A "Ten Commandments" sky

we NEED a winter thaw or...

...some definite spring weather soon. "I don't know whether to shoot myself or just go bowling" so the saying goes. It applies, sort of....

Sign of Spring...

...when some of the squirrels look ratty and tattered on the upper section of their bodies, you might think they are sick. But it turns out, the mother squirrel pulls out clumps of her fur to line her nest; this helps keep the tiny, pink little newborns warmer. I'd think it's a bit cold to actually have young now, but at least the nest-building is in-progress.

You should give this show a try...

Life Unexpected, a serial prime-time melodrama that just started in January. It's a nicely crafted, sweet-spirited little soap-opera with an attractive cast, engaging story line. I'm way too
advanced in years for the show's demographic (no Depends or burial insurance commercials).
Hubs' is watching it with me, and discussing it afterward! This is like a dream!

Before our "walk around"...

she wanted to help the other performers with their acts. Her dad was just ready to get up to take part in a guitar duet. So we went to get a cup of cocoa. Small enjoyments, little moments.

Hubsy Finds a Great Sunset...

and clicks the shutter. What a nice surprise to find this photo with all those pinks, blues, lavenders and golds. I like the tree-lines in the foreground, too.

Out of the blue or Mrs. D's Wild Ride...

..Tuesday morning, Hubs' just gone to his yoga class; in the distance I hear a siren. The thing is, as you get older, when you hear emergency noises and a loved one is out driving, you wonder....but he had left only seconds before. OK. Then the sounds get closer and louder.
Likely a traffic mishap nearby; I went downstairs to re-heat my coffee--when what to my wondering eyes should appear? but an ambulance, a firetruck and half a dozen nice young men with a stretcher!! In my driveway!! Did someone dial 911 instead of 411? Is there something I don't know? Am I sick? Demented notions that flash across my so-called brain....but even as that is going on, I'm sprinting for the backdoor and across the driveways to our neighbors, Mrs. Neighbor recently had knee (blond guy in CA) surgery, and this was the mandatory "It might be a blot clod"-run to the hospital. Thankfully, after a night in the joint and a bunch of tests, she will continue her recovery at home in peace and calm!! Update: blood pressure fluctuation turned out to be the culprit.

The Sunset, a few days ago...

...it appears to make it's way North. Just after Christmas, it was setting behind the 2-story home in the left of the screen. Progress. The massage therapist, Joanne, said today I seemed a bit sluggish and she is so right! The sun and some naturally warmer, brighter weather and longer days will help, I'm sure.

There was a juggler at the event...

...his act featured instructions on how to juggler. He was up to juggling four balls and I caught them all in the air. The juggler would occasionally "miss" and drop a ball, but the little children thought this was the funniest thing possible.

Valentine Diva Stage Debut

At the Valentine Cafe event at her church today; she was a bit miffed that she had a appear with all the little kids (three-year old pre-school), she'll soon be in kindergarten, f'r goodness sakes.
I explained that they needed her to show the way. I got a "don't patronize me" look! But after her part in the show, she and I walked around the building, exploring, playing in the rec room and sampling from the dessert table. A good Aunty Barbb-day.

Just finished reading a neat book...

"My Parents Went Through the Holocaust and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt" (the author, Hanala Stadner, illustrates the book jacket with a drawing of a screaming little girl in a striped concentration camp-style shirt). Where's my camera? This story could make into a darling movie, if handled correctly. Her other illustrations, throughout the book, were quite entertaining, as well. There's a lot goin' on in this book: child of 'survivors memoir, baby-boomer autobio., addiction (food, TV then drugs and drinks) and recovery testament and most of all....I remember Mama. Good read!

North Country, February sunset....

...c-c-c-ccold, but y'know, the sun is rising noticably earlier and setting later. It's practically Springtime.

Uncle R's Obession....

Train, planes, (old) automobiles, equipment and generally, anything that rusts in the rain. So, we see this funny looking airplane, seemingly on final approach to the airport in Minneapolis and he speculates it's a military transport. I take a (crummy) photo of it. I checked Boeing's transport line-up on the 'net and I think it might be a C-17. He probably already knew that....

Honorable Mensch....

The Greatest Generation is likely near it's end, but in places you still see the intrepid spirit which seemingly refuses to call it quits, somehow. Probably, they were so busy pounding on Hitler and saving the world when they were young, that they don't know how to stop working. This lovely gentleman, an example of "can do" keeping on "doing"; somewhere in the North Country.

The One and Only...

"Your dear Father dislikes TV commercials so much that he was 'muting' the commercials on Superbowl for me!"

Honorable Mention....

In the Wisconsin village of Osseo, off I-94 a few miles south of Eau Claire, we found the Norske Nook. It was easy to find; they have a sign along the highway. Very darn good Norwegian themed menu items, wonderful fresh baked bread and fantastic selection of delicious pies. Stop by for sure on your way up north next time. (I just like to give credit where it's due.) However, I have one issue with the coffee-not just here; all over the North Country-just too weak and flimsy for my jaded taste!

In the heart of the home...

....the dining area in the original part of the house, we gathered on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Just because.....

....I like hanging out at the horse barns. Ratty photo, tho. Not sure what happened.

I've never seen the horses in winter, with their long rough coats to help pretect them from the cold. Nevertheless, they like to spend time in or near the barn on extra cold days, like today.

Like a scene from Dr. Zhivago....

no, just a sec....this is Tamahay...Daisy's pasture. Daisy is Piper's fabulous horse. There's a bossy pony up there, too. S'ppose to be keeping Daisy company, but lately has been a little pushy. Miss Annie is somewhere in this picture, we think; working up there at the time we had to leave.

But mainly, when we remember Piper....

...we picture her down at the horse barn, performing the twice daily ritual of feeding and nurturing all those pampered ponies. Watching her with the horses, there was a timeless quality: it might be early last century, or the century before or before that. She was so steady and sure with those animals; tho self-taught, she was a pro. Plus, she looked so darn good in the saddle!

Assorted Area Photos

Lest we too soon forget this important site in family history..... ; - )

Like a scene from a Willa Cather novel....

A quaint little barn on an adjoining farm..... Good Stuff!!

Sombre Sub-Zero Sunshine

No doubt, it is a difficult, sad and exhausting winter here. Even the animals seem aware that something serious is amiss. Yet the place has an inspiring, regal beauty even in these harsh conditions.

This past Saturday, Jan 30, 2010, was the memorial service for Piper of Tamahay in Hackensack, MN. Her brothers, Hubsy (right) and Uncle R. stand beside the photographic tribute to this excellent, beloved and irreplacable lady. The place was packed with friends, family, former students, former and current campers--why, one young lady and her mom
came all the way from Texas to below-Zero (!!) MN to pay respects.