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Blogging from A to Z: Perennials
The definition of a perennial according to the dictionary is “a plant that has a life cycle lasting more than two years.” Roses are perennials … right? One of my dreams has been to have a rose garden. In Indiana, because of the humidity, it’s not uncommon to find roses growing in vacant lots, along highways and abandoned houses. Our previous townhome in Denver didn’t allow us to plant our own plants. They had a lawn service and they would only “support” foliage that was already there. Many times I was tempted to plant my roses, “be darned,” but I didn’t want the lawnmowers to eat them. When we moved…
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Blogging from A to Z: Love, everlasting
I’m reading “When the Game is Over, Everything Goes Back in the Box,” by John Ortberg. Got it for 80 cents at a recent library sale! I’m on Chapter Five and I’m really enjoying it. I also feel incredibly challenged. The premise is that much of what we strive for in life is temporary – money, fame, a nice house and car, the next promotion or step in our career, the latest wireless phone or tablet. What lasts forever is love. Our love for other people, for God, loving acts towards friends and even more so toward people who are hard to love. With the urgency and seemingly high priority…
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Blogging from A to Z: Hershey, an apology
Hershey, age 2 months, during his formative years. Note: Hershey is our 2-year-old Australian cattle dog/labrador retriever mix dog. Joe and I are first-time dog owners and we thought it was necessary in our puppy’s development for him to learn the importance of an earnest apology. Here, printed in its entirety, is his letter to Dish Network. Yes, he dictated it to me and I typed it, otherwise the company would not have been able to read his paw-writing. He insisted on us using a younger photo of him although he now weighs in at 51 pure-muscle pounds. Dear spare parts coordinator: My name is Hershey and I am 2…
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Blogging from A to Z: Fireflies and faith
Fireflies have shed a little light on Easter for me. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Each night when I take Hershey out to “do his biz-ness” I’m reminded of the firefly’s amazing ability to light up the night. The have a unique gift and offer a flickering dance that draws me closer to God. Unlike me, fireflies are not native to Denver – they are a benefit of living in hot, humid Indiana. Fireflies are cool! There are over 2,000 species of fireflies and their light patterns are unique to each species. Fireflies blink in code to…
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Blogging from A to Z: Early spring
For many of us this winter (and now early spring), have been really odd seasons. Not much snow or precipitation. In early March the tulips, daffodils, magnolias, lilacs, hostas and other perennials were dusting off their mulch and popping up to greet the season. Wildlife were waking from their deep winter slumber to look for food and nesting possibilities. I saw a baby Pileated Woodpecker at our birdfeeder two weeks ago. Many of us feared that we would get a late snow or final frost that would maim the early budding plants. We’re still holding our breaths. A friend and I went for a drive to Rockville, Ind., and discovered…
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Blogging from A to Z: Dogs resemble their owners, yes?
I’ve heard of dogs and how, if you put their photos side-by-side with their owners, many look like they are related. However, have you ever heard of dogs getting ailments similar to their adoptive parents? It was a week before I left for California on business that Hershey began having problems with his lower back. One night right before bed, he sat on our bed and cried. For over an hour, he whined like he was in excruciating pain. It was heartbreaking! We have a central emergency vet so I called them to let them know we were coming. Hershey loves car rides and going “bye-bye” but even he didn’t…
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Blogging from A to Z: Coffee and creativity, best when freshly brewed
Ever notice the smell of fresh coffee beans? They smell so good, you can almost taste the deep, rich flavor without even brewing a pot. I’m fond of exotic flavors of coffee like Chocolate Raspberry, Toasted Hazelnut or Cinnamon Bun. Many times the smell of the beans is more gratifying than the actual cup of coffee, unless I add Stevia and loads of cream. This Blogging from A to Z Challenge is just that: a challenge for me to write something substantive each day in April (sans a few Sundays). When I first signed up, I had robust intentions of writing the first six blog posts and scheduling them to…
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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…
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All creatures, great and small
I’m a big fan of God’s creatures. The only things that make me uncomfortable are large, jumping spiders or roach gangs (you know they never travel alone). That said, when I woke up in the middle of the night to let my dog outside, and happened to wander into the living room to find our three cats strategically hunkered down around the swivel chair, I became apprehensive. Tails were swishing in wide strokes (except for Ollie, the Manx cat sans tail) indicating the hunt was on. With only my outdated eyeglasses and lack of courage to guide me, I returned to bed. One of three things would happen: 1) Whatever…
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Lessons I have learned from Raja, the Kroger kitten
Enjoy life to the fullest. Race around joyfully at unexpected times and play with imaginary (or real) airborne objects. People will wonder what you’ve been up to. Eat, play, nap and repeat. Include others whenever possible (except when visiting the litterbox). Sunny spots on the floor are warm as are the places recently vacated by others. Pay attention to the small things in life. This includes spots on the wall, people’s toes, hair, eyeglasses and strings hanging down from just about anything. Pens, pencils, drinking straws, mascara tubes, jewelry, etc., make wonderful hockey pucks and increase one’s dexterity. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. After each meal, it’s best to wash…
