February 28, 2018
CATHY:
“Last L O V E” – Well not really, but the last one for February. March madness is about to begin and from the weather reports, she’s coming in like a lion. My advice the next few days is to not wear a hat.
Today’s LOVE sign is at the Lambsburg welcome center. We took a quick trip off the mountain, and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to snap a pic. Of course we being local people ,we knew better than traveling up I77 on a foggy rainy day. We chose the much safer road up Lambsburg mountain. City folk would probably think we were crazy, but a few trips on I77 in the fog taught me years ago, that is insanity. The saying “live and learn” most certainly applies to that experience.
DANA:
“Rebecca” – So I finally made a non-midlife crisis decision to sell my red Jeep Wrangler. Her name was Rebecca. (If any of you have read previous blogs you know about my weird name-your-vehicle obsession.)
I really enjoyed having the option of just flipping back the ragtop and heading down the road on a warm sunny day. But who am I kidding, my “top flipping” was minimal. Rebecca was also cold in the wintertime. My hands would freeze even with the heat wide open. It was hard to haul my farmer’s market stuff in the back even though the back seats laid down. And then there was the wind…the kind that felt like I was about three 40 mph gusts from driving down the road topless. But I still loved her.
So now I am back to being practical and driving a vehicle that is more suited to my needs. Maybe another Jeep is in my not-so-near future but for now I will just remember the fun that I had.
February 27, 2018
CATHY:
“A Little Love” – Sending everyone a little Virginia L O V E from Christiansburg VA.
DANA:
“Father Of Texas” – OK, maybe everyone in Wythe, Grayson and Carroll County knew this historical fact except me (and I LOVE history!)…..but I just learned that Stephen F. Austin, the man who brought in the first 300 families to colonize Texas, who formed the Texas Rangers, who served as the Republic of Texas Secretary of State under President Sam Houston and who is known as the “Father Of Texas” was born in Wythe County!
I probably would have never have learned this or paid attention to it but when I attended the Fort Worth Stock Show in January I went to a Western Folklife gathering and bought a CD of songs and poetry telling the history of Texas. It was a couple of days ago that I finally got this CD out and listened to it and learned that Stephen F. Austin (whom Austin, TX is also named after) was actually born in Wythe County, Virginia and that Austinville was named after his family!
I am not sure how many times I have passed the brown sign on I-81 between Wytheville and Ft Chiswell that says “Stephen F. Austin Birthplace and Memorial” but I finally actually noticed it today! I followed the signs and ended up at the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Park in Austinville down by the New River.
I know, I know, I am such a geek to be excited about this but it just goes to show that we are never too old to learn something new and interesting about where we live or the places we visit!
February 26, 2018
CATHY:
“Intriguing Past” – I LOVE old structures and this is one of my favorites. I took this picture last Spring (I think) and would love to walk through it. It’s the Graham’s Forge Mill and was built around 1890.
I “shortcut” by this at least once a week. I just know it has an intriguing past. I often joke about getting to heaven and watching videos of times past. There are so many places and happenings, I wish I could see through my eyes.
Oh well, I’ll just take pictures and use my imagination of how it used to be.
DANA:
“Valley School” – Pretty excited to be seeing these kids again in a few weeks at Valley School in Wyoming. The small school will be celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this Spring. Currently there are 9 students attending this remote elementary school located almost at the end of a 53 mile dead end road where you will find elk, grizzly and a few cattle ranches scattered about.
I was honored to be allowed to visit the school this Fall and share our FarmLifeBookstore.com children’s books with them. I will be going back and to help them create and write their own stories later this Spring. Can’t wait to see what kind of tales they have to tell!
February 25, 2018
CATHY:
“No Bling Yet” – Just a quiet gray day here in the holler. Since we did get a few beautiful sunny days, and I got my “soul’r charge”, I have no complaints. The grass gets a little greener every day. Trees and bushes are budding out. We even have some getting leaves. I’ve totally cross into Spring fever and no longer wish for snow. The calendar hanging on the wall still screams Winter though, and I will resist the urge to change to Spring Bling for a few more weeks.
DANA:
“Ready to Ride” – No I don’t look like I would ride a motorcycle. As a matter of fact if you had told me that at 52 years old I would buy a motorcycle and get my license I would have thought you were smoking something wacky.
But, I now have one and really enjoy it although I ride (and look) more like “Hello Kitty” than “Big Bad Biker Mama”. My daughter is not impressed that my middle age crisis includes me balancing on two wheels traveling down the highway. She is much more used to me being on a horse instead.
These sunny warm days tease me and make me want to get “Holly” out of the garage and ride. Yep I name my vehicles and my motorcycle just because I’m weird like that. We got a short ride in yesterday but no go with the rainy weather today. But soon…..
February 24, 2018
CATHY:
“Here’s to Life” – After losing some precious people recently, today we got to celebrate living. Hubby’s aunt is 90 years young and Fabulous. What a treat to be part of her surprise birthday party.
Getting older has a lot of challenges. It’s not for sissies that for sure. A nice, good nights sleep, where you don’t get up to go to the bathroom every few hours, means you’re going to be so stiff in the morning that you can hardly get out of the bed. I guess that’s why the old bladder keeps us loosened up. Learning new things are hard….but …learning things you knew and forgot, not as hard. High heels kill my feet and why did I ever wear them anyways? Most doctors are younger than you….eewwww! The worst though, is losing people your age or younger every year.
Enjoy life because nobody gets out alive. BTW picture is just part of the beautiful country we passed through today.
DANA:
“Squirrels” – They’re cute, they’re fluffy, they’re nosey, and they’re eating all my flippin’ birdseed!!
Grrrrr……..I’m seriously beginning to rethink their cuteness and more about Brunswick Stew!
February 23, 2018
CATHY:
“My Elixir” – I am to old to work this hard!!! Another week of overtime so the government can collect some extra bucks from me.
Ok now to focus on the good. It’s Friday…..Yeah!!! I can sleep late in the morning….Yeah!!!! I have wine in the house again….Yeah++++!!!!!
DANA:
“Smudging” – I diffuse and use natural oils for medicinal and aromatherapy purposes. I use smudging to clear myself and my home of negative energy and to purify the air. I know many have heard of and use oils but smudging is also an important tool.
Smudging is an ancient art that has been used by Native Americans for centuries. This is not some hocus pocus but deals with the earth’s energy and using herbs to release negative ions to purify the air.
And for the ones of you who don’t believe in negative energies and think its all a bunch a crazy woo hoo, remind me of that the next time you are skipping down the sidewalk in your imaginary “perfect” world being showered by fairy glitter and unicorn farts……. and suddenly slip on that banana peel.
So just be aware of the world around you, don’t take God’s blessings for granted, absorb the good and the reject bad.
For more info on smudging: http://www.naturallivingideas.com/smudging/?utm_content=bufferadde3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
February 22, 2018
CATHY:
“Spring Fever” – I’ve really been trying to NOT to get Spring Fever, but this beautiful warm day pulled me right into the fantasy. I was filled with hope that cold weather has retreated and warm has triumphed.
I felt to need to start packing up Winter decorations and put up some Spring. There was a brief moment I thought about cleaning up my car. (Very brief) I hung my clothes on the line, cleaned up the yard a little and did some porch sitting. I even sat in the grass that’s getting greener every day. Finally realizing that this is just an intermission, and the real season was coming back, I grabbed the trusty camera to preserve the memory.
Our resident squirrel left his recent meal on a fence post and a closer look revealed some ants checking it out. There’s some bushes around that has small leaves on them, and the forsythia bush is budding out nicely. I guess enjoy the moment is today’s lesson.
DANA:
“Vinyl” – My daughter recently found out that a record player and vinyl records were not the best things to have around a one-year-old. So she sent me back home with the record player and all of our records.
I drug it out of the truck this afternoon and set it up in the cabin. The first record I played was of course Robert Earl Keen, Jr’s “The Live Album” on Sugar Hill Records. I have been listening to Texas Red Dirt music and artists like REK, Lyle Lovett, Pat Green, etc. long before I even knew it was a thing! These songwriters/musicians are master storytellers. Yes, songs that actually tell stories, which is what I thought they were supposed to do all along. A funny, sad, or touching relatable story put to music, not some yahoo (pronounced yay-hoo) BS that has a “great beat”.
So here’s to the storytellers, the artists, the musicians and the art. “May the road go on forever and the party never end!” – REK, Jr. Hmmmm….think I’ll dig out my old John Prine album next.
February 21, 2018
CATHY:
“Drop” – This is a photo I took several years ago, but describes my perspective at this moment. I’m just about to drop from exhaustion. I do have a feeling of a job well done today, so a good tired. Now, if only I had some wine in the house…..
DANA:
“Chicks” – A little girl and her new chicks is a beautiful thing! OK, I may be a little “Nana biased” but still. I would be lying to say I am not super excited that my granddaughter is just like her mom when it comes to loving animals! And I know she is just 1, but I am hoping that teaching her respect and care for these small chicks and their other farm animals will imprint her to be respectful and caring to all living things! She is a sweet, caring, sassy, independent little girl so she is off to a good start!
February 20, 2018
CATHY:
“Epithet” – Day late and a dollar short!! Here’s some L O V E Newport, VA
DANA:
“On The Line” – There is just something satisfying about hanging clothes out on the line. Watching them dry and knowing that I am using no extra electricity, just good old natural solar and wind power!
I remember growing up, electric dryers were rare so my job was to go gather the neatly hung clothes off the line. (Dang, every time I date myself like that I can feel at least 10 hairs on my head turn gray!!) I love the feel and smell of the towels and wash cloths when they have been line dried. They smell sunshine fresh and are just a tad exfoliating. A far cry from towels dried with product softening smelly smell dryer sheets.
It felt kind of strange to throw my shoes off and head to the clothesline today….in February. Looking down at my feet I realized that if this were a normal SPRING day they wouldn’t look quite as “ghostlike” and my toenails would be polished for flip flop weather! Tomorrow is supposed to be even prettier so I am taking full advantage of the sunshine. Heck, I might even go get my polish.
February 19, 2018
CATHY:
“Sun Dog” – Yesterday (Sunday, I’m a day late) we took a Sunday drive. I took my camera (of course) and was looking for a Kodak moment..LOL. I didn’t see anything that inspired me until we were almost home.
In front of us was the most beautiful SunDog. There was nowhere to pull over and we were just a few miles from home so I was hopeful it would last. It was still there but had lost what had touched me at the moment. The clouds and the reflection made a cross through the middle of it. I was so dishearten that I missed that opportunity, that I didn’t even attempt to blog.
Today driving home (late) from work I started thinking about that SunDog. I never really remember seeing these growing up. In fact I don’t remember seeing them in my early adult years either. The last few years I probably see at least one a week and most the time more than that. I’ve heard say that pollution may be the reason, but I don’t believe that anymore. The cross one has spoken to me. I now believe that God is sending us a sign, that in these troubled times, he is still watching over us, and we just need to recognize his signs and believe in them.
DANA:
“Thank You” – It is funny how sometimes Cathy and my blogs are so far apart and then other times they are very similar. Yesterday I was so excited to wake up to the clear blue skies and sunshine that I ran outside and took a pic right into the sun!
Thank you God for giving me some sunshine and a healthy shot of much needed Vitamin D! Thank you for the beautiful blue skies, fluffy white clouds and a little warmth for the day. I am happier now and won’t even complain about a little more rain…….much.
February 17, 2018
CATHY:
“Tomorrow” – I’ve pretty much been useless today. If breathing was something requiring me to make an effort I would not be alive. Tomorrow I plan to be productive.
DANA:
“Self Sustaining” – Today we stopped at the new Rural King in Wytheville. Apparently everyone else in four counties decided to do the same thing! As we waded through the masses of people I found a chicken house that would work for my daughter/granddaughter to put on their farm.
I am proud of my daughter for wanting to plant a garden, buy some cows and sheep, and put up a chicken house this year. It will also give my granddaughter “chores” and teach her responsibility as she gets older. I still remember Nanny sending me to the chicken house with my little plastic bucket to gather the eggs.
I urge every parent to teach their children to plant and harvest! Whether it be raising a few chickens or growing food. No room for a garden? It is as simple as getting a pot, let them plant their favorite vegetable, water it, give it some TLC and watch it grow! The satisfaction it will give your child is priceless and they will learn in the process!
We have got to educate our children about where their food comes from and help them to make healthier choices. Letting them eat junk all day in my opinion is just sorriness and an easy fix to satisfy appetites. A bag of steamed frozen vegetables, a can of sweet corn or a sweet potato is NOT that expensive. Kid’s won’t eat it? Throw some cheese on those veggies, mix that corn in with some taco meat, put some brown sugar and cinnamon on that sweet potato, be creative and make an effort! Heck, bribe them if it works but teach them that there are alternatives to junky fast food!
Wow, not sure how this rant started from a picture of a chicken house so I will carefully step off my soapbox and go to bed. Sometimes that’s just how I roll.
February 16, 2018
CATHY:
“Looking Back” – Eight years ago we had a glorious snow. Every once in awhile, I like to look back through some of my pictures and take trip down memory lane.
I think we should live for the future, but our past is who and how we are today. Hmmmm? Who and how, same letters but different words. Are we how because of who, or who because of how?? Life is a journey of living and learning. I like to think I have learned from my mistakes. There has been times that I’ve said to myself “you should have learned the first time”. The saying “live and learn”, in my case is “live and learn AGAIN”
Oh well, back to the present so I can learn something new, which probably is something I already knew at one time and forgot.
DANA:
“Rain” – OK another little teeny weeny complaint about the weather. I can’t remember a day when it hasn’t rained at some point. I mean there has been that little teasing hint of warm sun but then….I wake up to rain again.
I am sure God thinks we need it. Who knows, it may turn off dry this summer and we will be thankful for the excess groundwater. But right now I just feel like complaining… and a little moldy.
February 15, 2018
CATHY:
“Warmth” – A beautiful warm Winter day. Living in a holler we don’t really get to see a sunset, but we do enjoy some of the colors. Just a pretty picture to mark February 15, 2018.
DANA:
“Springlike” – Going outside these past few days the birds are singing….sounds like Spring. Peepers are calling in the wetland…..sounds like Spring. It is warm enough to go outside with no coat and even barefooted….feels like Spring. Taking a look at the calendar….it’s February 15th.
So this beautiful weather sends me back to a warmer time visiting Florida. I love this weather but I know that we will pay for this warmth with more cold temperatures, wind and snow. I would be happy to get this Winter over with in it’s time and THEN welcome Spring. I don’t like Mother Nature teasing us this way!
February 14, 2018
CATHY:
“Valentine Princess” – Crazy, crazy 15 hour workday. I come home to a delicious home cooked supper. When I dragged my weary butt to the easy chair, I have wine and chocolate waiting for me. Today I am a Valentine Princess and I’m going wear my tiara and sip from my chalice and be thankful for all my blessings. Thank YOU my Valentine (Hubby) for making this day a great one 
DANA:
“Love Yourself” – So here is my prospective on love: To be able to truly love someone else you must first learn to love yourself. No, not in that selfish, narcissistic, kiss your reflection in the mirror sort of love, that’s just weird. I am talking about being able to look at yourself in the mirror and say “I’m ok, I am who I am and that’s alright.”
You know that saying “She doesn’t like anybody, she even hates herself”? I was there. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t like what I had become and so I took it out on others around me. You know, those people that I was supposed to love like my family and close friends. It wasn’t until I did some deep (and often painful) soul searching that I came to the realization that just “being me for me” instead of what others expected me to be isn’t so bad.
Once I accepted that concept my stress levels decreased and my ability to love others increased. Things that drove me crazy didn’t really seem important anymore…they never were. I could look over what I had thought were my loved ones faults because they sure had stuck by me and looked over mine!
So here is to the freedom of loving who I am and the ability to love others unconditionally. Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 13, 2018
CATHY:
“Drifting” – Looking at the dates for upcoming Hot Air Balloon rally’s has given me the fever. I LOVE hot air ballooning. There is nothing in world like drifting along with the breeze and a birds eye view of our beautiful Earth. Even the chase crew is awesome. Ballooning friends are like family, and we sure do miss them during the cold months.
More to come on this when our season begins.
DANA:
“Detox, con’t” – So maybe I am a weenie but I am a foodie…I LOVE food! Day two of detox and had to take mom to get some lab work done. Stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat a late lunch and I didn’t cheat, ok one small bite of cornbread with no butter, but that’s it!
I happily (and jealously) watched mom eat her whole plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baked apples and biscuits. I had a veggie plate. One more day of yuck and I will try to change my bad habits and do better.
February 12, 2018
CATHY:
“Signs Of Spring” – Where in the heck are my robins? I usually have a sighting by the end of January or the first of February. Don’t they know I slay pigs everyday for the birds.
Each Winter I get great joy in the signs of Spring. Usually the Robins show up, the flower bulbs start sprouting, the forsythia bush blooms and the sweetest sound ever, peepers. At least my daffodils are on time. Maybe the robins missed their flight and are delayed. I will continue my watch until I see them.
DANA:
“Pre-Valentine Woes” – Two male cardinals trying to impress a female while looking for a date for Valentine’s Day?!? It seems to happen all over the animal kingdom doesn’t it? LOL!
February 11, 2018
CATHY:
“Hibernation” – In my fantasy life I drove all around Virginia finding L O V E in all the towns & cities. Since this is just the third entry, reality has set in.
First of all, I thought if our little village of a Fries had one, then all the small towns would also have one. Nope! Then I thought after work I could find one and take a picture. Nope, after a work day I just want to come home. Last fantasy was a weekend road trip to find some. Nope, other things needed doing or I just wanted to stay home.
They will show up throughout the year though, Hibernation won’t last forever.
DANA:
“Detox” – Ok, so it begins. Three days of drinking yuck…eating rabbit food….and well, yuck. I like to try to eat healthy but sometimes, especially in the Winter, I fall off the wagon..big time! Increased sugar intake, increased starchy heavy foods and well I gorge on the “good” but not so good for me stuff!
So I am starting a 3 day regimen to try to get back on track. It will be a mild detox and refresh program with packets of powder to mix with water called “Vanilla Refresh” and my favorite “Fiber Sweep”. (The thought makes me kind of sick to my stomach.) Wish me luck!
February 10, 2018
CATHY:
“Gray Day” – I’m not a big fan of Winter rainy days. If it’s got to be cold throw some snow in the mix and if it’s got to be wet, make it a snowy wet. Have I mention “I Love Snow”. Good thing I’m safe at home and you all can’t get me.
Anyways the fog on the river was sorta pretty. The river is pretty full and the forecast is saying there is a lot of rain coming. Stay on the high ground and keep your powder dry.
DANA:
“Purging” – We all have ghosts. We all have memories, good and bad. I found that one of the best ways to help let go of the bad memories is by burning the “stuff” that reminds us of those times. Watching those memories go up in smoke and turn to ash…..well, everyone needs a good fire purge every once in a while.
February 9, 2018
CATHY:
“Mistaken Identity” – The great picture would have been me sneaking up on this unsuspecting birds.
I looked out the window and saw the red breast and thought “Robins”!!!!. In my defense, they were a fer distance down in the yard and I didn’t have my glasses on. I quickly went to fetch my camera and commenced to stalking. I zoomed in, and then saw the blue. I thought they looked kinda small but still, they had a red breast. Oh well, still searching for that first sign of Spring.
DANA:
“Spreading Out” – Today I took advantage of the warmth of the sun at the back of my cabin. I had a calla lily that has needed to be repotted for a while and was getting more and more unhappy about being squished in it’s little pot.
So I found a bigger pot, sat down in the yard, took my shoes off to do some much needed “grounding” and repotted my plant while enjoying the good warm sun.
I am happy to report that once again the tough little plant lived through it’s rehoming and looks much happier about it’s future!
February 8, 2018
CATHY:
“Naps” – Naps are my “spa”. I love when I get a chance to nap. When I was a child I HATED taking a nap. Kindergarten nap time was the worse. When I went to Kindergarten, it was half a day in the Summer. (Dating myself here). Who in Gods green earth needed a nap for a half day of school? Not me! I loved school and that was wasted time.
Years later, when I had children, their naps was a brief respite to get some stuff done. I then worked as a Kindergarten aide and nap time was a few minutes to catch ones breath. I then understood that the nap time was for the teachers not the kids.
Now days a nap is a glorious delightful treat. I planned today’s nap yesterday. When I dragged myself out of bed this morning, I was anticipating my nap. I didn’t care how late I had to work, I was going to take a nap. Getting home fairly early, nap time was on. I got my blanket, my pillow and hit the couch. Coon hound baying, Hubby running the chainsaw, cat running through the house, I still got a few zzzzz. A nap restores the soul.
DANA:
“Cupids Mistress” – I was taken out to an early Valentine’s Day dinner tonight. We went to Creek Bottom Pub and Tasting Room or “Lil’ Bottom” to eat great food and try their new aged bourbon stout called “Cupid’s Mistress”. It was wonderful! It was also open mic night so we got to listen to music and interact with good people.
I love a restaurant/pub/coffee shop/eatery with good atmosphere. A place that you instantly feel comfortable when you walk in and you are in no hurry to leave. This is one such place for me.
In our day-to-day lives we also help create the atmosphere around us. If we have positive energy we emit that energy to others and that just might give them the boost they need to carry on with their day. So here is to surrounding ourselves with “good atmosphere” and surrounding others with positive vibes!
February 7, 2018
CATHY:
“Smile” – Today….WOW!!!! Crazy, busy, never ending work day. My coworker and I drew the short straw today.
Now for the positives of this day…… 1. I got my 10K plus steps in. 2. Other than a 5:30 am breakfast bar, no time for food (take that wayward diet) 3. After a broken scanner Monday I’m still going to get my time in this week. Last but not least, my bowl of fruit for tomorrow’s workday was smiling at me.
Even the seemingly worse days, there are positives hidden somewhere. My favorite was smiling fruit.
DANA:
“Enough Said” – ……..
February 6, 2018
CATHY:
“Play Ball!” – I LOVED playing ball in school!!! I played every sport I could. When I graduated I was distraught that that part of my life was over. Married with children, lol, I played adult league volleyball, tennis and was on a bowling team.
Then quite surprising, when my children started playing it was even more fun watching them. Who knew? Then they graduated, and once again I was without sports. Now even more fun is watching Grandchildren playing. If I’m blessed enough to be around, they will keep me “sports up” for many years.
DANA:
“The Rainbow” – I came across this picture today when I was deleting some pics off my phone. It reminded me about a rainbow I saw recently that seemed to go all the way across our little Comers Rock Valley. Number one I don’t expect to see rainbows in the Winter because I think of them appearing after a strong Summer thunderstorm. Number two it always reminds me of the story of Noah’s Ark when God sent a rainbow as a promise and a comfort.
Our rainbows don’t always have to be full color arches spanning across our paths. Our rainbows of promise and comfort can come in the forms of children and grandchildren, time spent with good friends and even in the companionship of loyal animals.
So let’s not be afraid to recognize our “rainbows” daily and to thank God for our blessings!
February 5, 2018
CATHY:
“Simple Beauty” – Just a picture of the simple beauty of country life. I not sure when the world acknowledged just how pretty simple things are, or maybe it was me that opened my eyes to this. Could it be that I notice these things because I’m getting older? I’m sure having a camera with me most of the time, has a lot to do with it.
DANA:
“Life” – There is 85 years difference in the ages of this great grandmother and her great grandchild. It is pretty overwhelming when I think about everything mom has seen and experienced and the vast differences that Harper will see and experience in the next 85 years.
They are both blessed to have met each other and we will make sure that Harper never forgets her. (Note: They were sitting watching mom’s birds at the feeder.)
February 4, 2018
CATHY:
“Birdie Cafe Is Open” – Well I got the bird feeders filled….yesterday, Yeah!!! With Wintry weather forecasted I knew the birds would be almost as happy as Mister. The Meteorologist had me excited about the snow forecast a few days ago but “deflated ” it to almost nothing, which was correct here at Rustic Manor.
I don’t think Mister was happy sharing his window with me this morning. I kept scaring them away, (because a cat face pressed to the window is not scary). I least they weren’t angry and no pigs was stealing their eggs. Time to fling a few angry birds. Nite all
DANA:
“A Winter’s Day” – OK, I like winter, I don’t mind the cold (much), and I don’t mind the snow. But I have to admit, I am looking forward to a few warmer sunny days.
My Christmas tree this year was a lighted decorative tree called a Winterberry Tree and it sits in my front window. I love it because I can leave it up all winter and enjoy its pretty warm lights. When Spring comes the tree will be boxed until next Winter and the bench it is sitting on will be full of herbs and starter plants.
So I am thankful for a beautiful, snowy Winter this year and am looking forward to a warm, sunny Spring.
February 3, 2018
CATHY:
“Cold Weather Pleasures” – Well January is in the rear view and now to plow through February. I remember my parents saying how time flies, and I thought it was dragging by. When you pass a half century, its almost a blur. I understand the “over the hill” phrase now. We trudge along, up the hill…..crest…..and speed down the other side. Makes perfect sense now.
There is never time around here in warm weather months to even think about a puzzle. We both like doing outside stuff, and when it gets dark it’s bedtime. This is why I like Winter. Time goes a little slower in cold weather. Life is not speeding by quite as fast. Instead of “stopping to smell the roses”, sit by the fire (heat) and put a puzzle together, get a coloring book, read a book or catch up on something you’ve been meaning to do.
Gotta go, there’s a puzzle to be put together.
DANA:
“Nana Love” – This Nana thing is a lot better than I expected. Never really pictured myself as a Nana. Never even gave it a lot of thought. Everyone said “oh grandchildren are different” and I thought yeah, ok, whatever.
But it is true. And I think that it’s true because they come at a time in your life when your “stressed out, rush around, gotta get it done” self has slowed down. You can actually take more time to just sit on the floor and play without that stress and worry. This weekend we “did our hair”. Oh, and Nanny (her great grandmother) was right down in the floor with us eating baby Goldfish and playing.
Yep, I have learned that “Nana Love” is pretty sweet!
February 2, 2018
CATHY:
“L O V E & SNOW” – My words will be expressed through pictures.
DANA:
“Out of house and home” – So I decided this year to be nice and feed the birds over the winter. I feed the hummingbirds in the Summer and decided to keep the cute little songbirds happy over winter season.
But I have learned something about birdseed that I didn’t know. It doesn’t JUST attract the cute little songbirds. So far I am feeding the hordes of cute little songbirds, 4 blue jays, 16 doves, 6 pairs of cardinals, 3 squirrels and 3 deer! They are eating me out of house and birdie home! Who knew?!?
February 1, 2018
CATHY:
“LOVE” – February the month of love. I’ve been wanting to photograph the Virginia L O V E signs for awhile now. I see them on my travels to work and I just haven’t took the time to snap a picture. What better time than February?
This first one is in Fries. (Imagine that) It was a few months before I realized it said LOVE. I thought it was cool they put this up with things that represent Fries, but then one day driving by, I saw the word love.
So here we go with lots of LOVE this month
DANA:
“Respect” – Ever since Cathy came up with her great idea of photographing the word LOVE all through February I have been thinking. The word love is powerful and the emotion (if it is a true, unconditional love) is almost overwhelming.
It wasn’t many years ago that I worked hard on squashing down those fuzzy emotions so I didn’t have to “feel”. I didn’t like myself, much less love myself and I had no respect for me or very many others. I was in a funk…to put it mildly.
But I took a journey, by myself, driving across the country, to a place I had only been a couple of times before. I stayed in a small cabin in a beautiful valley and I was scared to death. Not of the place or the nice people….but of being by myself and knowing I had to face my demons.
I was there for two weeks. During that time I read my Bible and journaled….a lot! It was not nearly enough time to completely conquer those demons but long enough to begin the uphill climb to learn to respect myself and yes maybe even to love being me again.