A Beautiful Weekend

Our winter hasn't been terrible here - nothing like other parts of the country, but even so, it is sure nice to have a sunny, warm weekend and see these signs of spring.

Walking around the yard I noticed the lilacs are beginning to bloom.

We have a bank between our house and a next door neighbor that has been a pain since we have lived here. Too steep to mow or to weed, we've finally gotten some ground covers established for minimum maintenance. At one end the phlox is blooming.

Over most of the rest of the bank we have periwinkle (vinca minor), which is a reminder of my dad. My dad had a famous green thumb. He could grow most anything (especially tomatoes - which were the best I've ever had). He had this periwinkle in some areas of his yard and suggested it for this bank. On one visit home, he dug up pieces of it for me, wrapped it in wet paper towels and sent it home with me (Kentucky to Virginia - 600 miles). It traveled just fine and we planted it and it did great. Later, I received a package in the mail - more periwinkle! I still miss my dad everyday, but have this great reminder, especially when it blooms in the spring.

As I walked through the yard, my cats follow me like puppies. Here is magic checking out the bleeding heart plant.

A close up of the bleeding heart. This is a transplant from my daughter's yard. Love it.

Onyx had to take a break on our walk. He found a shady spot.



Of course I have probably jinxed the weather by bragging on it. I think it is supposed to turn colder this week and maybe even snow some places. Probably dogwoods will bloom. My dad always called this "dogwood winter".

Yesterday I planted some hosta and lily of the valley bulbs. Nothing to show yet, just hope they come up.

I also did a little shopping for Easter baskets for the girls who will be here next weekend, and even knitted a little. Can you see a little progress on the sweater?

I'm loving knitting this. Very fun to see how the colors develop and I love the Noro Silk Garden. I could get a lot more done if I would stay away from Word Challenge on Facebook!

Little Touches to Heal What Ails Ya

Since last week was so cruddy, Spring couldn't have come at a better time. To hurry it up, I did a few things to help it along. First, I planted some pansies around my lightpole and mailbox. The chances they will get eaten in the next few days by deer are very high, which is why I didn't plant them in the Fall, but I just felt I had to have a little faith and plant anyway. It has been three days and they are still there, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.







The dead-looking clematis is coming back to life as evidenced by this bud. Rebirth at spring always amazes me.

I made a new wreath for the front door.

I don't do a lot of spring/Easter decorating inside, but like to put a few things out for my granddaughters to enjoy. Most of these little bunnies were my mom's which makes them special.

Gotta have a bird nest or two.

And I bought a few new things this year ...........





If rabbits and sheep laid eggs, they would so be these colors!

Happy Spring!

Spring Scarf

I've been a bad blogger this past week. I have been so tired at night that I just got the basics done. I had a cold a couple of weeks ago and thought I was done. DH got sick last week. He struggled to work several days then finally went to the doctor and he had bronchitis, pneumonia in one lung, an ear infection, sinus infection and pink eye. He's been on medication for a week now and is doing much better.

Last Sunday I woke up with a sore throat and aches and chills. Monday the aches and chills were gone, but I developed laryngitis and pretty much had that all week. I drug myself to work everyday (where is my award for that?), but did leave early one day and came home and slept for 2 hours. Thankfully, I am much better and everyone doesn't cringe when I try to talk. I am sick & tired of being sick & tired!

I did very little knitting this week, but did manage to finish the Textured Diagonal Scarf for my daughter this weekend. I'm a little late for winter, but this is made from Katia Bamboo (bamboo & cotton) and should be good for spring too. At least the color says spring.






I've started the Cropped Raglan Sweater using Noro Silk Garden, and so far I love knitting this. Very easy, but the yarn gives it enough interest.

This afternoon it is beautiful and I sat on the deck for awhile with my face in the sun and it felt so good. Got to help, right?

Roman Eagle hosts singing contest | GoDanRiver

Roman Eagle hosts singing contest | GoDanRiver

The local newspaper covered our Idol contest yesterday, so I do have a video - just click on the link above.

Our own Idol

I work in the administrative offices of a nursing home. I know - some of you just cringed. I used to feel that way. I answered a blind ad 15 years ago or I wouldn't have this job now. I never thought I would or could work in a long-term nursing facility. I've learned a lot over the years though - there are a lot worse places and this can be a fun place.

We have a great activities department and this week was "American I*dol" week. Monday thru Thursday the residents on each unit competed and today was the grand finale. The residents, families and staff really got into the decorating, costumes, performances and had a great time.

I wish I could show pictures or videos of the residents doing their thing. We had an 88 year old lady dressed as Willie Nelson, with a guitar made from a toilet seat and toilet paper and she was wonderful. She told jokes and lip synced with the best of them. We had a cowgirl with the complete outfit, lots of singers, doing the twist from wheelchairs, and a heartfelt "Amazing Grace".

We were not without celebrities - Paula, Simon, and Randy joined us as judges.

Here's Paula - just before the performance (Jill - Director of Social Services). Jill is a natural actress and she had Paula down to a T. She squealed, danced, cried, and gave dramatic feedback to each contestant.




Here are Randy, Paula and Simon between performances. Notice they even had Cokes.
They each had obviously been good students of AI - they had the mannerisms and sayings down pat. Randy & Simon in their day jobs work in physical/occupational therapy.

Nursing homes get a bad rap - maybe some is deserved, but we keep our people busy. I've seen lots of people be admitted from their homes in such sad condition and they just come alive when they have good food, lots of company, many musical programs, bingo, parties, movie night, and something to look forward to again.

Wow, what a change in the weather!

A week ago today it was cold, rainy, freezing on my deck and miserable. This weekend has been just the opposite. Sunny, beautiful, and in the 70's and today 80's. Unbelievable! I don't think this will last, but at least Spring is on the way.

Yesterday we drove to Norfolk to see son, DIL, and grandchildren. It was such a nice day.
B - sporting her new haircut and new glasses, working on her weaving. I will get her into knitting yet!



Going out to lunch - N had to take Clifford along!

After lunch we walked around the mall a little - pricing new washer/dryers for me (anyone have any suggestions?). My old ones are about to bite the dust and I'm looking at front loaders. Let me know your opinions if you are using these.

We tried to go to Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach, but it was packed! Everyone was trying to get out and enjoy the day. We bypassed that and found a little less congested park.

N thought this was a good idea as long as Sissy held onto her.

However, she was glad to see Daddy at the bottom! It didn't bother her though, she ran right around to the steps to go again!

Today I walked around the yard and see green popping out all over - time to start thinking about some gardening.

The Bachelor

I don't always watch this show, don't approve of this show, don't like the way it is done, but - I got sucked in! I watched part of last season's when Jason got his heart broken by Deanna. I liked him, felt sorry for him, and fell for all the hype of this season's show. I didn't watch every episode, but enough to keep up with what was going on. I don't like Jason anymore!

If you don't watch, he supposedly fell in love with two girls, told them both he loved them, led them both to think they had a future, then chose Melissa over Molly, breaking Molly's heart. Most of that is normal for the program.

Then, however, after six weeks he changed his mind, humiliated Melissa on national TV by telling her there was now no chemistry, and then told Molly he had made a mistake and wanted her back. I was so hoping Molly would tell him to go jump in a lake! She didn't - idiot! She told him she had never stopped having feelings for him and gave him another chance. Watch out Molly, he doesn't have a good track record of knowing what he wants.

I heard the producers engineered this ending to improve their ratings. If so, shame on them. Shame on them for making love and marriage such a farce. Shame on me for watching!