Blue Mountain Home

A Blogging Hiatis

2010-03-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

My blogging inspiration has left me, so I'm taking a break. It may be short -- it may be long. In any event, I will still enjoy visiting many wonderful blogs and getting ideas from them. And I am truly grateful for all who have visited Blue Mountain Home and left comments.

Thank you, and happy blogging.

Joanie

Before and After

2010-02-07T18:51:00.000-05:00

Above -- there's a walk under there somewhere

Above: after digging out.

It was a beautiful day today, with the clear, vividly blue sky and snow-covered tree branches silhouetted against it.

Hope your day was beautiful too.

Joanie

"Snowpocalypse"

2010-02-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

It snowed again -- all day yesterday and most of today. This is my deck. As you can see, the snow is almost up to the deck rail.

The photo above is also of the deck -- another shot of how deep the snow is.

The final picture, above, shows our driveway. The lump is our car.

Actually, it is quite beautiful, as long as we don't have to go out in it. I hear that some people in our valley have no electric power, but we have been lucky so far. However, we're prepared just in case, with flashlights, candles, a lantern, a solar-powered radio (that also can be powered by cranking) and plenty of food. Now that the snow has stopped falling, we should be able to be dug out tomorrow.

More snow is predicted next week, believe it or not. What a winter.

Joanie

Coping with Loss

2010-01-30T15:12:00.002-05:00

Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult things a person will face in his or her lifetime. Your world changes so much, and yet the sun rises and sets every day just as it always has. Somehow this feels wrong -- how can earth's rhythms be oblivious to your loved one's departure?

So how do you cope? You just do. You have to. Still, everything has changed, especially if you were the caretaker of your loved one. Your life had revolved around that person, and that person is gone.

As for me, to paraphrase The Beatles (does this really need a link?), I get by with a little help from my friends--and my family.

I am fortunate that we are a close family: My son, sister, brother, nieces, nephews, step-daughters, cousins, and their families communicate frequently and get together when we can. It is wonderful to have such a loving and caring support group. They give me a shoulder to cry on when I need it and make me laugh a lot. The following are pictures of some of the members of my dear family:

Below -- my son, back in the day. . . .

and now.

Above, my sister and her son.

above: my brother and one of my nieces

above, four stepdaughters

above: step granddaughter and great-granddaughter

above: three of my four beautiful grand-nieces

Look at all of those smiling faces. Smiling is contagious, isn't it.

SMILE

Lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, music by Charlie Chaplin
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Joanie

Braeburn Farm

2010-01-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered another blog that I love to visit. It's Braebourne Farm and is subtitled "The Things I Love ..... and Other Beautiful Things." The photos are beautiful (and include source info). Here are a few of my favorites from the last week or so.

A word to the wise: when you visit Braebourne Farm, be prepared to stay awhile. It's a feast for the eyes. And speaking of feasts, visit the companion site, Braebourne Farm Kitchen. That's where I'm headed now.

Joanie

Where does the time go?

2010-01-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

I think it's obvious that I am not the most diligent blogger in the blogosphere. It has been almost three weeks since my last blog entry. I confess that I've spent a lot of time looking at garden catalogs and trying to pare down my wishlist to an affordable level.

The one plant I have ordered so far is Sweet Scabious 'Black Knight' (Scabiosa atropurpurea). In fact, I ordered plants AND seeds from Select Seeds just to be safe. It is supposed to be nice in flower arrangements and I was unable to find it last year. Here's a picture from Select Seeds' online catalog:

Speaking of flower arrangements, I received a "blue" for the flower arrangement I entered at my last garden club meeting. My odds were greatly increased by the fact that mine was the only arrangement entered! Although the judges stressed to me that being the only entry did not guarantee a "blue" (first award), I still like those odds. Here's my arrangement:

Now, back to those catalogs. . . .

Joanie

Baby It's !@#$%%^&&* Cold Outside!!

2010-01-06T20:06:00.001-05:00

Even though a lot of our snow has melted since the "blizzard of dec 2009," there is still considerable snow, as well as some dangerous patches of ice cover. Our latest forecast is for more snow starting this evening and continuing for part of tomorrow, although only a 1-2 inch accumulation is predicted. More significantly, we are experiencing record-breaking low temperatures, with wind-chills in the 'teens. That's pretty cold.

Ironically, during the past seven or so years that Cliff and I spent part of the winter in Tavares, Florida, our friends and family back here in Virginia teased us that we should have stayed home because it was so unseasonably warm back here. So this year I am in Virginia instead of Florida and wearing thermal underwear (or would if I had any)! But I hear that it's pretty cold in Florida too -- a low of 27 degrees predicted for Tavares tonight, compared to our predicted low of 22 degrees. But tomorrow the high predicted for Tavares is 56 whereas ours is 38 with snowfall. When you think about, it's pretty cold in both places! So how do I spend these frigid wintry days? Scouring garden catalogs, planning my 2010 garden, and dreaming of spring.

I remember April. Joanie

For Auld Lang Syne 12-31-2009

2009-12-31T22:48:00.000-05:00

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

In the above photo taken last May, Cliff is presenting scholarships to students at a local high school. My thoughts tonight center around memories of our twenty-two years together:

I remember you, you're the one who made my dreams come true, a few kisses ago.
I remember you, you're the one who said I love you too, I do, didn't you know?
I remember too a distant bell, and stars that fell like rain out of the blue.
When my life is through and the angels ask me to recall the thrill of them all,
Then I shall tell them, I remember you.

(Lyrics by: johnny mercer; Music by: victor schertzinger)

To my family and friends, thank you for your support during these past difficult weeks. I love you all and wish you the best in 2010.

Decorations

2009-12-26T15:49:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I was talking with my sister and she said she was going to take photos of her decorations this year so that next year she could remember how she had decorated. That was such a good idea that I decided to do the same. The photo above is of my front hall. The mirrored trees I purchased this year at Target.

The next photo (below) is an arrangement I made for the dining room buffet. I received the container as a gift several years ago; it contained miniature rose plants.

The next photo shows an arrangement I made for the dining room table. The hobnail milk glass bowl was my mother's. I can't remember where I got the tablecloth, in fact I didn't even remember that I had it. Cliff and I had celebrated Christmas in Florida for the last six years so I hadn't looked through my things here in a while. My son bought me the candlesticks several years ago at a yard sale.

Above is a little tree I put up in the music room. Most of the decorations are musical in nature. Many of them were purchased at an antique mall in Mt. Dora, Florida. (The portrait in the background is of me and was painted by a friend many years ago.) Below is a closeup of some of the ornaments.

Also in the front hall I put up a little tree, above, decorated primarily with vintage costume jewelry. I bought this tree several years at an annual Christmas tree show held in Mt Dora, Florida. The cat knocked the tree over and a few of the pieces of jewelry fell off, but I was able to reattach most of them. Next year I may go to Florida again for Christmas, the this year I didn't want to go.

The final picture, above, is of the cat. My friend Carol gave him a little stocking that says "cats love Christmas too." I think he likes it.

Joanie

Holiday wishes

2009-12-24T15:36:00.001-05:00

For those who have an empty chair at the Christmas dinner table due to the loss of a loved one, you may find comfort (as I did) in this post by Caroline@ FOREVER VINTAGE: http://ckaspardlov.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-in-heaven.html.

Thanks, Caroline.

To my family and friends: warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Joanie

Hanging in there, part ii

2009-12-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

A song that has comforted me for many years is "Turning Toward the Morning" by Gordon Bok. Now the words of the song seem more appropriate than ever before.

Turning Toward the Morning

(Gordon Bok)

When the deer has bedded down
And the bear has gone to ground,
And the northern goose has wandered off
To warmer bay and sound,
It's so easy in the cold to feel
The darkness of the year
And the heart is growing lonely
For the morning

Oh, my Joanie, don't you know
That the stars are swinging slow,
And the seas are rolling easy
As they did so long ago?
If I had a thing to give you,
I would tell you one more time
That the world is always turning
Toward the morning.

Now October's growing thin
And November's coming home;
You'll be thinking of the season
And the sad things that you've seen,
And you hear that old wind walking,
Hear him singing high and thin,
You could swear he's out there singing
Of your sorrow.

When the darkness falls around you
And the Northwind come to blow,
And you hear him call you name out
As he walks the brittle snow:
That old wind don't mean you trouble,
He don't care or even know,
He's just walking down the darkness
Toward the morning.

It's a pity we don't know
What the little flowers know.
They can't face the cold November
They can't take the wind and snow:
They put their glories all behind them,
Bow their heads and let it go,
But you know they'll be there shining
In the morning.

Now, my Joanie, don't you know
That the days are rolling slow,
And the winter's walking easy,
As he did so long ago?
And, if that wind would come and ask you,
"Why's my Joanie weeping so?"
Won't you tell him that you're weeping
For the morning?

Oh, my Joanie, don't you know
That the stars are swinging slow,
And the seas are rolling easy
As they did so long ago?
If I had a thing to give you,
I would tell you one more time
That the world is always turning
Toward the morning.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Recorded by Bok, Trickett and Muir on "Turning Toward the
Morning", FSI-56, copyright 1975.

"One of the things that provoked this song was a letter last
November from a friend who had had a very difficult year and was
looking for the courage to keep on plowing into it. Those times,
you lift your eyes unto the hills, as they say, but the hills of
Northern New England in November can be about as much comfort as
a cold crowbar. You have to look ahead a bit, then, and realize
that all the hills and trees and flowers will still be there come
Spring, usually more permanent than your troubles. And if your
courage occasionally fails, that's okay, too: nobody expects you
to be as strong (or as old) as the land." - Gordon Bok

I am waiting for the morning.

Joanie

Hanging in there

2009-11-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

If Cliff had lived, he would be 76 years old today. Today grandson Brandon (right above) emailed pictures from Cliff's birthday last year.

I started a new scrapbook yesterday with mementos of our life together.

We had so much fun together. Except for his last several months when he was so ill, I think he was happy. I want to remember him as he was before he became so ill, and in his five wishes document that is how he said he wanted to be remembered.

Do you have an advance medical directive? If not, I encourage you to execute one. The five wishes document is inexpensive. You can find it at http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php.

Joanie

In Loving Memory

2009-11-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

My beloved, my best friend with whom I spent the last twenty-two years, departed this life on Thursday, Nov 12, 2009, ten days short of his 76th birthday. He had been so ill. I was with him, along with one of his daughters and one of his grandsons, when he took his final breath.

At this moment I cannot begin to imagine what life will be like without him. His health concerns occupied a lot of our time for several years and became intense in the current year. As hard as it was at times, I do not regret one single moment of caring for him.

The funeral will be Tuesday, and interment on Wednesday. Then I will begin the next stage of my life.

Joanie

Veterans' Day 2009

2009-11-11T19:08:00.002-05:00

What a difference a year makes. Last year I posted about the Veterans Day celebration in our Town. Last year C. was one of the speakers at the event. This year he is gravely ill and in the hospital.

I could not let the day pass without honoring his military service and that of all of our veterans:

A Veteran’s Day Prayer

Dear Lord,

Today we honor our veterans,

worthy men and women

who gave their best

when they were called upon

to serve and protect their country.

We pray that you will bless them, Lord,

for their unselfish service

in the continual struggle

to preserve our freedoms, our safety,

and our country’s heritage, for all of us.

Bless them abundantly

for the hardships they faced,

for the sacrifices they made

for their many different contributions

to America’s victories

over tyranny and oppression.

We respect them, we thank them,

we honor them, we are proud of them,

and we pray that you will watch over

these special people

and bless them with peace and happiness.

In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.

If you value your freedom, thank a veteran.

Joanie

The Ghost of Halloweens Past

2009-10-31T20:12:00.001-04:00

This year, for the first time ever, we did not turn on the porch lights to welcome the trick-or-treaters. When C. was still in good health, he enjoyed decorating for every occasion and we both loved seeing the little ones in their costumes and giving them their Halloween treats. Down in the storage area we have lots of Halloween decorations. But this year C. is in ill health, and all I had time to do was put a fall wreath on the front door and three fake pumpkins (from Target) on the front porch.

One of my stepdaughters brought me two beautiful chrysanthemum plants that I also put on the front porch; the the next morning deer had eaten them down to stubs.

I know that there are plenty of other houses that will turn on their porch lights to welcome the costumed children. Hope next year ours will be one of them.

Joanie

Caregivers' survival, part II

2009-10-22T13:30:00.037-04:00

A few days ago I wrote about things to do to take care of the caregiver. I realized later there are other things to add to the list:

HIRE SOME HELP (IF YOU CAN). I have someone who comes every two weeks to help me catch up on cleaning and laundry. This lets me have at least a little time to do things for myself. As women, we have always taken care of so many things ourselves, but especially as we age it becomes difficult to accomplish as much as we once did. And when we have to care for a loved one, our discretionary time becomes scarce. So if you can afford it, hire someone to help you.

ACCEPT OFFERS OF HELP FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS. It's easy to feel like we'd be imposing on someone who offers to help, or we're concerned that the person doesn't really mean it, and so we say no. Learn to say yes, at least some of the time. Have you ever helped someone? Didn't it make you feel better? Give others the same chance.

Give yourself a chance to relax a little.

Joanie

Caregiver's survival guide

2009-10-20T22:27:00.001-04:00

It's doubtful that any of us think we'll grow up to be a caregiver (caretaker?) but in our elder years many of us find ourselves with this responsibility. Here are some of the things I think can help us withstand the stresses of caregiving:

1. GET ENOUGH REST. This is a tough one. Our loved one often needs attention when we would rather sleep in. So grab a nap when you can. Today I napped while my guy was at therapy. It was only for a few minutes, but it helped.

2. EAT RIGHT. When your loved one is being tube (bolus) fed, there's not much incentive to cook meals for yourself. But falling back on junk food and ready-to-eat stuff can take a toll on your own health. Let's face it, it's a lot easier to eat some cheese and crackers than to go to the store and get salad fixings, expecially when you're already tired. But it is important to make an effort. Even so-called "fast food" joints now have healthier selections. Do your research, and choose wisely.

3. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR PASSIONS. You don't have a lot of time, that's for sure, but if you love to knit, or quilt, or paint, play music, read, do crosswords, or weed your garden -- whatever gives you pleasure, do it when you can. If you love it, it will relax you and give you satisfaction. Do it when your loved one is sleeping, or at dialysis, or at therapy, or whenever you have a little time to do something you love. Even if it's only for a few minutes, it will be beneficial to you.

4. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. My sister and I email almost every night and we talk every weekend. My brother and I have lunch most Fridays. My friends and I keep in touch by phone and email. This keeps me from feeling isolated from the outside worl when circumstances keep me here at home.

5. LAUGH!!! This is so important. There is always something in this life that we can find amusing, and laughing is one of the best ways to relieve tension and give one a feeling of well-being. Make contacts with friends and family members who make you laugh.

6. GET SOME FRESH AIR. We caretakers must often spend a lot of time indoors. But if we make an effort, we can find a minute here and there to step outside and take a deep breath and re-establish our connection with the natural world. Even if it's raining, standing on a porch and taking a deep breath can be invigorating.

7. ENJOY YOUR DOG/CAT/HAMSTER/FERRET. Pets bring joy and comfort, especially to we "elders." If you share your home with a critter, enjoy the love and affection you will give and receive.

for the caregivers

Joanie

My New Toy

2009-09-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

My sweetie has been ill and I did not expect a birthday gift from him, as he has been unable to get out of the house, except for medical appointments, for a couple of months. But today a box arrived, and it turned out that it was a birthday gift for me. It seems he had given money to my son and one of his daughters to get together and come up with a gift for me, and they came up with a doozie:

If you don't recognize it, don't feel bad -- it's not something you see very often today. It is a "lap steel guitar" made by Fender probably in the 1950s. I have never played one before, but thanks to the internet there is lots of information available. I tuned it based on instructions I found online and experimented with it, strumming some chords and singing along, but plan to purchase an instruction book. At my "advanced" age, I don't want to waste time trying to learn it on my own, as I did with other instruments I learned to play at an earlier age (much earlier, actually).

Wasn't this a wonderful surprise?

Joanie

A Birthday Diary

2009-09-21T22:24:00.001-04:00

Here's how a "senior" lady spent her birthday:

7:30 am -- got up. Made coffee. Fed the cat.
8:00 am -- checked email and read newspaper on line. Printed crossword to do later (from Wash Post).
9:00 am -- checked C's blood sugar and blood pressure.
9:05 am -- fed C. through stomach tube. Also gave morning meds, crushed and dissolved in water.
9:55 am -- took C. to dialysis
10:15 am -- dropped mail off at the post office
10:20 am --took king-sized bed quilt to local laundry (too big for my washing machine)
10:30 am - grocery shopped
11:30 am - home, unpacked groceries. Ate bowl of cereal and fruit.

12:45 pm - drove back to dialysis center.

12:55 pm - checked C's blood sugar at dialysis and gave him an insulin shot

1:00 pm - fed C. at dialysis via stomach tube.

1:30 pm - visited friend CAG who is on crutches due to knee injury.
2:30 pm - picked C. up from dialysis
2:45 pm - ate peanut butter sandwich
3:00 pm - got cash from ATM and picked up quilt from laundry.
3:15 pm - back to groc store for birthday cake for me (small cheesecake)
5:00 pm - checked C's blood sugar, gave him an insulin shot, and checked his blood pressures.
5:05 pm - fed C. via stomach tube.
5:15 pm - fed the cat
5:30 pm - started making dinner for my son and me
6:45 pm - ate dinner (chicken, potatoes, asparagus)
7:15 pm - cleaned kitchen; empied and reloaded dishwasher
7:30 pm - watched Jeopardy
8:00 pm -- started watching House premier; worked crossword printed off earlier in the day
8:50 pm -- prepared C's meds for feeding
9:02 pm -- fed C. through stomach tube
9:30 pm -- answered emails
10:00 pm -- started writing this blog
10:14 pm -- and here's how the cat celebrated my birthday:

When Bloggers Stop Blogging

2009-09-17T22:30:00.000-04:00

When I first started blogging, one of my greatest pleasures then (and now) was visiting wonderful blogs I'd discovered along the way. One of those I enjoyed was The Shabby Romantic, where I found the picture above of the white piano. But it has been a long time since she's posted anything to her blog. In fact, her last post was Friday, January 18, 2008. Have you ever followed a blogger who stopped blogging? Do you wonder what might have happpened in her life to cause her to abandon blogging? Maybe she started a new blog--but didn't let her followers know about it? Or did her life change in a way to make blogging no longer relevant to her life? 'Tis a puzzlement.

Joanie

Have you been to Houzz?

2009-09-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

I learn a lot from visiting my favorite blogs. I'm sure that it was from one of them that I found out about Houzz, but I can't remember which one (darn these senior moments). I've found a lot of inspiring photos there of beautifully decorated rooms that appeal to me. Here are a couple of the rooms that I found on Houzz:

The bedroom above appeals to me because of the soft blue color on the walls, the white trim and ceiling, and the warm tones of the wood floor.

More blues (the good kind) -- in the room shown above. I especially like the white bookcases with the blue background, the upholstered blue and white chairs and pillows, the white kitchen, and the wood floor. These two pics are just two of the many rooms you can see on houzz. Enjoy.

Joanie

A wonderful surprise

2009-09-12T17:53:00.000-04:00

I arrived home a couple of days ago and there was a package on my porch addressed to me. I hadn't ordered anything recently and could not imagine who might have sent it. The return address said "Jackson and Perkins." I sometimes order plants from them -- could I have ordered and forgotten? It's true my memory isn't as great as that of a younger person. But I was certain that I had not placed any recent orders.

I brought the package into the house and opened it, and it contained a beautiful basket of yellow and coral miniature roses. Inside there was a tag that said "just because you're you" but there was NO NAME!!! The following photo is from the Jackson and Person website, but I assure you the actual roses are even more lovely than this photo. After a couple of days, one of my stepdaughters "fessed up" to sending it. Wasn't that a sweet thing to do? Life has given us some challenges recently but this unexpected gift lifted my spirits, and continues to do so each time I look at it. When the blooms fade, I plan to plant it outdoors in hopes to perpetuate the joy of the beautiful roses and the memory of an unexpected gift.

Joanie

September 11th

2009-09-11T21:24:00.001-04:00

Where were you on Sept 11, 2001? I was here in my home. It was a sunny, cool, beautiful September morning. I had a train ticket from Fredericksburg, VA to Williamsburg, VA, where I was to meet my sister for a couple days shopping at the Pottery Factory. Williamsburg was "our place" -- where we traditionally got together as sisters, away from family demands, to spend a few days together and indulge in our love of shopping for bargains.

When it became clear that the U.S. was under attack, I left here and drove to Williamsburg to meet my sister, who was driving up from Florida. I could not bear the thought of my baby sister alone during this frightening time. Fearing to travel down the East Coast, I drove the back roads through the Shenandoah Valley. The whole memory of that time my sister and I spent together is surreal. I honestly don't remember much else about our time together -- where we shopped, where we ate, etc. I just remember being glued to the tv, radio, or newspaper, and being fearful.

I spent 31 years of my life working in the Pentagon, but had retired before 9-11-2001. In the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, I often dreamed about being in the Pentagon in the weeks (and years) to follow. My most recent dream was last night.

After the 9-11 attacks on America, I bought the above license plate for my car. It is a reminder of the horror that was inflicted on our country on 9-11-2001. I will have had my car 13 years this coming December, and I have only 45,000 miles on it so far. I expect to drive it for at least another 55,000 miles. Will I live that long?

I still have my train ticket from Fredericksburg to Williamsburg on 9-11-2001.

Where were you on 9-11-2001?

What Happened to Summer?

2009-09-04T19:58:00.000-04:00

The last time I posted was the 4th of July. Today is the 4th of September. What happened to the two intervening months?

Our lives were touched by surgeries, illness, and medical emergencies (byproducts of growing older), and I have learned that I can do a lot more than I ever thought possible. But I don't want to go into details here. Before all of this happened, I planted some flowers and they pretty much had to fend for themselves, but we had adequate rain until recently. Most of the flowers are annuals and when frost comes they'll be history. Here are a few shots taken today, to record what worked in the summer of 2009:

Hope your summer was lovely with beautiful flowers.

Joanie

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-04T10:10:00.001-04:00

The Jewel Box Home posted the above photo (and others) this morning. What a beautiful house -- and wonderfully adorned for America's birthday.

I hope you all have a great day with family and friends, food and fireworks. And if you have access to PBS, be sure and watch "A Capitol Fourth" this evening.

Enjoy.

Joanie

The Porch of My Dreams

2009-07-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

When I have a few minutes to spare, I like to visit blogs, and one I go back to often is Between Naps on the Porch. The blogger, Susan, has the most beautiful porch I've ever seen. One photo is shown above; click here for many other views of this incredible space.

But that's only one treat waiting at this site. Susan is a wonderful decorator. Below is a view of her guest room; click here for more views of this lovely room. And you can see so many other great rooms by visiting her site. Being "decor-challenged" myself, I find much inspiration in looking at beautifully decorated homes such as this one.

Susan also hosts two weekly blog events. The first is Metamorphosis Monday where readers post their own makeovers of rooms, furniture, etc.

The second weekly event is Tablescape Thursday. Here talented bloggers share their own creative table decorations.

If you haven't yet visited Between Naps on the Porch, you're in for a treat! Be prepared to spent some time looking at the many beautiful pictures. And -- drooling is permitted!!!!

Joanie

Blue Ribbon Flower Arrangements

2009-07-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

Today was another garden club meeting. Although we are a relatively small group, I am always amazed to see the arrangements our talented members create. Today's theme was "Bombs Bursting in Air" and the design form was to be "Abstract creative." Members may enter in the theme category or may enter a "general" arrangement -- which means the arrangement is up to the person who creates it. We had so many attractive entries. Here are a sampling: The following arrangement won first prize ("blue"), and deservedly so:

Here's a gorgeous "general" arrangement:

And believe it or not, the following "general" arrangement got a blue ribbon. It is mine and I threw it together from plant materials in my garden this morning. It seems that when I carefully plan and design an arrangement, I don't get a first place, but when I assemble something on short notice it often wins a "blue." Of course I'm happy to receive the rating, but honestly don't see what the judges found so "original" and "terrific."
Here's another view of the arrangement. Go figure.

I admit that the colors of the arrangement were more vivid than these pictures show. The blue flowers (Eryngium) were an intense, steely blue, and the heuchera floral spires were a burgundy that matched the stamens in the upper lily. Still, I think the lessons to be learned from this are (1) beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and (2) be happy for life's unexpected gifts!

Joanie

Favorite Blogs--House of Turquoise

2009-06-06T12:03:00.000-04:00

Although I don't post too frequently, I do like to visit other blogs, especially those that feature gardening and decorating. One of those I visit most frequently is House of Turquoise. When I first read about this blog in The Washington Post's Home and Garden Section, I was skeptical--wouldn't it be boring to look at a single color over and over? I could not have been more wrong. Erin finds the most amazing variety of beautiful rooms with some amount of a shade or hue of this color. Who could have imagined how versatile it could be? Thanks, Erin.

Wouldn't you be happy in any one of these rooms? I would.

Joanie

A Day in the Life -- of a Cat

2009-05-29T10:11:00.001-04:00

Here's how our cat spends his days (in addition to eating): Looking out the window at the birds and squirrels,

playing on his "condo,"

greeting visitors.,

sleeping,

and sleeping.

Dealing with Aging

2009-05-26T18:52:00.000-04:00

When I was young, I was always the youngest person in my group. Because of my birthday in the fall, I was the youngest in my high school graduating class. At work, I always seemed to be the youngest in my peer group.

But times have changed. Today, it seems that I am the oldest person in every activity in which I volunteer. I try to tell myself that this doesn't matter--my mind is still sharp and I am an active person--but when I get dressed to go out, I look in the mirror and see the gray hair, the wrinkles, the many signs of aging

One of the worst thing about being an old lady is that no one notices you! It seems like I meet some of the same people over and over but they don't remember me. Today I attended a meeting on a volunteer project and the committee chairman, with whom I've met for almost a year now, sent out a message afterward to all of the participants and in it called me by the wrong first name!

I have a theory--the best spy would be an old lady. No one notices old ladies. No one takes us seriously. No one pays attention to us. We are forgettable.

I'm not ready to give up living, volunteering, participating. Recently on a volunteer project, one of the others asked me if I was "up to this." I think she judged, by my appearance, that I was "too old" to participate. Granted, I am certainly not as capable, physically, as I once was, but I'm not ready yet to retire to the "home."

I found the following poem on the internet--no indication of who wrote it so if anyone knows please tell me. It expresses how I feel:

do not judge me

wrinkles, gray hair and hearing aids.
glasses, walking sticks, and dentures.
although when you look at me, this is what you see,
do not be a judge of me, for there is more of me to see
individual and human, I am unique, alive with personality, ME,
do not judge me

To "old ladies" everywhere--we rock!!!

Joanie

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T14:24:00.000-04:00

"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead....It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all." (courtesy http://www.usmemorialday.org/)

As a child, I remember going to the cemetery with my grandmother, the daughter of a Confederate war veteran, on Decoration Day and taking bunches of peonies to decorate the graves. It is a tradition that we should continue to follow, to memorialize those gave their lives for our country.

Freedom is not Free

I watched the flag pass by one day, It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Service man saluted it, And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform So young, so tall, so proud,

With hair cut square and eyes alert He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down? How many died at sea

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves? No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night, When everything was still,

I listened to the bugler play And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin. Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children, Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington. No, freedom isn't free.

To many today, Memorial Day is primarily a holiday that gives us a three-day break from work and signals the unofficial beginning of summer. But let us all think about the meaning of the words in the above poem, and remember the reason why the holiday exists.

Frost Warning

2009-05-19T17:49:00.000-04:00

Last night's weather report warned that we were under a frost advisory from 3 am to 9 am today (May 19). My Dad, who gardened in this area for half a century, always said that May 10 was the safe date for planting frost-tender plants. Our Master Gardener organization says the safe date is May 15. I started planting tender annuals last week so the news that we might have a frost this late in the season was worrysome.

I wasn't worried about my perennial plants, such as those shown along my side walk. The blue plants blooming in this picture are some that I grew from seed our first year here (11 years ago). Unfortunately, I don't remember what they are. They bloom reliably each May, but only bloom once.

I was worried about tender plants in the ground as well as in pots. Last week I purchased three of these begonia plants to hang from my porch and would have hated to lose them, but they came through fine.

I just planted this pot over the weekend. It has impatiens plants and an astilbe which was given to me by a friend. I don't know what color the astilbe is and hope it doesn't end up clashing with the impatiens.

I love the pot trellis shown in the foreground of this picture. It came from the Southern States store. In it is a red mandevilla purchased at the grocery store. In the background can be seen the hanging tomato planter Clliff bought me. The tomato plant (Parks Whopper) also looks just fine.

This pot, also recently planted, contains red and yellow superbells, blue lobelia, and "Lemon Symphony" daisies (Osteospermum hybrid), a "Proven Winners" plant.

I actually started this blog entry on Tuesday May 19, but didn't finish it. Today is thurs May 21. I don't know how to change the date once the draft has been saved.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all.

Joanie

We Were "Flocked"!

2009-05-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

I used to wonder why old people talked so much about their ailments, their doctor visits, and their medicines. Now I understand it -- when you reach our ages, taking medicines for a variety of conditions becomes a daily routine, and doctor visits often occur weekly. From time to time, our bodies require medical intervention to keep them functioning properly.

Cliff had surgery last Tuesday morning and spent the rest of the week in the hospital. He came through it well but will require a period of recovery. The hospital is in another town, so I drove over every morning and back home every evening.

Thursday evening when I arrived home, I was stunned to see about a dozen pink flamingos in my front yard! I could not imagine what in the world was going on, or who did it, or why.

Then I saw a sheet that was attached to one of the flamingos: It said "You've been flocked by friends" and was signed with the names of the senders. It went on to explain that this is done by a local charity as a fundraiser. The "flocking" is a way for people to send congratulations, happy birthday, get well soon--any occasion where this sort of surprise would be appropriate. The charity receives a donation from the sender, and often also from the recipient.

The flamingos were not ours to keep; they were removed on Sunday but fortunately not until after Cliff got back home, so he got to see them. I do wonder what my neighbors thought when they saw all of those pink plastic flamingos, wearing straw hats no less, in our front yard.

To our friends who sent them, a big "thank you." We enjoyed them and they certainly lifted my spirits when I returned home that evening after a difficult day.

Joanie

I Love a Parade

2009-05-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

I have always enjoyed parades, so when the opportunity arose to ride in two parades at the 82nd Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA, we were delighted to participate.

We rode in the vehicle shown above, a "deuce and a half" is what the guys call it. I believe it is an old Marine Corps vehicle. The vehicle represented our town's American Legion post.

Below, Cliff and me in the back of the vehicle, awaiting our entry into the Firefighters' parade lineup.

It was fun to see the lovely homes along the parade route and the lawn parties that are a long-standing tradition during the festival.

The drawback of being in a parade is that you don't get to see much of the rest of it. This adorable float was behind us in Grand Feature parade. We had glimpses of other participants but not many.

It was very moving when spectators stood and applauded as the "deuce" passed by, expressing their appreciation for the service of our military and veterans.

The picture at left is the "big apple" that has been a Winchester landmark as long as I can remember.

Winchester, VA is a great place to visit any time of year, and especially in spring during the annual Apple Blossom Festival.

Joanie

Where's Mama Robin?

2009-05-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

My sister gave me a basket that hangs on a wall. It now hangs on the wall next to my side porch. Each year I plant it with annuals. The other day I discovered that a bird had made a nest in the basket, and there was a single, robins-egg blue egg in the nest, but no robins hovered nearby. I have looked at the nest every day since, but no sign of any birds near the nest, only the solitary egg. I see plenty of robins elsewhere in the yard, but none seems to pay any attention to this nest. What could have happened to the mama robin? I hate to think of the possibilities.

Joanie

Spring blooms

2009-04-19T18:37:00.000-04:00

Last fall, I bought some spring-flowering bulbs to plant. But our family experienced serious illness and an accident requiring surgery and rehabilitation, and planting the bulbs fell off the priority list. The bulbs remained in a cardboard box on my side porch throughout the winter, which was cold -- temperatures dropped as low as zero.

We were in Florida for December and January, and returned home to face more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. In March, I finally got around to opening the box of bulbs, with the intention of discarding them and recycling the box. To my amazement, many of the bulbs had sprouted! I planted many of them in a planter, and you can see in the above photo that they grew and are now beginning to bloom.

Among the blooms currently in our yard are Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), left. These lovely native perennials return to bloom each year, and then go dormant until the next spring. These were rescued from a site that was under development. If not transplanted, they would have been lost.

The beautiful blooms below are the Kwanzan cherry tree. The blooms last only a week at most, but are spectacular while they last.

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough.
A.E. Housman (1859–1936)

Three of my four dogwood trees (Cornus florida) have pink blooms. They are just beginning to open:

Apple blossoms bring back special memories. My grandmother lived in Winchester, Virginia, and each year we went to her house for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins from nearby states would also visit, and it became a family ritual and annual reunion. I have two apple trees, but the deer get all of the apples within reach. Still, the blossoms are lovely to see:

To everything there is a season. . . .

Joanie

Welcome sweet springtime

2009-04-17T08:52:00.000-04:00

It has been quite a while--about six weeks -- since I've posted anything. Unfortunately, aging brings a number of challenges, many of them to our health. We've been inundated with medical tests and procedures, and more are expected. But spring reminds us that the long dark days pass eventually. This is my first dogwood blossom of 2009. I don't know if it has a cultivar name; the tree was here when we moved in. It's blooms are predominately white, and it has variegated leaves.

Each fall I try to plant more spring bulbs, such as the ones above and below. I have just about given up on tulips because their foliage and blooms gets eaten by critters--deer? rabbits? Daffodils (Narcissus), on the other hand, are ignored by wildlife and so are a safe bet to return year after year. The one above is called N. 'Decoy.'

This lovely daffodil is aptly named 'Spring Pride.'

I think this one is 'Cum Laude,' although the catalog picture showed a darker colored center.

I love the ones with pinkish centers. I think this one is 'Salome.' I need to do a better job recording where I plant stuff!

This one is actually quite small. It has a delightful fragrance and sometimes blooms in clusters. It is Narcissus 'Hillstar.

I hope spring where you are is just as beautiful.

Joanie

Challenges of Aging

2009-03-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

I have not blogged a lot lately. Our lives have been preoccupied with health challenges. This is one of the difficulties of aging -- our bodies begin to decline and we experience a variety of medical conditions. Without going into detail, in recent weeks medical treatments, procedures, and/or tests have occupied three to four days of each week. We are extremely fortunate that this care exists and that we have adequate insurance to pay for it. Still, it is a time that requires major adjustments in our lives.

Last Monday we were putting out ice melt on our walkway and today the temperatures were in the 70s! I spent three hours weeding and cutting down the remnants of last season's garden (I always leave the seed heads of plants such as rudbekia and coneflower to feed migrating birds). Now that the buds are swelling and the shoots of bulbs are pushing up through the ground, it is time to get rid of the leftover materials and get the garden ready for the emerging greenery.

However, after three hours weeding and cleaning up debris, I was so tired that I feared I would not have the energy to put away all of my tools (I did, but it wasn't easy). The reduction in stamina is one of the most troubling things about aging. In my mind, I can still do as much as I ever could. But my body gets weary long before my brain is ready to quit. And everything I do seems to take twice as long as it used to.

My mother once told me that in her mind she didn't feel old, but she was trapped inside an old body. Now I understand completely.

Still, I love working in the garden. It is my therapy, and along with music, the thing that keeps me able to retain my sanity. Sure, I could hire someone to do the work (and I do for some of it), but the hands-on activity of weeding, raking, pruning, and planting satisfies a need so deep inside that I can't put it into words.

The cat's new plaything

2009-02-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

We took our cat, "Trouble," to the vet today for his annual checkup. We adopted him a year ago this month. He will be two years old next month. The vet said he is in good health. She gave him his shots and he does not have to go back for another year. He weighs 15.4 pounds. She said he is not overweight for his large frame, but she would not want to see him gain any additional weight.

After we took him home, we went to the pet store and bought him a "cat condo."

He took to it immediately and spent a good portion of the rest of the day on it (you can see my pink stepladder in the background. I will put plants back on it when the weather warms enough).

As you can see from the photo above, our family room is primarily the cat's playroom! In the photo below, he sleeps comfortably in the top level.

We are so glad we adopted him. He had been at the shelter, in a cage, for over two months. It took him a while to feel at home here, but now he rules! He is such a joy to us, and a beloved member of our family.

Joanie

Lunch on the River

2009-01-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

The other day we visited Sanford, FL and went to a little restaurant along the St John's river. This is not a fancy place by any standard, but it is one of our favorite places to go in Central Florida. My sister, her husband, and his sister went with us. Below, my guy faces the camera. River view in background.

Below, my sister (on right), her hubby, and his sister. More river view in background.

This is not a chain restaurant. The food is simple and delicious. I am particularly fond of grouper, a fish that we don't have back home, but it has grown more expensive. Still, I splurged and had a grouper reubin. It may sound weird to some but it was excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to order it again.

The service is not the fastest, but the food is worth waiting for, especially when you're enjoying the breeze and the casual ambience, watching the boats, and are in good company. If you're ever near Sanford, stop in and try it. Shorts, sandles, and t-shirts are appropriate attire, although it was a cooler day when we were there and people dressed accordingly.

Joanie

Presidential Inauguration

2009-01-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

I love to watch the inauguration of a U.S. President, and have watched, via TV, the inauguration of each President starting with JFK. Maybe it's because I majored in Government and Politics (and maybe too because as an employee of the Federal Govt in the D.C. area, we always got the day off!). I love the pageantry and the patriotism of the day. Whatever one's political views, the peaceful transition of power from one leader to another demonstrates again and again the strength of our Constitution. (Above: White House photo by Paul Morse.)

While the storm clouds gather

far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance

to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful

for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices

in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,

land that I love

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains

To the prairies,

To the ocean white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home.

This "unofficial national anthem" was written by Russian immigrant Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised in 1938. A 1938 recording by singer Kate Smith initially made the song a huge hit, and it remains well known to this day.

God bless the United States of America.

Joanie

Cold Weather?

2009-01-17T21:48:00.000-05:00

Here in central Florida, where we are vacationing, people are complaining about the cold. It has been in the 30s at night and 60s during the day. But everything is relative -- look at the above photo from my son about the temperature back home this morning! Above, another picture from home. Our little pond is frozen solid. So I can take this "cold" weather here in Florida. After all, how much of a hardship is it to wear a long sleeved shirt and a sweater!

We will be returning home in a couple of weeks. Am hoping that temperatures will return to normal by the time we get there. I don't mind winter, but zero degrees is a bit much even for me!

Joanie

The Cat

2009-01-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

Last year when we were in Florida, we started looking at the website of the Humane Society back home for another cat. We had lost our old cat, Amos, in Nov 07 and after grieving were thinking about getting a new pet. The Humane Society had a photo of a kitten named "Trouble." He was only eight months old when his previous owner left him there to be adopted. When we returned home, we visited him at the shelter, and also looked at cats in other shelters, but something about this cat called out to us, and we decided that, despite his name, he would join our family. The above photo is from the Humane Society's website in Jan 08.

We decided not to rename him, despite recommendations from friends, so he continues to be called "Trouble." (He also goes by "Fatcat" and"Bratcat.") He has been an endless source of amusement and entertainment.

The little kitten we adopted has grown into a "big dude," to use the words of our Veterinarian. Trouble likes to sit on his perch that we bought him, and look at the birds and squirrels that visit our trees and our deck.

He is a big cat, especially from a rear view!

He plays hard, but then he falls asleep at a moment's notice. His favorite sleeping place is in the box Cliff's new shoes came in. It is a tight fit.

It is not a great idea to get a cat who is the same color as your kitchen floor, especially when he likes to lie near wherever you are working.

He prefers scratching on furniture, but likes to lie on his scratching pad.

My son is taking care of "Trouble" while we are in Florida. We can't bring the cat with us because the Autotrain doesn't permit animals. We miss our dear pet very much.

Pets enrich our lives in so many ways. I know we would be poorer indeed without our feline companion.

To all pet lovers in "blogland." Joanie

New Year's Day 2009

2009-01-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

I used to make New Year's resolutions, but every year they seemed to be the same: lose weight, get organized, etc., etc. It is hard to break this habit. This year I still have things I would like to achieve: practice music more; remember birthdays in time to send cards; continue downsizing; be more charitable; plant more flowers; be less impatient; be more expressive of feelings for family and friends.

Our lives don't always progress smoothly. As we age, health issues intrude on our hopes and plans. Coming to terms with the changes aging brings is not easy. In our minds, we are as young as ever, but the image in the mirror is of an older person. I find that I still have ambitions, but everything takes at least twice as long to accomplish (if, in fact, it can even be done). One can easily become depressed unless we focus on what is good -- we are alive, our minds are relatively alert, we can see (with glasses), we can hear (isn't closed captioning wonderful!), we can walk, we can remember (maybe not as quickly as before). We have some precious advantages: we have experience, and we are wiser as a result.

My mother used to say "old age isn't for sissies" and she was right, for sure!

I wish a wonderful 2009 to everyone, but especially those of us who can rightfully claim the moniker of "senior citizen."

Warmest wishes for the new year. Joanie

Thoughts on New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T17:35:00.000-05:00

Another year is almost over. Where did the time go? For me and my family, it was a year of special challenges, but as 2008 comes to an end, we are all still here, and we have a roofs over our heads and plenty to eat, and much love from family and friends. I wish everyone the same "riches" and hope the new year be a good one for all.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky.

The flying cloud, the frosty light;

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

For those that here we see no more,

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

And ancient forms of party strife;

Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

The faithless coldness of the times;

Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

- Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ring Out, Wild Bells

Best wishes for 2009.

Joanie

2008-12-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you!

Joanie

Florida bound

2008-12-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

For a number of years on Dec 1 we have gone to Florida for two months, except this year we had to delay a week for medical reasons. We are leaving tomorrow morning, via the Autotrain from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. This is what my poinsettia shrub looked like last year when we arrived at our Florida house. A hard freeze last January killed it back to the ground, but I was told that it had grown back. Am eager to see if it is blooming again. Also, we both looking forward to a break from the unseasonably cold weather we've had so far this year.

Heading south.

Joanie

After a brief absence

2008-12-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

When you are a senior citizen, things happen that change your daily routines and your future plans. The past few weeks have been a challenging time for us, but we're learning to adjust to new doctors medicines, and routines. Usually Cliff and I go to Florida the 1st of December and stay a couple of months, but this year our departure has been delayed. We now have reservations for this coming Sunday, Dec 7, to travel via the autotrain from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL, and are hoping that nothing else happens to delay our trip.

As a result of the delay, this year I was able to go to my garden club's December meeting and holiday party which I've missed in previous years, and it was delightful. One of our members graciously hosted the event at her historic home here in town:

Here are a couple views of the interior of this majestic old house. The hostess had every room decorated with beautiful greens and ornaments. Here is the dining room:

and the front hall:

And of course, being the garden club, we brought floral entries for judging:

Joanie

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T16:52:00.001-05:00

Today is Veterans Day. Our town celebrated with a ceremony at the County Court House. Veterans, their families, and non-veterans, as well as representatives of other community organizations, arrived to participate in the event. Here are some of the scenes:

Local school bands played the national anthem and other songs.

The Commander of the local American Legion Post welcomed visitors.

A chorus from a local elementary school sang patriotic songs.

It was a moving ceremony on a clear, cold day. For those who may not know how we came to commemorate this occasion, here is a brief history. In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect , and the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter combat, the "war to end all wars" was over. The first “Armistice Day” was celebrated Nov 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of war.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

The poem above was written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada 's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses. Col McCrae died of pneumonia and meningitis in 1918 when he was still working in a field hospital. He was 45 years old. Because of this poem, the poppy came to the flower of remembrance for veterans.

The dream of an end to war would not be realized. Only twenty-odd years after the Armistice, World War II would require the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. In 1954, Congress changed the name of the event from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, to honor all of America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

If you value your freedom, thank a veteran.

Joanie

(Information above adapted from websites of the US Veterans Administration and of Flanders Museum, Belgium)

Vote!

2008-11-03T15:20:00.001-05:00

As Americans, we are fortunate to be able to vote for the candidates of our choice. Regardless of your political afiliation or preferences, it is important that you go to the polls and cast your vote.

In many countries, the people have no say in their government. These people would welcome the opportunity to vote to select their leaders.

We have that wonderful privilege. Let's use it.

Joanie

Autumn Colors

2008-11-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend Cliff and I went to Hampton Virginia for a conference. During part of our trip, we drove on the Colonial Parkway. The leaves were at their peak and the colors were spectacular. My photos do not do them justice.

The National Park Service describes the parkway as follows: "An integral part of Colonial National Historical Park, this 24 mile scenic Colonial-style highway connects Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Its panoramic vistas, gently winding curves, through patches of Pine and Evergreen forest, constantly leaves the visitor with an expectation as to what the next curve may bring forth. "

Of course, it is always good to come back home. Here we get a first glimpse of the mountains that surround our beautiful valley.

This is the view from our family room window, looking out on the deck and the leaves of our two red maples (acer rubrum).

Autumn brings mixed emotions. Today is my mother's birthday and were she alive she'd be 101 today. However, she died suddenly in 1987, just five days shy of her 80th birthday. The leaves were spectacular on the day we buried her, as they are today. I look at the leaves in all their magnificent glory and remember her passing with great sadness. Still, I am so grateful I had such a wonderful mother.

Joanie

Bambi and friends

2008-10-25T21:32:00.000-04:00

Last week I bought $20 worth of pansies at a local nursery and planted them out in the yard. The next morning -- yes, the very next morning -- they had been eaten to the ground! This evening I looked out the window and saw four deer in the front yard. In the first photo below, there are four, but it was hard to capture them as it was just about dusk. If you look closely, one is on the far left behind the dogwood tree; two are to the left of the big oak. and one is to the right of the oak.

In the photo below, you can see three of the four more closely. This is my front yard, just a few feet from the street, and the walk leads to my front door. But we don't have a lot of traffic on our street, and there are vacant, wooded lots next door and across the street.
Although the deer are interesting to watch, they do a lot of damage to our landscaping. I wonder if anyone has tried to estimate the economic loss caused by deer damage. They have eaten my hostas, daylilies, tulips, yews, sedums, and of course, pansies. They seem not to like herbs or iris. So I guess I'll concentrate more on things that are not as appealing to them next year.

On a happier note, it rained today. We've been under mandatory water restrictions, so I hope today's rain will replenish our water levels enough that the restrictions will be lifted.

Joanie 10/25/08

The joys of friendship

2008-10-24T21:25:00.001-04:00

We all love our guys, our children, our siblings, our parents, but there is a special category of people who are precious to us -- our female friends. I am fortunate to know a delightful group of ladies. We belong to a volunteer group that educates the public on the value and benefits of trees in cities and towns. We get together once a month for lunch. Here we are yesterday at one of our local restaurants.

It is hard to put into words how much my friends mean to me. They lift my spirits when I'm feeling down. The bring lots of laughter into my life. And we work together on rewarding projects -- such as decorating a Christmas tree and donating it to our local arts council for auction. I hate to refer to them as "girls" because we are all mature adults (and some, like me, are seniors), but these "girls" are so creative. I learn from them each time we are together. Best of all, we enjoy spending time together. When we get together, there are no conditions. no expectations, just an opportunity to have fun and laugh a lot. To all of my friends, a big thank you for the joy you bring to my life.

Best to all. Joanie

Autumn

2008-10-17T10:06:00.001-04:00

Where does the time to? October is half over already. The leaves are changing color and starting to fall on the ground. This is the view from the windows of the living/music room this morning. I need to get out there and start raking.

The cat usually sits on top of the sofa and watches birds and squirrels and whatever other critters (deer, groundhogs) wander through the front yard, but today he decided to take a little rest instead. What a life.
Happy fall.

Joanie

Tempus Fugit

2008-10-07T10:48:00.000-04:00

People say "time flies when you're having fun" but at my age, time flies whether you're having fun or not!

Haven't posted for over a week and don't know where the time went. In fact, a friend of mine and I were talking last week and both of us said we don't know where September went.

Last week was busy. Monday I worked half a day at the Master Gardener help desk at my county extension office. Tuesday I attended a refresher class on trees. My garden club met on Wednesday and I was the hostess, which meant I brought the food and beverages.

I also made two arrangements to enter into our monthly competition. One was a "general " arrangement which means that the style and theme are the exhibitor's choice. Mine is shown above as the centerpiece on the refreshments table. Another "general" entry is shown below:
My second arrangement was a "theme" arrangement, which means the theme and style of the arrangement are set by the club. This month's theme was "Tempest in a Teapot" and the style was a stretch design--two containers, one smaller than the other, and connected in some way with botanical material. Here are some of the entries (mine is the second shown below):

We also assembled flowers in bud vases to be taken to a local nursing home. We do this several times a year and the residents really appreciate them. Below are the bud vases, boxed and ready to go.
Flower arranging is so much fun. I am amazed by the creativity of the others in my club.

Joanie

A great man

2008-09-28T21:25:00.001-04:00

He was so awesomely good looking. Every woman of my generation was in love with him, and every man wanted to be him. But his inner beauty was even greater than his external appearance. He was a good man, humble, and generous to an extent most of us can never know. It is hard to accept that he is gone, but all who saw his memorable performances will be grateful for the memories. Deepest sympathy to his wife, Joanne Woodward, to his children and other family members, and to all others who knew him and loved him.

This photo appeared on a number of internet sites. I was unable to determine it's origin. If anyone can tell me the source, I will gladly give credit where credit is due.

Joanie 9/28/2008

Working toward a simpler life

2008-09-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

I have been visiting Emily at Remodeling This Life and her latest entry really hit home with me. For years I have been a collector -- samplers (see earlier post), miniature churches, church birdhouses, musical instruments, old church hymnals, cherubs, musical angel figurines, vases, rose dishes, books, teddy bears, and just about anything else that appealed to me at yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops, antiques stores, plus things that I cherish because they belonged to my parents or grandparents. Some of my little churches are shown below:

Last year, when I turned 70, I had a horrible thought -- in ten more years I'd be 80 and I'd still have to cope with all this "stuff." Ten years might seem to be a long time if you're young, but time seems to pass more quickly the more we age. Here are some of my musical angels and nativity scenes:

So this year I have begun to work seriously on "downsizing." It helps that a Goodwill opened here recently. Yes, it's a great place to find neat "stuff," but I don't go there unless I also take a donation. So far I have donated a few samplers, needlework kits, other vintage linens, crocheted items, a good number of books, a tablecloth, some clothing, teddy bears, and dishes. I f you walked into my house you wouldn't think anything was gone because there are still a lot of things in the house, and more must -- and will -- go.

The nativity scene below is a favorite because Cliff made it. The nativities, angels, and the church scene below are only displayed at Christmas; during the rest of the year there is other "stuff" on the shelves. (You can glimpse some of my rose dishes to the left of the photo and a dulcimer on the right.)

For a while I thought I'd make a little money selling some things on eBay, and I started collecting boxes to ship things in. Now I have a big pile of boxes to get rid of also!

There are still many things I treasure too much to give away -- my favorite books, old books that belonged to my parents, my musical instruments (well, maybe I could part with one or two), old family photos and mementos, Dad's paintings. But if I get rid of the "stuff" that I never use, that fills cabinets and closets or sits around gathering dust, I will have more time to enjoy the things I love, like my organ, below, the painting over it by my Dad, the little girl figurine Daddy bought at an auction years ago, and a sampler (shown in a previous post). I bought the chandelier lamp on eBay, painted it white, and found replacements for missing prisms.

Have a great weekend.

Joanie

Flower Arranging

2008-09-24T14:29:00.000-04:00

Almost two weeks have passed since my last entry. It has been a busy time and somewhat stressful. Now my camera is having intermittent problems. Who was it said "it's always something"? Anyway, thought I'd share some photos of arrangements from recent meetings of my garden club.
The first two photos are arrangements by an ikebana instructor who spoke at one of our recent garden club meetings. Aren't they stunning?

Several times a year we make arrangements in bud vases to take to a local nursing home. The next picture is one of those arrangements:

The next three arrangements are by club members. Each month we have a judging of arrangements entered. I was a member for a year before I had the nerve to even submit an arrangement. Now arranging flowers is one of my favorite activities.

I have learned so much from the talented ladies in the club. But the best thing of all is how nice they are and how much fun it is to get together. Besides our monthly meetings, we get together for lunch occasionally and go on field trips to plant nurseries, notable gardens, and other places of interest.

I also want to say a word of thanks to all the lovely people who have visited Blue Mountain Home and left such nice comments.

Joanie

2008-09-11T15:47:00.000-04:00

Rembering all of those whose lives were taken by terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

And for all of those who risked their lives trying to save the victims, these words from "America the Beautiful":

"O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life."

Embroidered samplers

2008-09-06T12:56:00.000-04:00

I have collected embroidered samplers for many years, and have made a few myself. To be honest about it, I have too many. Some, in fact, still await framing. I have begun sorting and donating things I've collected over the years, but there are some I treasure too much to part with.

Here are a few of my most treasured:

The first is a sampler made by my paternal grandmother, Ida, who died two months before I was born. My parents passed it on to me. My father made the walnut frame. It is one of the most frequently encountered phrases used on samplers of that era.

This sweet little sampler was a gift from my sister in 1980. I love it. The linen looks stained in this photo, but it isn't.

I love this embroidery of the prayer of St Francis. It hangs in our music room.

This is my goal, to "grow lovely" as I grow old.

This one, another gift from my sister, also hangs in the music room.

I made this from a counted cross-stitch kit, but adapted it in honor of my maternal grandmother who always said that I sewed "with a red-hot needle and a burning thread." Notice the name on the sewing machine stand is "White," which was her maiden name as well as a sewing machine brand.

This was a lucky find. I've never seen another like it.

I love white-on-white samplers. This one is in the dining room.

I made this probably 30 or more years ago from a Better Homes and Gardens kit. It pairs various herbs with the types of meats they enhance. Wish I'd had the forethought to date it.

I love this sweet sampler. What is more precious than "home" and all it encompasses.

May God bless all of our homes.

Joanie

Prayers for those in hurricane's path

2008-08-31T21:24:00.000-04:00

"Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

And miss it each night and day

I know I'm not wrong... this feeling's gettin' stronger

The longer, I stay away. . . ."

As I watch the news coverage this evening about the approach of Hurricane Gustav toward Louisiana, and the evacuation of much of New Orleans, the words to this old song by Eddie DeLange and Loise Alter keep running through my mind. I cannot imagine what it must be like to evacuate one's home and hometown, not knowing if it would ever be possible to return. (Photo courtesy New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.)

It is encouraging that there has been advance planning this time, and that arrangements have been made for the evacuation of pets. I know that I, for one, would not be able to leave our cat behind.

Perhaps we should all think about what would be important to us if we had to leave our homes with no guarantee of return, and to plan for an emergency evacuation. What would you take?

Pray for all of those whose lives and homes are disrupted by such disasters.

Joanie

May Dreams Gardens

2008-08-29T22:14:00.000-04:00

If you are a gardener, this a site you must visit. You will get great information as well as daily inspiration from Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

Isn't it a lovely day to be caught in the rain

2008-08-28T19:41:00.001-04:00

What do you do on a rainy day? We welcome it, because we have been under voluntary water restrictions for several weeks. This week, we got rain -- wonderful rain -- and by this morning we had over 2.5 inches. We could use more but are grateful for every drop. Yet there are those who are suffering greatly from too much rain, resulting in flooding. Either situation is dire -- too little results in loss of valuable landscape plants and harsh restrictions on water use, but too much can result in loss, or drastic damage, to one's home.

I spent part of our rainy days checking out some wonderful blogs. Here are excerpts from a few of my many favorites. I will add them as links but don't know how to make a direct link -- would love it if some more experienced and knowledgable bloggers would help me out here.

I love this heading from beehive cottage, and I love the site. Hope you will visit.

Here's a picture from Kelly at Rose Vine Cottage. Lots of great ideas on her site.

This image is from Kimba at A Soft Place to Land. Isn't this a wonderful name? Don't we all want our homes to be like this?

I love visiting these and other fabulous blog sites and finding new inspiration every day. I am grateful to those of you are willing to share your talents with the rest of us.

Joanie

they cut down the old pine tree

2008-08-24T07:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had the big "pine tree" in our front yard removed. Actually, it wasn't a pine tree, tho' that's what Cliff always called it. I assumed it was a Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) but I too was wrong. My arborist informed me it was a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). This is not a common tree in this area. When the guys started cutting up the tree they found old Christmas lights still in it. It may have been purchased as a live Christmas tree and later planted outside. It had grown way too large for its location, and significant portions of the tree were dead or dying, so it was time to take it down. In the picture to the left, taken last April, it is the big tree shown in the upper left, in front of my car.

Here is the tree just after it was felled. You can see how dead some of the branches were. I'd planned to take a "before" shot but didn't realize it would come down so fast. The arborists told me that was the easy part. Actually, it took a couple hours to cut it all up and seven truckloads to haul it away.

Here are the two trucks loaded up for a trip to the town's recycling center for plant materials:

Finally, here's a view of the house after the tree removal. The stump is visible on the left side. I haven't decided what to plant in that area. Was thinking of another tree but am now thinking more of shrubs and flowers. Another area to plant--what fun!

Joanie

Happy Birthda Jenna

2008-08-23T07:24:00.000-04:00

More birthday wishes -- today for my beautiful, bright, and loving niece Jenna, who lives way down south. Jen, I am looking forward to our next teatime at the Windsor Tea Room. Hope your birthday is wonderful in every way.

Love, Aunt Joan

Happy Birthday Scott

2008-08-21T09:28:00.000-04:00

Today I'm sending birthday wishes to my handsome, smart, and witty nephew Scott who lives many miles from me.

Scott, I hope you have a wonderful day and a terrific year to come. Much love.

Aunt Joan

A prayer for the animals

2008-08-19T17:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my sister had to put down her sweet cat, Zoe, a stray she took in four years ago. The cat had health problems and my sister made sure Zoe got the best of care, but finally Zoe was in such pain that there was no other choice. My sister was heartbroken, and I fully understand because last November we had to put down our 19-yr old cat, Amos, whom we'd adopted at the age of 15. When I took this picture of Amos, I had no idea that he would only be with us for two more months. Anyone who has had to deal with the loss of a beloved pet understands the depths of the grief this brings. I found this prayer online and it gave me tremendous comfort in dealing with the loss of our dear Amos. I sent it to my sister and hope she finds some comfort also.

A Prayer for Animals

By Albert Schweitzer

Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends the animals,

especially for animals who are suffering;

for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;

for all that must be put to sleep.

We entreat for them all

Thy mercy and pity,

and for those who deal with them

we ask a heart of compassion

and gentle hands and kindly words.

Make us be true friends to animals

and so to share

the blessings of the merciful.

In loving memory of Amos and Zoe.

Joanie

Maypops and pink ladders

2008-08-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

I love gardening, but this year's garden got off to a late start due to my broken bone mishap, so I've done what I can. A plant that is new to me is the passionflower vine, also called maypop. Mine surprised me with its first bloom last week, shown here. Although the plant is still small, it has several more fat buds on it. It is supposedly hardy in my zone 6 garden -- I hope so. It is growing in a pot now, but I will plant it out this fall and hope to see it again next spring.

Every year our local Master Gardener association holds a plant sale to raise money for programs. At last year's sale, one of our MGs painted and stenciled this old wooden stepladder and donated it to be sold. I loved it and said at if no one had purchased it by the end of the day, I would buy it. Another person wanted it but decided against it, so of course it came home with me. It makes a nifty plant stand on my deck.

Joanie

my sister's birthday

2008-08-13T08:02:00.001-04:00

Today is the birthday of my dear little sister. Although we live many miles from each other, we communicate almost every day, via email or telephone. In the winter, C. and I head south for a couple months and then I am able to see her several times a week. She is a sweet and loving person and fun to be with. She has so many talents -- decorating, landscaping, quilting, etc., -- and is an all around beautiful soul.

Happy Birthday, darling lil sis. Can't wait to see you again.

Love, Joanie

Wallpaper -- love it or hate it?

2008-08-11T17:06:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year (I don't want to admit how long ago) I decided that I couldn't live another day with this wallpaper in our guest bathroom. It was there when we moved in. Our house was built in 1976 (brick rambler) and we are the second owners. Anyway, a little corner of the paper was loose so I pulled it to see how easily it might come off. The top layer peels off rather easily. But the backing comes off in three more layers. Two days after starting the project, I fell and broke a bone in my ankle. It's about 95% now (probably as good as it will get), so have finally motivated myself to get back to this job. I try to work on it at least an hour every day, but some days that isn't possible.

Some of this paper must have been put up with gorilla glue! I have a little round tool that you use to score the paper, and then I wet it with hot water with white vinegar mixed in. I wait a few minutes for it to soak in, then scrape it. There were stronger solutions at the store but when I read the precautions I decided to go with a less toxic, but obviously more labor intensive method. Some parts have needed to be wetted (is this a word?) and scraped four times to remove all of the paper.

This is a small bathroom. The toilet is in an alcove. I have finished the alcove, except for the paper that is behind the toilet's water reservoir (do they always do that? -- will need to have toilet disconnected and moved temporarily to get to that paper). I have finished one adjacent wall and can see where there was an earlier vanity that was over two inches shorter in height than the current one. Weird.

I've pretty much decided that when all of the paper is removed, we will hire someone to paint. I definitely will not be putting up wallpaper in there again. Eventually, I want to get a new tub and have the floor tiled, but not this year, so for now this will freshen and brighten up the bathroom so that I'm not grossed out every time I see it. The vanity is very plain but adequate. I will dress the doors up with appliques, paint it white (it's white now), put up fresh, new towels, and buy a pretty a new rug. That's the plan, as of today (but it could change tomorrow). I'll be looking at a lot of blogs for inspiration. When (and if) it is finished, I'll post pictures.

Wish me luck (and stamina)! Joanie

Living with Music

2008-08-09T17:42:00.000-04:00

As long as I can remember, there was music around our house. In my early years, we had no tv, and we often sang and played in the evenings. And there was the music at church. Daddy sang in the choir and would take me to sit with him when I was quite little. He taught me to play piano by ear before I ever started formal lessons. Harmonizing came easy to me and I sang alto in the choir as soon as I was old enough.

Mother and Daddy had played in a Lutheran church orchestra before they married, and often they would play together some of those songs. My favorite was "Bye Bye Blackbird." The photo above, taken before I was born, shows Mother holding another instrument but I never heard her play anything but piano and organ. I have the little mandolin on the ground next to Mother, but I only learned to play one song on it.

During the 1930s Daddy played in this orchestra. He is one of the saxophone players shown in this picture that appeared in a local newspaper. He was self taught and could sight transpose to any key.

All of my grandmothers four brothers played music. Two of them are featured here. The picture above shows them in their latter years; Lonie is on the left and Lando on the right. In the second photo, they are shown as they appeared sometime in the early 1900s with Lando on the left and Lonie on the right. I loved to hear them play the old fiddle and banjo tunes and I believe this is what triggered my love of "the high lonesome sound."

I have been fortunate to have many musician friends in my lifetime. One of my most enduring friends is Barbara. We met sometime around 1975 and immediately became friends. She is a soprano and I am an alto, and we began singing and playing together. This photo shows us at the old Birchmere when it was in Arlington VA, performing at "open mike." After all these years, we still get together whenever we can, to talk and reminisce and, of course, sing. She now plays the appalachian dulcimer and I mostly play the autoharp. Sharing music and friendship with her has been one of the great riches of my life.

Another delightful blog

2008-08-04T18:07:00.000-04:00

Today I discovered another great blog -- whispering oaks cottage. The name attracted me because I love trees and oaks are among my favorite trees. I have added this to my list of blogs and hope you will enjoy visiting it as I did.

2008-07-28T11:45:00.000-04:00

I love taking pictures with my digital camera. This is a picture I took in April 08 of the pretty stream that runs through our town. The tree in the foreground is an Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis).

The Bruiser

2008-07-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

This is the cat we adopted from the local shelter last February, when he was 10 months old. He is a big cat, hence the nickname, given by my sister: "bruiser." He is extremely playful and mischievous. He is so much fun to watch. We love him.

Inspiring Blogs

2008-07-27T17:19:00.000-04:00

Being new to blogging, I haven't visited a great number -- yet! My favorites to date are posted to the site. Will be adding more, for sure.

2008-07-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

Today is my first attempt at a blog. I hope to share thoughts, plans, dreams, ideas with others who share the same interests. I would like very much to learn from and be inspired by others who are more creative than I am.

My blog is named after a song I wrote at least 15 years ago (and copyrighted). When I wrote it, I was working, living in a city, and longing to return to my valley between the mountains:

"Going home, going home,

Someday I'm going home

To the green rolling valley

I once left behind

Where the air's crisp and cool

and the people are kind

And it doesn't take money to

have peace of mind. . . ."

Now I am settled in this little town surrounded by mountain ridges. To me, it is the perfect place to live.