Monthly Archives: March 2016

Missed It by That Much

Posted on by

160329a

Monday evening, I looked out a window to see the setting sun centered between the neighbor’s two silos.  The red ball was only half visible above the trees.  I knew that I couldn’t get the camera in time.  I tried anyway.

Tuesday evenings, we have a small group that meets in our living room.  As folks were leaving I remembered to quickly take my camera outside to capture the setting sun.  As Maxwell would say, “missed it by that much.”

That walk was not a total loss.  There is a calm stillness that fills the sunset scene.  Diurnal critters cease their activities and nocturnal critters have yet to begin theirs.  For me, it says, “Peace.”

Posted in sky

Easter Surprise

Posted on by

Last Saturday, I checked for new blossoms.  None were out.  I took this picture with the intention of posting it today under the banner of “Promises of Things to Come.”

160326a

On Easter, I went out again on another scouting mission.  Just below the new basement window–it had been replaced on Saturday–I discovered these.

160327a

It was very special to find those first blossoms on Easter.  I can’t find words to tell you how I felt.

160327b

It looks like we are in for a good week.

Good Friday

Posted on by

Matthew 27

Matthew 27:

33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Looking Back

Posted on by

I’ve looked and looked, but it appears that our final crocus is gone. :no:  I remember what a joyful harbinger of spring they were.  Here are some pix from 6 years ago.

Note to self: Plant crocus this year.  Perhaps add hyacinth.

Vexing Problems

Posted on by

160319a

This last week, brought enough bad news to last for the rest of this year.  Most of it involved friends and colleagues who are going through difficult times.  Problems range from relationships, finances, health to emotional troubles.  It left me feeling more than a little bit sad.

The beat continues today with news that our pastor’s wife has gone to be with her mother.  The prognosis is not good and doctors say her mother might not make it past the weekend.  At least the focus, come Sunday, is on resurrection.  We can all find comfort it that.

For our part, Sylvia and I are fine.

Promises, Promises

Posted on by
With this ring . . .

With this ring . . .

I renew vows every. single. day. It’s taking in the garbage cans or cutting the lawn. It’s small kindnesses and  forgiveness that show your commitment.

It started when our friend, Vanilla, posted Wedding Bands and Homemade Noodles on his blog.  He talks about coming home from a stay in the hospital.  His lovely wife brought him his wedding ring and said, “Let me put this ring on your finger again.”  There’s more to the story.  Click on the link to read it.

In response, our friend Lin said, “Sweet post today. I have never understood renewing your vows with a grand party and guests and fancy clothes and a big ballyhoo. I think you renew your vows every. single. day. I do. It’s taking the garbage cans in so he doesn’t have to…or cutting the lawn after work to make more relaxing time on the weekend. It’s small kindnesses and lots of forgiveness and letting things go that show your commitment.

Five years ago, as our 50th wedding anniversary was approaching, Sylvia and I began to talk about how we would celebrate the joyous occasion.  Our son said, “Why renew vows if you never broke them?”  I can’t disagree with that.  We weren’t going to do that anyway.  We did take a trip to Michigan’s upper peninsula.  We saw a couple of places we had never seen but had wanted to for a long time.

A couple of years ago, I began to pray something like this, “Dear Lord, you know how much I love my wife.  I tell her that several times each day.  Now, Lord, I ask you to help me show through my deeds how much I love her.”  After a couple of days (He waited to see if I was serious?), my answer came. “Keep your eyes open and you will see.”

I kept my eyes open and within an hour I saw what I could do.  (Why didn’t I see it years before?)

What I’m saying is that if marriage is an institution, I don’t mind being institutionalized.

 

Can you dig it?

Posted on by

I went out this morning to see if our last crocus had poked up its head.  I’m sad to say that it hasn’t.  While I was out there, I did see other signs of activity.

160315a

I remember tiny burrows, like these four.  They were in the “Granny Garden” the last year that crocuses were growing there.  Unfortunately, I used the last of the Critter Ridder to evict woodchucks from under the garage and house.  (I call them “Charlies” so I don’t use my name in vain.)

This observation, led me to another.  Sometimes burrowing “creatures” enter our lives.  They burrow under the surface where they feed on the roots of desired traits and objects that grow and beautify our lives.

I think it is time to reorder some Critter Ridder.  Perhaps I also need to examine the soil of my heart to see if burrowing pests are at work there.

Snowdrops

Posted on by

Last Friday, Lin posted a pic of her snowdrops just for me.  She is very thoughtful, and she know how much I enjoy these harbingers of spring.  Our snowdrops are usually four weeks or so behind hers.  Not this year!

After seeing Lin’s post, I slipped on my coat and went out to check the west side of the barn.  That’s where our snowdrops grow.  In the past we’ve had six or seven that would come up each spring.  While I expected to see nothing, I saw 14 blossoms.  Surprise!

Snowdrops in the morning shade.

Snowdrops in the morning shade.

I went back to check in the afternoon while the sun was shining on them.  Well, as much sun as was not shaded by the two trees that grow in that area.  They were open.

The snowdrop blossoms were open.

The snowdrop blossoms were open.

Another trio were also enjoying the bright warmth.

Basking in the afternoon sun.

Basking in the afternoon sun.

Most of our crocus plants are gone.  Probably eaten by burrowing critters.  All of our hyacinths are gone too.  We’re keeping an eye out for the one crocus that remains.

End of a Perfect Day

Posted on by

We were at the table eating our evening meal of catfish, boiled potatoes and mixed veggies with salsa.  I heard the sound of a helicopter, which is not unusual around here.  I didn’t see the aircraft, but I did catch a good look at the evening sky.  Excusing myself, I made a dash for the camera and went out on the front deck.

160310a

I zoomed in on the “fire in the sky.”  This was most remarkable for the tear in the space/time continuum.

160310b

Then I zoomed back out to catch the overall scene.  Not as dramatic, but it was a beautiful moment to cap off what had been a beautiful day.  Later, I had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a very long time.

#feelinggood