This past week of early summer has been dominated across our nation with nature's fury. With out of control wildfires out west and threatening tropical storms in the gulf, it has been a week of extremes for this country. Between families losing their homes to the fires from record high temperatures to those losing theirs to the unrelenting winds, rain and eventual flooding that follows, it has been a tough week for many. Our state has seen many record temperatures already this year, but we've been so blessed to not see the damaging aspects of Mother Nature's wrath yet this year. As I have cousins on the Gulf and more family out in Colorado, I need to be checking to see how everyone's doing.
This week has been dominated with dogs. It was time to give the dogs their summer grooming and because things went well when I attempted this on my own before our Spring trip to Florida, it was time to give everyone their hot weather-do. They weren't particularly thrilled to be put under the clippers, but after several days of plopping them on the picnic table under the deck and trimming away the majority of their cool weather coats, I must say, they are ready for the warm weather that awaits. And as typically as it usually happens, we have a nice crisp morning today in the low fifties, so I have four shivering, shaking and shaven malti-poos. I'm going to enjoy this refreshing morning because once it reaches highs around eighty today, I believe we are headed for a heat wave where our highs will be in the nineties for the foreseeable future.
We are also getting close to drought conditions here in Scott County. I've been watering each evening and our water bill reflects my efforts. Hopefully, we'll eventually have some produce from the vegetable garden, though it appears to be a slow process of growing this year. And, although I had to eventually cut down the majority of my poor hollyhocks that did not survive the rust fungus, I did plant some Morning Glory seeds and they are coming up nicely. I believe there are still three of my hollyhocks that survived and I'm not sure what will be in store next Spring for them. The flowers I'm most enjoying now are the varying shades of purple petunias and the peachy colored lilies my friend, Billy brought over last year. Yes, I call them Billy's lily's. I'm also hoping my hydrangeas will add some blooms and I have a few little bulbs to try planting that my sister gave me....we'll see what happens.
The birds continue to entertain and exacerbate us. I occasionally see the bluebirds, the first brood of five, and also the parents as they make a decision to start brood number one at their little house. And, we continue to be under siege by the Summer Tanager pair, though not quite as often. We are especially enjoying the hummingbirds under the deck. Never tire of them.
We've had some recent encounters with deer on our last several walks. We were not surprised to hear a deer startled and spooked last week as we passed by, but it was a surprise to hear what sounded like someone doing a cannonball off the diving board into a pool, as it apparently jumped right into a roadside pond. It was a shock hearing that and I did get to see it as it climbed up from the water. Several days later, another deer decided to run across the road, just in front of us. I'm just glad we weren't a car or that he didn't run us down in his haste to get to his destination. On the home-front, I did get to see my first glimpse of a mama deer and her little fawn. I've known they've been close by as Pepper has managed to come home covered in fawn poo where he enjoys rolling around in it.
At our little church we have bid farewell to our former minister, Andy, and have welcomed our new minister, Jeremy. It's always difficult to have change, but as a small church, we are a learning ground for newly graduated seminary students to spread their wings and learn to fly. We enjoyed our flight with Andy and it looks like Jeremy is off to a great start. He is an Okee, though not from Muskogee, and he looks like Doogie Howser, aka Neil Patrick Harris. Andy's wife, Laura was an integral part of our women's Bible study on Sunday morning, and we'll miss her terribly, but it was so nice having Jeremy's wife, Meredith join us. We've decided to start the Bible Study from Beth Moore on the Psalms of the Ascent once more. One session for each weeks worth of material was not enough, so, after viewing the DVD's during our hour the first time around, these next six weeks will be spent on discussing the material. We're all looking forward to that.
And as the sun has climbed in the sky, I realize that the sooner we get out for our morning walk, the better. I hope you have a great day. Stay safe, luv, Susan
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Happy Father's Day 2012
I'm feeling strange today. My son is turning thirty!! I'm not taking it so well and he's not taking it so well either. If you know Dustin, just wish him a Happy 29th Birthday, so as not to send him into a tailspin. Most of my friends have been going through this same event during these past years, not like I didn't know it was coming. Just seems like it got here way too soon. Weren't kids supposed to be married and starting their own families by thirty? Well, mine don't seem to be in any hurry, and I'm not complaining, but I have to admit, even I have bought a couple things for the first of the grandchildren, if we are so blessed, but, please don't tell my kids.
And speaking of grandchildren, I am happy to report that I have a new grandpuppy. No, Taffy and Pepper aren't at it again, this is a new kind of grandpuppy. Christina and boyfriend, Joe, have added a new Blue Great Dane puppy to their household, which previously, included two cats. Beulah has been over a couple of times and has warmed up to her cousins, the malti-poos. They have even been playing and running around the yard. She can make it around the yard in about thirty leaps and bounds and it takes them each about three hundred running steps. We look forward to many ridiculous playtimes in the future as she continues to outgrow them.
Today was not a good day for walking. Even though it started out well, as Pudge, Riff and I walked with one of our neighbors, Helen, it turned ugly when we were met up the road by a Rottweiler. I thought I had seen this dog before and it had checked us out and had gone back to it's house. Unfortunately, this was a recently adopted rescue dog and it was her first encounter with us. She did not take kindly to Pudge, as she ran toward us and easily picked him up by the back of his neck and shook him. You can imagine the hysteria of my screaming, Riff's barking, Helen's yelling for the owner and Pudge's yelping. It was not pretty and I thought the Rottweiler had killed him, but once the owner appeared and yelled, she ran off and Pudge seemed to be shaken, but otherwise okay. Later, however, I realized that he was bleeding at the top of his chest from a small puncture wound, so after calling the vet, I cleaned and treated the area. We're hoping it doesn't become infected. Poor Pudge has been resting since he went through the original ordeal and the follow up trauma of having me clean the spot three times with peroxide. It was reassuring to talk to our neighbor and make arrangements so this, hopefully, won't happen again.
Last week brought me several disappointments in the sports department, as the Celtics went down in game 7 against the Heat, I'll Have Another was unable to compete for the Triple Crown and Henderson County's Baseball Colonels got beat in the Championship Final of the State Tournament. I think I'm over it, but was disappointed not to even make it to one game in Lexington to visit with Henderson friends. Hopefully, they'll be back in years to come.
Tomorrow is Father's Day! Mark and I are so very blessed that each of our fathers is doing well. My dad is still in Paris, Kentucky, where he's been since 1965. Mark's dad is in Jupiter, Florida, where he has been retired for over twenty years. Both dads were in the Navy during World War II. We are so very proud of them and wish it wasn't such a long trip down to Florida. Thankfully, Mark gets to talk to his dad frequently and Dad's familiar with the computer for emailing and facebook and we do get down there at least twice a year.
We travel to Maine every year because that is where Dad Libby was born and raised, on an island fifteen miles off the coast of Rockland, Maine. We used to have a grand old time each summer while our kids were growing up. They used to get a big kick out of all the Libby "island traditions" including picnics on Lane's Island, erecting the Libby Flag, seaweed fights, clamming, fishing for mackerel, visiting the quarry for a swim, picking blueberries, visiting smaller islands, going seal watching and doing all the wonderful things that are available on a little island off the coast of Maine. We really miss that Mom and Dad Libby are unable to make the trip up each year, like they used to. It's not the same up there without them at their camp for the summer, but we Libby's still have our reunions with this younger generation. Maybe someday we'll even have a grandchild join us and all the grandpuppies.
I hope you're able to enjoy Father's Day tomorrow. I know some of you may be missing your dads and I hope you'll be able to recall fond memories and recollections of good times. I'll wish my Dads both a Happy Father's Day and look forward to having a fun day Sunday as we celebrate fathers and birthdays. Take care and be safe, luv, Susan
And speaking of grandchildren, I am happy to report that I have a new grandpuppy. No, Taffy and Pepper aren't at it again, this is a new kind of grandpuppy. Christina and boyfriend, Joe, have added a new Blue Great Dane puppy to their household, which previously, included two cats. Beulah has been over a couple of times and has warmed up to her cousins, the malti-poos. They have even been playing and running around the yard. She can make it around the yard in about thirty leaps and bounds and it takes them each about three hundred running steps. We look forward to many ridiculous playtimes in the future as she continues to outgrow them.
Today was not a good day for walking. Even though it started out well, as Pudge, Riff and I walked with one of our neighbors, Helen, it turned ugly when we were met up the road by a Rottweiler. I thought I had seen this dog before and it had checked us out and had gone back to it's house. Unfortunately, this was a recently adopted rescue dog and it was her first encounter with us. She did not take kindly to Pudge, as she ran toward us and easily picked him up by the back of his neck and shook him. You can imagine the hysteria of my screaming, Riff's barking, Helen's yelling for the owner and Pudge's yelping. It was not pretty and I thought the Rottweiler had killed him, but once the owner appeared and yelled, she ran off and Pudge seemed to be shaken, but otherwise okay. Later, however, I realized that he was bleeding at the top of his chest from a small puncture wound, so after calling the vet, I cleaned and treated the area. We're hoping it doesn't become infected. Poor Pudge has been resting since he went through the original ordeal and the follow up trauma of having me clean the spot three times with peroxide. It was reassuring to talk to our neighbor and make arrangements so this, hopefully, won't happen again.
Last week brought me several disappointments in the sports department, as the Celtics went down in game 7 against the Heat, I'll Have Another was unable to compete for the Triple Crown and Henderson County's Baseball Colonels got beat in the Championship Final of the State Tournament. I think I'm over it, but was disappointed not to even make it to one game in Lexington to visit with Henderson friends. Hopefully, they'll be back in years to come.
Tomorrow is Father's Day! Mark and I are so very blessed that each of our fathers is doing well. My dad is still in Paris, Kentucky, where he's been since 1965. Mark's dad is in Jupiter, Florida, where he has been retired for over twenty years. Both dads were in the Navy during World War II. We are so very proud of them and wish it wasn't such a long trip down to Florida. Thankfully, Mark gets to talk to his dad frequently and Dad's familiar with the computer for emailing and facebook and we do get down there at least twice a year.
We travel to Maine every year because that is where Dad Libby was born and raised, on an island fifteen miles off the coast of Rockland, Maine. We used to have a grand old time each summer while our kids were growing up. They used to get a big kick out of all the Libby "island traditions" including picnics on Lane's Island, erecting the Libby Flag, seaweed fights, clamming, fishing for mackerel, visiting the quarry for a swim, picking blueberries, visiting smaller islands, going seal watching and doing all the wonderful things that are available on a little island off the coast of Maine. We really miss that Mom and Dad Libby are unable to make the trip up each year, like they used to. It's not the same up there without them at their camp for the summer, but we Libby's still have our reunions with this younger generation. Maybe someday we'll even have a grandchild join us and all the grandpuppies.
I hope you're able to enjoy Father's Day tomorrow. I know some of you may be missing your dads and I hope you'll be able to recall fond memories and recollections of good times. I'll wish my Dads both a Happy Father's Day and look forward to having a fun day Sunday as we celebrate fathers and birthdays. Take care and be safe, luv, Susan
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
PICTURE PERFECT WEATHER ( So Far Today)
Okay, I've been playing with some of the icons on this blog site. I don't know if I'll be able to actually indent paragraphs now, but I may have figured out how to ad color to my posting. We have continued to ride on the roller coaster weather right up til today. It gets hot, it gets cold, it gets mild, it rains, I never know what to expect. We may have the air conditioner on one day and Mark mentions turning on the gas logs the next. I just hope we have plenty of mild days this month so I can have a lower electric bill and not use the gas logs at all.
The dogs and I took a wonderful walk this morning. The weather, in fact, is perfect so far today. We encountered a couple of deer crossing the road in front of us. At that point, I needed roller skates on my feet, and they would have simply pulled me up the hill. I understand their excitement, but I wish they could keep from barking when they see the deer, because that pretty much assures we won't see any more.
I was hoping that I'd be able to go to Lexington this morning to see the KHSAA State Baseball Tournament, but I had other commitments, in addition to taking the dogs for a walk. My former hometown of Henderson has won their regional tournament and is playing at Whitaker Park as I type. I would be listening to the radio, but there is evidently no coverage of the games. I wish them luck and hope I can make it to one of their games, maybe the championship final.
The Bible Study I'm helping with is moving right along. We are making our way through the Psalms of the Ascent (Psalm 120-127). We are currently in the midst of 127. Because these are the "songs" that were sung as the pilgrims made their way back to the temple, I am reminded that I am also a pilgrim, making my way back to a closer relationship with God. Each Psalm is a reminder to us of how God's relationship is an integral part of our life. I so look forward to the remainder of the study and also am hopeful that we'll have the opportunity to do another Beth Moore study in the near future.
I wish I could say that God has blessed all of my days this Spring with many beautiful flowers and blooming shrubs, as well as my other gardening escapades. Sadly, many of my plants and flowers are just barely holding on.l I had such high hopes for my attempt at Hollyhocks, that I positioned them right in the front of the house so everyone could see them when they drove up and walk by them as they passed by going to the front door. As it turns out, I am so embarrassed whenever anyone comes by for a visit because my hollyhocks look so awful. After the rust fungus took over and killed about 99% of the leaves, it left the 2-4 foot stalks with nothing left on them but a few little leaves at the top and flower buds that are struggling to bloom. Mark finally placed a green lattice behind them to give the illusion that there is more to them than there actually is. I'm not giving up, but things aren't looking good right now.
Mark and I finally went to the local nursery that's out our way. We've been meaning to go for, dare I say, years now. Anyway, we went Saturday and because they are basically between seasons for most gardners, we were able to get some bargains. We brought home some lavendar petunias, multicolored impatiens and even some coleus plants. So, after picking up some gerbera daisy plants, I'm almost able to say that most of my gardens are finally planted. Please remember, I am queen of the procrastinators.
Also, I'd like to report that my newly planted Mimosa tree is doing well since Mark placed it not far from the bluebird house, but I'm afraid it also looks kinda pitiful, as a deer must have made a snack of the majority of the newly sprouted fronds. Thankfully, there is one remaining and I hope and pray that this little tree makes it. In the meantime, it's surrounded by a tomato plant guard. And speaking of the bluebirds, I did see the first brood across the street on the fence around the horse pasture. I counted five birds, most looked like the young ones. Now I'm looking forward to the parents getting ready for brood # 2.
Because I am a birdwatcher, I was excited to see a pair of Summer Tanagers in the backyard last week. It was rather odd how they would fly from the back yard to the deck railings and back. Finally, they decided to start landing on the ledges beneath our large windows on either side of the rock fireplace. And, now at this point, it has become an all out assault on our six large windows that make up the A of our A-frame house. These two nutty birds have been attacking our windows for days now. They start as soon as it's light and continue til nightfall, and at this time of year, that's a long day of birds banging into the glass. I've known male cardinals to do this, thinking it's another male they're seeing reflected in the glass, but I've never had something like this continue with a pair of birds. Thankfully, this morning I allowed the dogs to stay on the deck while they had breakfast, and I think the birds decided to wage war elsewhere, at least I hope.
It was sad to see the UK baseball, tennis and softball teams end their seasons without going farther, but it was fun keeping up with their seasons as they made it to their respective year ending tournaments. I hope you're enjoying a beautiful, but mild day where you are. Stay safe and have a great one. luv, Susan ps Go Celtics!!!
The dogs and I took a wonderful walk this morning. The weather, in fact, is perfect so far today. We encountered a couple of deer crossing the road in front of us. At that point, I needed roller skates on my feet, and they would have simply pulled me up the hill. I understand their excitement, but I wish they could keep from barking when they see the deer, because that pretty much assures we won't see any more.
I was hoping that I'd be able to go to Lexington this morning to see the KHSAA State Baseball Tournament, but I had other commitments, in addition to taking the dogs for a walk. My former hometown of Henderson has won their regional tournament and is playing at Whitaker Park as I type. I would be listening to the radio, but there is evidently no coverage of the games. I wish them luck and hope I can make it to one of their games, maybe the championship final.
The Bible Study I'm helping with is moving right along. We are making our way through the Psalms of the Ascent (Psalm 120-127). We are currently in the midst of 127. Because these are the "songs" that were sung as the pilgrims made their way back to the temple, I am reminded that I am also a pilgrim, making my way back to a closer relationship with God. Each Psalm is a reminder to us of how God's relationship is an integral part of our life. I so look forward to the remainder of the study and also am hopeful that we'll have the opportunity to do another Beth Moore study in the near future.
I wish I could say that God has blessed all of my days this Spring with many beautiful flowers and blooming shrubs, as well as my other gardening escapades. Sadly, many of my plants and flowers are just barely holding on.l I had such high hopes for my attempt at Hollyhocks, that I positioned them right in the front of the house so everyone could see them when they drove up and walk by them as they passed by going to the front door. As it turns out, I am so embarrassed whenever anyone comes by for a visit because my hollyhocks look so awful. After the rust fungus took over and killed about 99% of the leaves, it left the 2-4 foot stalks with nothing left on them but a few little leaves at the top and flower buds that are struggling to bloom. Mark finally placed a green lattice behind them to give the illusion that there is more to them than there actually is. I'm not giving up, but things aren't looking good right now.
Mark and I finally went to the local nursery that's out our way. We've been meaning to go for, dare I say, years now. Anyway, we went Saturday and because they are basically between seasons for most gardners, we were able to get some bargains. We brought home some lavendar petunias, multicolored impatiens and even some coleus plants. So, after picking up some gerbera daisy plants, I'm almost able to say that most of my gardens are finally planted. Please remember, I am queen of the procrastinators.
Also, I'd like to report that my newly planted Mimosa tree is doing well since Mark placed it not far from the bluebird house, but I'm afraid it also looks kinda pitiful, as a deer must have made a snack of the majority of the newly sprouted fronds. Thankfully, there is one remaining and I hope and pray that this little tree makes it. In the meantime, it's surrounded by a tomato plant guard. And speaking of the bluebirds, I did see the first brood across the street on the fence around the horse pasture. I counted five birds, most looked like the young ones. Now I'm looking forward to the parents getting ready for brood # 2.
Because I am a birdwatcher, I was excited to see a pair of Summer Tanagers in the backyard last week. It was rather odd how they would fly from the back yard to the deck railings and back. Finally, they decided to start landing on the ledges beneath our large windows on either side of the rock fireplace. And, now at this point, it has become an all out assault on our six large windows that make up the A of our A-frame house. These two nutty birds have been attacking our windows for days now. They start as soon as it's light and continue til nightfall, and at this time of year, that's a long day of birds banging into the glass. I've known male cardinals to do this, thinking it's another male they're seeing reflected in the glass, but I've never had something like this continue with a pair of birds. Thankfully, this morning I allowed the dogs to stay on the deck while they had breakfast, and I think the birds decided to wage war elsewhere, at least I hope.
It was sad to see the UK baseball, tennis and softball teams end their seasons without going farther, but it was fun keeping up with their seasons as they made it to their respective year ending tournaments. I hope you're enjoying a beautiful, but mild day where you are. Stay safe and have a great one. luv, Susan ps Go Celtics!!!
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