Nothing but everything

Have you sat down to put your daily chores in order but realized you forgot the pencil and paper, then after searching everywhere for your writing materials, you forgot the duties you needed to accomplished, the purchases needed, and what day it was?

I am in my groove accomplishing what I set out to do everyday as I organize this office/bedroom. I don't want to stop because I am afraid if I leave the house I will get behind and before I know it, Tom and his friend will be home. Time waits for no man and every minute counts towards an accomplishment to the end. Being an old person, it is very necessary to plan time effectively and give enough space for rest, forgetfulness and unexpected situations. When I was young, I could do anything and did accomplish a lot in a short period of time. Now, I have aches and pains and no idea where they came from or why I have them, and as I prayed to God to have a close family, He gave me my wish and they are here all the time, so I have to adjust to their beings and listening to their troubles. I am surprised that recently I found myself saying to one of my son's, I've got to get back to my work as he was expressing himself about a situation he was dealing with - I have always listened, sometimes giving advice but knowing they don't take my advice - I still voice my opinion, sometimes, I don't know why. But, I've always listened. I surprised myself, and I also realize I've developed a blank stare and a blank mind sometimes as I listen, hearing almost the same complaints but on different situations. I wonder without speaking "when they are going to learn." Egads! Little do they know how difficult it is for me to focus after they interrupt me even as minor as my project may seem to them. This, I feel, is my payment for praying for a close family. I believe that God took me literally rather than giving me leverage. Hence, so the saying goes - "be careful what you pray for, you may get it!"

Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but I need space and even as large as this home is, they find me. When we lived on the farm in Kentucky, Bob's grandparents lived on the farm next to us. I would steal out of the house and walk over to Grandma's and visit - without the kids hanging on. She would always cook something - like her wonderful fried chicken, just a drumstick and maybe fried apples - no big enormous meal. Food was the way of sharing in those days at those places. It was inevitable the kids would realize I wasn't at home and they would either call grandma's - no cell phones then - or they would come after me. Grandma always made some comment about the kids not leaving me alone. And, so it continues today.

Bob jokes, no matter where we went, they would follow. I am looking forward to downsizing then traveling for months on end without being found - cell phones off. Bob hasn't been fishing in years. I enjoy watching him fly fish - he's an enjoyable image to gaze upon, doesn't matter whether he moves slower or has more flesh on his physique, he remains the best looking guy on this earth - dressed or not!

We celebrated the 45th year of the day we met recently and I will never forget the first time I saw him. There's a lot that's changed, but our love and commitment has grown stronger. I know this advice is probably very old fashioned, but I told Soldier Tom recently, in my opinion, what makes a strong relationship, is commitment to God and faith, a sense of humor and respect. I could add compromise, but that works in with respect, I think. It's not a 50-50 deal, one has to weigh what is important at the time and both must adjust.

I had previously written about stolen identity - It is Soldier Tom who has been affected. While he was in Iraq, someone used his social security and purchased furniture there in Fayetteville - a store way south of Ft. Bragg. We are in the starting stages of trying to sort through it all. I have contacted our Senator here in Nevada, although I don't think there's much he can do right now. I've talked to others and gotten advice. I really feel for Tom, he's so conservative and thoughtful. I think this stinks, and if they find who did it, I hope they put them in jail - to do something like this to anyone is an abomination, but to a soldier serving in Iraq is a huge sin in my book.

Stolen Identity

Have you ever had your identity stolen and someone charged a large dollar purchase in your name? It has happened to one of the members in our family - someone who is extremely responsible, and I am beside myself.

I've never had it happen to Bob and I so I was almost shocked and confused to know what to do to help. I asked one person who can assistant for information which gave us something to go on. But, for now, we have to hope the individual who he talked to at the bank will do as they said and investigate. I advised him to follow through in a week and to keep on top of it.

When this first happened, I called our Credit Union and talked to one of the loan people for advice and to ask questions. They did say to be sure to do regular credit checks - which I am delinquent in following through on doing.

Any one with any suggestions, your comments would be greatly appreciated.

A Day in the Life of........................

If you had your druthers, what would you be doing today? I would love to go to Disneyland or, what a minute, Maine and walking along the beach and have clam chowder for lunch, or a yummy lobster dinner. My husband wants a Chevy SSR and we have been putting off purchasing it, but that would be fun, riding around with the top down on his SSR. Our southern Nevada weather has been very convertible weather. Dreams! Reality! I am not yet in the lifestyle of throwing caution to the wind and following the feather in the breeze - I hope I live long enough to capture that feeling.

Responsibility crushes our spare of the minute desires. I wonder if because of this our dreams have become less inviting and inspiring. Everyday there is something new to worry about, another problem, its difficult to get a handle on it long enough to escape. We are less anxious to explore. I am hopeful that soon we can flee and disappear over the hill and into the sunset following our dream stars of invisibility and not be found for a while by those that can't survive in our life without our presence. I can't wait, it is my hope, and what keeps me motivated.

Can't get through the pathway of papers

Yeap, still at it doing the same ole thing, papers, stuff, boxes, everywhere, Arhggghhh!!!

The kids went to Washington, DC, over Easter weekend and they're gradually sending photos from their trip. They had a great time and saw a lot in the short time they were there.

I have a webcam now - boy, isn't that a treat!! The only time I plan on using it is when I am instant messaging Tom. I usually look like a worn over rag doll with unkept hair and no makeup and "grandma" glasses. Oh well, its hell getting old.

Messy Files and no where to go with stuff

I came across these photos of Tom before he joined the Army and when he was attending Clark County Community College and marched for the University of Nevada Las Vegas March Band. I am so proud of these photos, what a nice treat to find them today. I'm sending them via email to Soldier Tom - he's still at Ft. Bragg - he will be surprised, seems so long ago even though it was only in 2006 - gee whiz! My oldest son, the trucker, just whizzed by on his motorcycle -out to enjoy this nice hot Vegas day. He dropped off a delivery in town and stopped by until he gets another load. Never a dull moment in the life of a family.

Since my last post, I have advanced somewhat in preparing this room of mine for company. Right now the process is slowed by having to condense my files - both the useful/daily/bills/statements, etc, etc, etc and the ones I can put away. I am losing three filing compartments and will have to resort to office boxes until I come up with something better - but it'll work. The job at hand is putting this specific task in order. But to get to that point, I have to go through ever letter, file, envelope, etc, and sort appropriately.

I came across these photos of Tom before he joined the Army and when he was attending Clark County Community College and march for the University of Nevada Las Vegas March Band. I am so proud of these photos, what a nice treat to find them today. I'm sending them via email to Soldier Tom - he's still at Ft. Bragg - he will be surprised, seems so long ago even though it was only in 2006 - gee whiz!

I had to give up my Sony computer, the OS was not doing well. I couldn't have spend money getting it fixed, maybe, but I decided to get something that will tied me over. This is a HP and we've been pretty much satisfied with these machines. My Sony was much faster - I failed to check the speed when I picked this computer out at Best Buy, but it'll do - lots of memory and that's what I needed. I also have a webcam and I think they are a riot. I am not the type to check out my face in the mirror throughout the day - I'm down to business and you'll catch my best face when I'm heading out the door. I had a blast setting the thing up - it takes photos and makes videos too. What will they think of next????? Speaking of photos, I don't have my photos and other stuff transferred from the external drive yet to this computer yet - that will be a big time pray time for me - hoping all transfers properly. Lots of stuff there.

A neighbor friend died last week, Joe. He was a very nice young fellow - only going on 50. He has a nice wife and two great boys. He always had a kind work and a smile. Very sad. Tom was close to the family and was at their house a lot! I know he will miss Joe. May God rest his soul in peace.

The aroma of the roses

Bob and I sat out on the back porch early this morning and the aroma from the bush of the petite pink roses was so prevalent. We have had a long and mild spring which is very unusual. The appearance of the roses are amazing and their blooms enormous. We have two yellow climbing rose bushes which are filled with blooms. There are two huge rose bushes, one a deep pink and the other a coral color that are growing in the center of the back of our property. They both are covered with greenery and rose blossoms. The quail, doves, and small birds seem to find they way under the bushes for shade from the hot sun. Even the desert tortoises make their way to the bushes because they like the rose leaves - Bob says so. My lilac only had one blossom and I missed it. Bob reminded me several times, but I didn't take the time to smell the scent my favorite flower.

As I am typing now, I hear a family go by the house on their bikes and there is a dove cooing up in the mulberry tree right outside my window. The hummers have been busy at the feeders. The hummingbirds are a marvelous gift from God - they are amazing little creatures. I have moved furniture here in my office and positioned my "new" computer desk directly under the window, so I have a birds eye view, so to speak, of the hummers and the feeders, and the variety of birds that come to visit.

It is a good weather day so far, a day for opening the windows. I don't mean to brag when I realize others are having typical not so nice spring weather. But, and that is a big BUT, we are expecting 90 degree weather this week, and that is the beginning of our hot desert heat. During the summer months, it is typical to have 115 degrees - then the flowers wilt and look pathetic especially since we are on water rationing. We have lost fruit and nut trees, as well as other rose bushes. Only the real hearty flowers or desert plants survive the extreme heat we have. We are grateful for this wonderful mild spring and the glory of the gifts of the beautiful flowers God has bestow upon us.

We picked out the daybed for our company who will be here in a couple of weeks. It was delivered Saturday. I had to totally reorganize my office to fit the bed in and reposition a huge book case. I gave my huge computer desk to a friend who was kind enough to pick in up on Friday. I moved my computer tower and the printer to a shelf unit we purchased at Lowe's - there were several sizes of table tops and posts to chose from and you put it together to fit the size you needed. The monitor, keyboard and speakers are on the top on my sewing machine cabinet. This sewing machine was the first Christmas present Bob bought me back in 1964. I don't use the machine now, but the cabinet and drawers are in very good condition. It's cramped space, but it works. This is a wonderful bedroom with two windows. It has served us well for many purposes, now it will serve us again as our family progresses and new members join our home.

We received the awful news that a neighbor friend had passed away this week. It was sudden. He was going to turn 50 years old this year. He was a very nice person, aways had a smile and a kind word. He leaves a wife and two sons. The boys have been Tom's friends for years. They have practically grown up together. He was a great father. They are having a Mass for him tomorrow and he will be buried at the Veteran's cemetery where Brian is buried in Boulder City.

We stopped by the house yesterday with some food and we met his mom and dad and his sister and other family members. I know from my own experience losing Brian, there's not much you can say but be there and be supportive. It is so sad, he was so young!

Lovely day

I most likely won't be writing for a few day since there's not much to write about but lots going on here. Bob and I went shopping yesterday and bought a day bed for our company coming in May. Now I have to get busy and get this room reorganized to adjust the living quarters. I've downsized my computer desk to my sewing machine. The computer desk was huge and very convenient but I wasn't going to take it with us to the new home anyhow. Thankfully, Kevin's friend is taking it - nothing wrong with it. So, I'm glad someone will get good use out of it.
The rose is Joseph's Coat and this photo doesn't do it justice.

I'll be back in a few days. Hoping each of you are well and life is good for you. Take good care, and God bless.

Soldier Tom in Washington, DC

Well trained, buffed up, Soldier Tom in DC

The morning after...........

Candy, candy, candy everywhere the eye can see. I bought too much candy, again! When will I learn to cut back. Alex went to several parties and brought home more candy - we'll all be on a hyper fit for weeks. Have you noticed now many flavors jelly beans come it today? Every company has gotten in on the jelly bean craze. I wonder, do you have those big filled chocolate covered eggs in your area? I have looked in all the stores here for them and for the past couple of years no one has carried them. Sometimes they have coconut filling or cream filling, covered in chocolate with little green leaves and a small flower on the top for decoration. I used them as the center and main "candy" for the baskets. Just curious if they still make them.

By Saturday evening, I had not expected anyone to be here for Easter Sunday so Bob and I were going to go to Metro Pizza for dinner. Boy, now that would be different, a first for the Sullivan's. But, Suz called and said she wanted to come over (she hadn't been feeling well), so Kevin said he's hang around for a while in the morning and come back to eat - he had plans with friends. Still, I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I would cook. Then Sunday morning we hear the sound of the semi-truck engine pulling up in front, it was Don. I didn't think he would make it home. But they were all home - the only one missing was Tom. We talked to him and he was visiting the Space Center and Lincoln's place in Washington, DC. He was having the time of his life - I am so glad he went. But, it was nice to have the kids home.

The day went well. Don brought a 12 pack home and asked me if it wasn't my favorite, and it was my favorite beer if I was going to drink a beer at all. It was a beautiful day here in Southern Nevada. after I finished washing the dishes, I sat down with a bottle of Michelob in my comfortable wicker kitchen chair by an opened window at the bay window. It was refreshing to enjoy the fresh air and listen to the zoom zoom of the hummers as they played around the feeders. Talked to a neighbor as he walked by and noticed there were a lot of families walking down to the park at the end of the street. Walkers and runners and bikers passed by and lots of kids.

It was a good day and a gorgeous Easter Sunday.

HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Vigil

Taken from: "The Word Among Us" Lent 2009, Saturday, April 11, Easter Vigil


The is the night of waiting and watching. It's the night when all of creation is silent, listening with eager anticipation for the grating sound of a stone rolling against a cave and tomb. It's the night when Peter and James and John, Mary Magdalene and Martha and Joanna, and so many others are counting the hours, wondering if Jesus' words would come to pass. At least three times he told them that he would rise of the third day' did they dare to believe it was possible? Could they dare to help that they would get to see him again? Did they really have a change to touch eternity in him--and to share in that eternity as well?

What are you waiting for tonight? Healing? Reassurance? An answer to prayer? What about simply waiting for Jesus himself? Maybe that's the best thing to do as we wait for the dawning of a new day and a new age of grace. The disciples didn't know exactly what Sunday morning would bring, and so they waited in faith and trust. In the same way, we don't really know what tomorrow will bring either. Every new day is a mystery, and we can only wait for it to unfold before us.

So tonight try spending some time in quiet contemplation before the empty tomb. Leave aside your needs, your wants, and your agendas. Put your intercessory prayer list on hold for just one night. Your Father knows what you and all your loved ones need. He knows you hurts, your hopes, your fears , and your dreams. Lay them aside and fix your heart instead on Jesus and the salvation that he has won for you.

Don't say a word. Don't even sing a song. Just close your eyes and picture him coming out of the tomb, your Redeemer and Brother. Picture yourself among the sleeping guards---only you're awake. Imagine Jesus walking up to you and locking eyes with you. What do you see there? what do you feel? What does he want to say to you? You have waiting so long for this moment, and now it's finally here. Look carefully and listen closely. Your redemption is at hand!

"Jesus, I love you."

Holy Thursday

Have you ever planned a vacation, you counted down the days planning every little detail and writing down things you want to do? As the time approaches the day you are going to leave, maybe, lets say three days before you decide you would actually begin packing and finalizing your preparations. You decide to have friends and family in for dinner to celebrate your vacation and to say good bye before you leave. It's not a final Good-bye, because you know you are coming back, but a get together to show how much you appreciate them.

Holy Thursday is sort of like that to me. When this Church season began on Ash Wednesday, I made a commitment of faith and sacrifice which would be completed on Easter Sunday. This sacrifice in celebration of the remembrance of the Life and Death of Christ our Savior, to help me grow in faith and be a more loving person to others. In the Gospel of John, he talks about the Last Supper and how Jesus washed his disciples' feet before the meal.

In the Church today, they have a sort of ceremony of symbolism as a few parishioners wash the feet of those in attendance. This is to demonstrate the unconditional love Jesus had for his disciples and all people. It is necessary that we realize the love Jesus has for us and so to transform us or we have nothing to offer others. Have you ever attended a Mass or Church service and thought how dull, or you left feeling empty? I know that feeling but now I realize that it wasn't the Priest or the Minister, it was my participation that fell short. For whatever reason, my spirit was somewhere else and I wasn't open to receive the message from Jesus.

Just as we show our love to our friends as we share our meal, Jesus gave himself to his friends and showed his love by washing their feet. Sharing a meal of our best cooking with our friends is the highest regard we have of demonstrating to them how much we care. It is a simple comparison, but we are simple people in the light of the goodness of our Savior.

I hope you have a wonderful Holy Thursday. God bless you!

Hard Boiled Eggs

What does it take to get a good hard boiled egg that peels without any itty pitty shells remaining? I know there are a lot more life rewarding questions out there in today's world, but to my last remaining days I will continue searching just the right formula for the perfectly peeled egg - I haven't found it yet.

I don't use new eggs. If I know I'm going to make up a mess of hard boiled eggs for any one's eating pleasure, I'll buy lots ahead of time and use the oldest batch to boil. I follow several peoples "recipes" but so far no one's recipe is working for me. Ok, I'm not timing specifically. I'm been at this cooking job for many years and I can "visualize" or "get the feeling for" time. Well, at least I thought I could.

Yesterday, I boiled up a bunch of eggs just to hang around for any empty tummies that needed some protein. The first egg peeled real nice - success - I thought! This morning for breakfast I wanted something quick, so there they were looking at me - oh, that's a good idea, I think I'll paint eyes on them so when someone opens the refrigerator door I'll have a sign that says "here's looking at you!" haha! Anyhow, my morning hard-boiled eggs were peeling very shellie to say the least.

This morning I read a "recipe" in today's LV Review Journal for the perfect hard boiled egg solution. I'll have to boil up another batch of eggs for Easter to color - our egg coloring crew will be here on Good Friday. I will try that "recipe" from the RJ newspaper, and this time I will use my timer and see if it makes any difference.

What's your opinion? Do you have a sure fire fool proof recipe for making perfect easy to peel hard boiled eggs? I'd sure love to have your recipe if you do.

Oh, by the way, my tribute to George Strait continues for a few more days!

George Strait

George is one of my very favorite singers especially country singers. Today's post is for him.

Sunday evening the Country Music Awards show honored George as the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade. The awards show was held here in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the historic tribute featured country’s biggest names singing their favorite Strait hits.

George's record-breaking career that spans nearly 25 years, and he has more than earned his distinction as “The King of Country Music.” A cowboy singer who walks the walk and talks the talk. He is the real deal. I love the songs he sings, they have a twist that no other artist has and each song is unique. He's had 57 No. 1 hits and many other classics, among them “Amarillo By Morning,” “The Chair,” “I Cross My Heart,” “I Saw God Today” and the ACM Song of the Year “Give It Away.”

I've been a fan since the 80s and I think I have almost all of his songs. I saw him once years ago at the Thomas and Mack, but I think it's time I go again. I am a member of his fan club.

A couple of my favorites songs are "I Saw God Today" "Christmas Cookies" "The Chair" - that one reminds me of the night Bob and I met and I sat in Bob's chair while he was off dancing. When Bob came back to his table, he said I could sit there if I danced with him. I did, and I never went back to the chair because we danced all night. We met on April 23, 1964. I even took him home to meet my mom that night. So, "The Chair" fit our profile too.

Brian passed away nine years ago......

Just a brief note in memory of Brian. Yesterday Bob and I went to visit Brian at his grave site at the VA Cemetery in Boulder City. It was the anniversary of his death nine years ago.

This photo was taken in the fall of 1989, maybe a few weeks before his accident. Brian had met the woman of his dreams. He really loved her and she felt the same way about him. They were taking a tour of the castles of Germany on this day. They were both in the Army stationed at the Army base in Stuttgart. She was a wonderful person and would have made a terrific wife for Brian.

Where does the time go? Has it been nine years? I haven't forgotten, can't forget the impact your child leaves you with when he dies before his time. We took good care of him after his accident. I had so hoped and prayed so hard he would survive the brain damage and his lungs would heal. The seizures were more than he could handle and contributed to more problems than medication would help. We did everything possible for him at home. He survived longer than anyone expected but it wasn't difficult to learn to care for him. God was beside us and gave me wisdom and strength. God blessed us with a good doctor who was very supportive. We met wonderful and commited people who worked with the Veteran's Administration in Las Vegas. I got to know them on a first name basis. Their support and assistance contributed to my success caring for him.

We haven't changed the rug in the room where his bed stood - there are imprints in the nap where the end of his bed was. This home was bought for him and remodel using his VA benefits to suit his needs as a handicapped person. This was a perfect home for him. We could see him from almost every room and the rooms we couldn't we had a monitor to turn on and a intercom system to hear. He required twenth-four hour care.

There are so many stories, but it is still very difficult to talk or write about him. Brian had a deep faith in God. He was thoughtful and considerate. He was a big teaser and had a great laugh. He could run like the wind and was very competitive. He was a wonderful son.

Brian was a beautiful person and he is missed. We know he is in Heaven with God and my mom and dad but there is a huge void in our hearts for him here.

Basket case

Ok, I really haven't lost my mind and I'm not a basket case, although I am on the way, down the street, working my way toward it, but not quite yet. The tree men are here trimming on the Ash tree, doing a marvelous job. They were here bright and early at 7:30. I see my little fake squirrel is not on it's branch, I guess they put him in a cage for safety sake. Thank you for that!

You may wonder since I told you I hadn't lost my mind - yet - why all the Easter candy goodies. Here's the story - yesterday Bob and I went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping for odds and ends. I remembered I needed candy for the baskets and what better place than Wal-Mart - good prices. I have no clue who will be here on Easter morning, except for Alexandra and Kevin and Bob of course, and Suzanne, maybe Tom and maybe Don, who else, don't know - so we have to be prepared and yes!!!! I still make baskets for my age 40+ children and my husband. Isn't that weird! Maybe I am a basket case?

So, this lady was standing behind Bob in line, the cashier was ka-chinging up our goodies and stuff, and she says to Bob "when's the Easter egg hunt?" Well, I knew Bob couldn't hear her because he is suppose to wear hearing aids since he can't hear much of anything - and he didn't have them in yesterday - so she repeated to Bob again, and he gave her a really weird look. Mind you, in these situations when a pretty woman talks to Bob - I don't interfere, usually I will interpret or comment "he can't hear" but with pretty women, I let him handle it. And, if you ask me why! well, that's a story for another time, has to do with old men!! Later on that one - anyhow, when she finally got his attention and the hang of what she was asking - he passed if off saying "he had nothing to do with it" which left her confused since he was purchasing a lot of bags of candy!! I wondered if she had ever made an Easter basket, or had kids, or didn't realize how good those Peeps taste and they are a "must" in Easter baskets!

The candy is hidden and I have to dig out our antique baskets from the 60s and 70s that I saved. They are still in good shape. We've had all sorts of different sizes and shapes and cartoon types of Easter baskets and most of those have gone by the way side. We've even used baseball hats, bicycle baskets as Easter baskets, and lots of unusual things - I'll bet you have too.

Picking up the ham from the Honeybaked ham place probably Wednesday, bought the beans yesterday, don't know what else yet, but the menu is open for suggestions.

Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. For many Christian churches, Palm Sunday, often referred to as "Passion Sunday," marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.

The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him with waving palm branches, and by covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross.

The biblical account of Palm Sunday can be found in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; and John 12:12-19.

Woodpecker in my Tree

I came in here and sat down at my computer and looked out the window and the first couple of things I see are the hummingbird feeder and my beautiful Ash tree. But, guess what was jumping around in my Ash tree - our returning spring visitor, the Woodpecker. He is a healthy dude and it is good to see him.

Thank goodness, my Ash will be here next year too for the Woodpecker to visit - and Yes, Grandma from Pennsylvania - you and I are tree comrades and tree hugger buddies. (don't say that too fast!) GOOD JOB saving the Maple tree in your neighborhood. Beautiful trees!

For my dear blogger friends on the east coast and inbetween here and there, you may not think seeing a Woodpecker is a big deal. Living in the desert it is a big deal to us to have seen and fed the variety of birds that we have accommodated here at this home. We lived on a farm in Kentucky and you would have thought we would have been more in tune to birds there, but we only saw birds when we went for walks in the woods especially in the spring. And then we would see the Dogwoods and Red Buds in bloom - what a beautiful sight! We had loads of cats on our farm and that's probably why we didn't have any birds. The cats were welcome pets to keep the mice population under control in the barns. I never saw a hummingbird close up until we moved to this house back in 1993. Can you imagine that?

Last night Bob and I were sitting outside and we saw our permanent occupant hummingbirds busy doing their thing. They are so much fun and very interesting to watch. Bob said this morning early, he saw a red-head Rufus hummingbird. They are amazingly beautiful. We have four feeders, three in the front - two by my office windows, one by the kitchen bay window, and the fourth, in the back yard. Bob mentioned that he has had to keep a good supply of syrup ready because they are really "hitting" the feeders hard. It's matting season so they are hungry. It is a game for us to find the new hummingbird nests. Sometimes it is easy, but mostly, a huge challenge to find their nests. Even though we are in the desert, we have lots of trees on our property - contrary to most of the property in our area.

We also have three desert tortoises. Part of our land is cleared off - no grass, and would be classified desert landscape sort of, but we do have a pecan tree and a persimmon tree plus lots of pine trees and a couple roses bushes growing which use to be on a fence line when we kept the dogs down there - we have no dogs now. The desert tortoises are protected species here in Nevada. I don't like them - and since Bob adopted them, they are his babies. I don't think you can tell by that photo, but they are big! They have plenty of ground to roam on and Bob makes sure they have water and food. There's no grass but lots of desert weeds pop up here and there and they chew on them. They usually go into their hibernating hole - it's huge - when it begins to get cold, and will come out when it is warm enough for them to endure. Bob saw the first female yesterday and he fed her while she was out. He buys a huge bag of vegetable medley from Costco for their daily meal. The bag lasts a couple of weeks.

If it wasn't so hot here in the summer time, Bob would have baby chicks. Those type of chicks are the only competition I ever had! He never bothered with human chicks, but he sure loved those sweet little yellow baby chicks!

Our Tree

Sensitivity and emotionalism are the lead characteristics of this blogger. I'm probably not alone. I've read about other women who cry when they see a cute puppy or new born baby. But what what is it about a tree that would make a sane woman cry? I do get upset when I see our wild birds die. I don't like it when the neighbor's cat comes to our yard to hunt for it's daily meal. I've been sensitive as long as I can remember but today at my age, I get more choked up and can't seem to revive from the anguish.

We have a beautiful Ash tree in our front yard. It's been there since we moved here. I have admired it because of it's perfect oval formation. It was never trimmed but grew evenly on all sides, that is it's characteristics.

Every spring we are visited by a crowd of Grackles groupies. These black birds come here to our neighborhood to mate. Since we have more trees than our neighbors, the loud and domineering birds seemed to center their activities around our yard and in our trees. For some reason, in recent years the numbers have decreased. In prior years, I wore a hard hat out to the curb to get the mail because the birds were so aggressive they swooped down towards anyone walking out in the front. I will give them credit for their creativity because they are the best nesting material hunters I've ever seen. They seemed to prefer the Ash tree for nesting rather than the other variety of trees in the front yard because you can see orange, pink, white and other colors of yarn and cord wrapped around the limbs and branches, dangling and flowing and blowing in the breeze. They make their annual appearance right around the time the spring flowers have passed and the remnants of the long green leaves have turned into the brown long tapered leaves still laying on the ground. The birds do a thorough job of cleaning out the flowerbed of dead debris from the spring flowers, using what they find for their nests. They will be here in a couple of weeks or maybe later since our spring flowers are still in their prime.

We thought for sure we'd have to have our tree cut down since it was looking puny. One tree man said it had a disease (without testing it) and would need to be cut down. Thankfully, he didn't follow through with his promise to get back to us with an estimate. I would have gotten two or more opinions anyhow before following through with any drastic action. Today another treeman came. He looked the tree over and gave the opinion our tree had frost bite and there was the snow this year and last. I do remember last year and this year we did have low morning temperatures in the 20s. Boy, was that diagnosis a relief. We'll get by easy with only a deep root fertilizing and some thinning and should do the trick. I am very thankful we could save our pretty tree.

Bob put some fake squirrels around on the branches and I hang pretty swirly thingies on low branch too. The kids walking to school and playing in the neighborhood check out the stuff or stop to watch the thingies blowing in the breeze. And, I enjoy watching the kids. Also, the beautiful Ash is one of the trees that get a yellow ribbon tied around it when Soldier Tom is on coming home. It's close to the front gate and the street, so we sometimes hang the American flag.

I am happy. No crying today - we've saved our tree.

Patience

How was your April Fools Day? Did anyone play tricks on you? It was calm and quiet here. Bob sometimes plays tricks but recovering from shingles and his asthma attacks have diluted his trickster instincts. I'm sure there will be a pay back event. I couldn't in my heart bring myself to play dirty tricks on my hubby, but there will be another time.

I am curious. Every morning as I type in the daily reading under the Lent photo, I wonder how many of my visitors actually realize I change the scripture for the day. This morning's scripture and reading hits home for us with a real impact. We have felt God's presence in our lives in every major decision we have made. There have been serious prayers answered this year with our son Don's recovery from a motorcycle accident and then too later acquiring a job. There have been more answered prayers too. I don't know why, I guess its insecurity but I am humbled and feel insignificant but I am thankful. Ah, but its not for me, is it? It's for Him.

If you dedicated your life to Him, you have to believe you are led everyday. Yes, we make mistakes and take detours, but we are human. He understands and is there to lead us back. We have those bad days, bad tempers, complaining too much, unhappy, depressed for no reason, but He is always with us and helping us through those miserable days.

There are times I have felt so alone and unkempt, wondering where He is. I've not felt His touch or presence for long periods of time. It's written that is my fault but I've tried. I am glad those spells don't last long because I can't live without knowing or feeling His presence in my life.

Today's scripture about patience is telling me, as I've already known, we must trust that He will lead us, He is leading us - we have to trust in our faith and proclaim it. Bob and I are in a predicament right now and we want to change situations but the elements haven't presented themselves to us in a positive way. I am held at bay to make decisions and I am very instinctive and usually my instincts are correct. I have contributed those instincts to His Spirit. He has led me in the right direction all my life - sometimes I haven't followed and when I went in the opposite direct I have found my way back only because I knew His spirit was with me and protecting me and directing me on the right path.

Today's reading is a much needed reinforcement for our time of confusion and wondering. I am in awe at how often He sends us the much needed right message to lead us where He wants us to be.

Happy April Fool's Day

Well, we don't have to wear green or anything like that, except perhaps don't act foolish. I don't have any tricks up my sleeve. I haven't had any tricks played on me yet, but the only member of this household who is here and would play tricks is getting ready for school. Oh, ha ha, I just got her! I told her there was two feet of snow on the ground and she should wear her warmest clothes. She came in here and stepped up on the chair and looked out the window and I laughed and said "na ne boo boo - jokes on you I made you look!" She threatened to pull a joke on me too - I'll be aware and ready!

If Tom or Don was here, I would have been duped already.

This expression on this baby's face is sort of an equivalent to my moods lately. Have you ever felt like that? But - how ever you are feeling, I hope you have a nice day today and hopefully no one will play an outrageous April Fools joke on you!