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“B”eaches are music to my ears
Seal Beach © 2014 by Diane Weidenbenner Beaches are an incredible gift of nature. There is nothing like them in the world. The sound of the waves, the horizon as backdrop to the ocean that spills onto the beach. The sound of the waves is so calming and centering. Each year I attend a trade show for work in Los Angeles. For the past two years, after the hustle and bustle of three long days greeting people at our booth, I’ve slipped down to the beach to unwind. I enjoy talking to hundreds of people (out of the 28,000 attendees) about the organization that I represent. While it’s high-energy work,…
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“A”pril means new blooms on old wood
Lilacs bloom in early spring on “old wood.” © 2011 by Diane Weidenbenner. It’s spring, or so the calendar and Almanac say. Another change-of-season indicator is the fact that my husband, Joe, has gotten out the chain saw. He’s oiled it, sharpened the blade and tested it out on a few unsuspecting bushes. I fear for our plants’ lives this time of year. I felt it necessary to mention to him that the lilac bushes seem to have buds on them and that now would not be a good time to trim them. I remember hearing that they bloom on “old wood.” Specifically, “Flowering on old wood means that a…
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Blogging from A to Z: Amish hunting
Martins eat mosquitoes so they are good to have around. Amish culture fascinates me, partly because it holds true to a simpler, more traditional way of life and its community is grounded in strong Christian beliefs. After moving to Indiana, I was thrilled to learn that it is home to several Amish communities. While the largest ones are located in Northern Indiana, there are several just northeast of Terre Haute. My friend, Sandy, and I enjoy weekend driving and unearthing treasures, whether it be at a garage sale, knitting shop, backdrop for the perfect photo or Amish farms (hence the term “Amish hunting”). Last year, we came across a small…
