Today

Outside my window... Dark clouds are threatening. Perhaps another rain like we had early this morning. We can certainly use it! Our farm pond is slowly filling up. 

I am thinking... About a friend who is going through a health crisis and sending prayers her way. 

I am thankful for... My siblings. Two weeks ago all five of us were together in Green Mt. Falls Co. We had a wonderful time. So glad that family means so much to each of us.

I am wearing... My walking clothes. I took the dogs out for a nice, long walk and have never changed. 

I am remembering... As a child and all while I was growing up picnicking at the rocks in the above picture. We called it Colorado's "Top of The World" and always went there for family gatherings. I think my parents discovered it in college. Sadly, when we went there this summer, it had been found by the general public and had trash and litter all around. We picked up a trash bag of litter for the picture but doubt we will return. All the magic was gone. 

I am reading... In the Shadow of the Banyan. A novel about Cambodia during the time of the Khmer Rouge and is told through the eyes of a seven year old girl. 

I am hoping... That the rain stays away long enough for me to play golf at six. 

From the kitchen...last night I took fresh spinach and sautéed it in a little butter. Then beaten eggs topped with tomato and cheese. A yummy omelet will always make a good dinner!

One of my favorite things... having my friend Jan over. Today she came and helped me rearrange my living room to include a beautiful desk I inherited from my Mother. Jan has such a decorating sense. 

From my picture journal...  A Western Tanager taken by Charlie. It is the first we have ever seen in Colorado or Kansas!

Signs of Spring

On a walk with the dogs I was so happy to see the signs of spring everywhere.

Kindergartners walking durning their recess time. They all wanted to pet the dogs and wanted us to go with them on their walk.

Our most prolific Kansas Spring flower!  The dandelion.

I got a good picture of the Baltimore Oriole on our feeder. We fill the feeder with grape jelly and they come to feed all day long. Their song is beautiful too!

Hope spring has come to you too!

Until next time. 

Our Trip To D.C.

Brrrr...  Back from D.C. and I was expecting warmer weather. After five days the dogs were excited to see us and I sure missed them. I have two shadows now as they aren't too sure about my long term stay.

We had a wonderful time on our trip and got to have dinner with a high school classmate who was best man in our wedding. I love it when you can reconnect and it seems like you pick up where you left off; no matter how much time has elapsed.

We made a special trip to Arlington to visit my cousin's gravesite. He was ahead of me in school and was always my hero. Probably because he was so nice and didn't tease me when I wanted to "hang around" the older kids. I had been to Arlington once before but this time it took on a more personal feeling. As you look across the fields of white headstones sparkling in the sun you feel almost overwhelmed. Some of the headstones are larger and they represent groups of men who died at the same time. There are also spouses and of course veterans like Johnny. That doesn't count the men and women who were returned to their hometown cemeteries. I put together this picture in Instagram and sent it Johnny's son. I thought it was a good way to show the pictures since when his family was there for the service there was no marker or sod placed.

This post took on a more somber tone so I will try to be more uplifting in the future. I will end on a lighter note. My new favorite quote:  "If Dorothy can click her heels together and get to Kansas, why can't I click my flip flops together, and get to the beach?"  Enough cold weather for this Kansas girl!

Better Late Than Never

Just found this in my saved but not published box. We were leaving for D.C and I didn't finish it. Oh well, better late than never (:  BTW still in DC. Lovely weather. On to my April post now up in May.

A new cover look for Spring!  It is 9 in the morning and it is already 61 degrees. YEA!  Good morning Monday.

Yesterday at church we recognized a program that our church holds every Tuesday. It is a Payee program where the volunteers write checks for bills and food expenses each week. The client's money usually comes from Social Security disability benefits. I have been a volunteer for over 12 years now and it is so rewarding. Several of my clients are college grads but at some point reached a time in their lives where they could not cope any longer. One was in in an abusive marriage but is doing well now. They all would be challenged to handle their own money. Almost all our clients are on some meds that help them make it through each day. Part of our time is spent just listening and being a friend. I am always thankful for the blessings in my life after being there. I always take Jordy, my golden lab who is a service dog. The clients love him - showering him with hugs and (ugh) kisses.  

For Today  - Sunday, April 21

Outside my window... Trees blowing in the Kansas wind but the sun is shining!

I am thinking... About the beauty of the outdoors. Today at the land we saw wild turkeys; deer and raccoon tracks; new wheat coming up and a variety of birds - ducks on the pond, meadowlarks and hawks. 

I am thankful for... Having the opportunity to own some land away from town. 

I am wearing... Moccasins - my favorite footwear. 

I am remembering... How my Dad was my first teacher of nature. He took me fishing and hunting and I cherish those memories. 

I am going... To have a busy week coming up. Many of my board meetings and obligations fall on the fourth week. 

I am reading... another Jo Nesbo novel. Harry Hole is a complex character. 

I am hoping... for even warmer weather (:

On my mind... Sorting through all my mother's sewing containers. A dear friend is coming Wednesday to help me. 

From the kitchen...nothing today. 

One of my favorite things~ baking. Hoping some of our fruit trees produce. 

From my picture journal... Deer track at the land!

My thought for the day

Mister Rogers was always a favorite in our house. His words are still just as relevant.

For Today, Wednesday April 17

Outside my window... The rain falls gently, then suddenly erupts into a brief hailstorm.

I am thinking... Of the things I have put off today to read. I'll blame the rain. 

I am thankful for... My husband who likes to do the same things I do and the fun we have together. 

I am wearing... A dog on my lap as I sit here. Muffet fits the name lap dog to a "T" 

I am remembering... The people in Boston. The victims, the doctors and nurses and those who are praying for them. 

I am going... To put on my rain boots and run some errands. 

I am reading... Lecture notes on Greek history. I am taking a class through Coursera. An online offering of schools across the country. It is hard but I am learning so much.  

I am hoping... The rain keeps up so our farm pond fills up some more. 

On my mind... The need to exercise...the need- not the will. 

From the kitchen... leftovers -  "Cream of Tuesday" as I would tell the kids. 

One of my favorite things~ sunsets, and we have some great sunsets in Kansas. 

From my picture journal... 

I am getting ready to leave for Book Club. This month we read "Life In A Jar" by Jack Mayer. It is the story of 3 high school girls in the little Kansas town of Uniontown.

History Day is a big event at Uniontown High. Mr Conard's student's have won many History Day competitions and a high standard has been set over the years. 

Here begins the story of Irena Sendler, a largely unknown Polish woman who saved over 2,500 Jewish children by organizing a network to spirit them out of the Warsaw ghetto. Parents gave their children to her in order to save their lives. Oftentimes it was only days or hours before the Nazis came for them.  

This is an incredible story of Irena and the girls who brought her story to life. I know we'll have a great discussion. 

For Today

Outside my window... It is very windy and getting colder. Where did spring go this time. 

I am thinking... Of my Mother. Today was her birthday and I miss her so much. 

I am thankful for... The time Charlie and I spent at the land Saturday. 

I am wearing... Warm socks!

I am remembering... Mom's last birthday celebration when she turned 87. I made a cheese soufflé which was her favorite. 

I am going... To update the church website as soon as I am finished with this. 

I am reading... Nemesis by Jo Nesbo. A detective from Norway.  

I am hoping... To get just one "clean up"thing accomplished today. 

On my mind... Charlie's four rules for life. 1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Always do your best. 3 Don't take it personally. 4. Don't make assumptions.
                                                                                  I sure have trouble with the last two. 

From the kitchen...doing a crock pot roast. The easiest way to fix dinner. 

One of my favorite things~ a good book. 

From my picture journal... Our mallard couple who visit often. Hoping for babies.