Monday, 11 June 2018

To Everything, There Is A Season...


Early Sunday morning, my dear father passed away.  I am trying my best to be thankful that we had him for so long.  After my mom's death, I always considered the time he remained with us to be a gift.  But to be truthful, this ain't easy.

My parents were the most generous people I have ever known-- always offering a funny comment, genuine empathy, or just a listening ear.  As New England Protestants, they were never big on physical displays of affection after us kids became adults, but we understood how much they loved and supported us.  The first time I brought DH home to meet my folks, he shoveled their entire driveway from the overnight blizzard.  After, DH went inside and had a long conversation with my dad in the living room.  As we were leaving, my mom whispered to me "Dad just said 'Finally, she brought someone home who I can talk to!' "  Yes, I married someone just like my dad, an MIT nerd with a big heart.  I last saw my father about 12 hours before he passed.  I told him that he was the best dad I could ever have asked for, and that's why I chose someone just like him.

I wanted to add some photos of my garden to this post.  My parents were so proud of how we transformed our drab, suburban house and gardens into something more modern and appropriate for a couple of architects and their boys.

Turn! Turn! Turn! The Byrds
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late








Sunday, 10 June 2018

Summer is coming!!

Summer begins officially in a couple of weeks. It is my favorite time of year, with fall running a close second. My yard is beginning to wake up, the grass is green, trees are full, and the garden is planted. The patio becomes my favorite room in the house, from early morning coffee time, to the dinner bbq, followed by the evening twilight, which is my absolute favorite time of day.

















       Just for fun, here is Duncan waiting patiently for me to share some popcorn with him. 😄




Saturday, 9 June 2018

Searching for Tranquility

I have always enjoyed the painter Bob Ross. His show was so calming and peaceful as he spoke while creating one of his paintings. It was mesmerizing to me to see the images begin to take shape as the show went on. Here are a few that caught my eye.















I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend.






Friday, 8 June 2018

Beware of the Canadians

"President" Trump has proclaimed Canada to be a national security risk to the US.

Seriously!








And then there is this...
SCOOP: When Trudeau pressed Trump on national security justification for tariffs on Canada Trump responded: “didn’t you guys burn down the WH?” That was Britain during the War of 1812!

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.


Thursday, 7 June 2018

Hugs

When one of us is hurting, it hurts all of us. That is what makes WTIOC such a special place.

We are all thinking of Queen and her family as they go through this difficult time.

We are here for you, dear Queen.









Wednesday, 6 June 2018

Easy Peasy!

Hi Everyone! I have been busy for a few days and have not been able to do a post. I want to thank my fellow bloggers for covering for me!


                          This wall hanging was a gift. Perfect for us!




Have a great day!

Monday, 4 June 2018

Great photo

Our friend shapeshifterbelly never disappoints. Here's another lovely picture I borrowed from her Facebook:




Saturday, 2 June 2018

Just For Fun

Artist Fransdita Muafidin photoshops cats onto pictures so they look really, really, really big!!  I got such a laugh from these, and hope that you do too!  








You can find more huge cats on Muafidin's Instagram account.

Friday, 1 June 2018

Another dog post

These photos by photographer Tanja Brandt are very heartwarming. They show the unlikely friendship between a dog called Ingo and Poldi the owl. Enjoy!














Thursday, 31 May 2018

Why We Love Dogs

This post is in celebration of 1Smartcanerican's new family member, Cassie.

I just know that she will bring you all so much pleasure...







And think how proud you will be when your puppy makes a friend!


Congratulations 1SC and Family!