire work done that he can do himself.  I appreciate that he likes to save money, but in this case, I wish he had hired someone to do the wiring.  I try not to say anything.  Too often.

Where did the day go?

I have worked on this post off and on all day.  My daughter was off work today and visited for awhile.  The phone has rung too many times.  Needy kitties wanted attention.  Not that they don't get it, they get plenty of attention!  I have to stop and gaze out that window in the first photo every now and then to see what's going on in the back yard and Back 6.  It's now time to fix dinner.  I have ground beef, so I think I'll go make some chili.  What's on your agenda this week?  Hope it's a good one!

xo Cheryl