Watching the clouds.

   Oh, how I love the clouds! I always brag to folks about the clouds in Florida. We have some of the best I've seen anywhere.  Especially this time of year, when the rains are so prevalent. (Except at my home.... they seem to skip over me quite often!  But then, we always manage to avoid the worst of the big storms here too. Something about the land magnetics.)
   They have always soothed away my cares..... which is something I desperately need at this point in my life. And at times, I've used them as a divination tool. "Ask and you shall receive."   Of course, there are those times when I don't ask, but the cloud people show me anyway! hahaha    I'm always grateful for their assistance, but their beauty and magnificence are what makes me stop in my tracks and gaze upward. I have no words then..... only an amazing feeling in my heart and Spirit.

Looks like Ernesto has found his religious calling!

   I always refer to Ernesto Loco as my "overly familiar" because he is soooo affectionate. But while he acts a tad bit needy I have to say that he has a nice solid feeling energy about him. And that is a true gift while I'm going through all the stress that is part of my life right now.
    My animal companions, even when they're being aggravating, help keep me grounded and walking the right path. What I find endearing is that every time I set up an altar area of some sort....... one or more of the cats appear! Its as if they are being summoned by Energies that I cannot perceive. So I thought it would be a fine idea to put this small statue of Bast in my new writing area. They all came to check it out, but Ernie decided to stay! chuckle    I guess he has declared himself to be the new High Priest of the Temple of Bast.
   I must remember to be more respectful of him!

Mulberry Update

That late freeze nipped the mulberry trees pretty badly, but only around the edges!

The actual berries are fine. Yippee!
My hens are certainly happy about that! hahaha

My, my.... Time just flies on by!!! (from mid-February. Forgot to post, Sheesh)

   Can hardly believe its February of 2015 all ready! My grandparents always told me that time goes by faster as you get older... they weren't kidding!  The last four months have soared by like a Peregrine falcon diving for it's potential prey. Seems I haven't even had time to blink... and "Bam!"... here we are in the second week of the second month! Kinda scary!
    Its been a busy time. Quite a lot of sickness in my animal family members. Brave Dave O'Malley has hyperthyroidism and now cystitis! Poor old man! Jacob is a mass of allergies and reactions. Even worse than before. And Blossom isn't that far behind him as far as skin eruptions go.  Both Autumn and Itty Bitty had to be put to sleep.   Yep, its been a bummer around here.  My mother's dementia is progressing. That's no surprise, but you always hold out hope for the best. Even if it doesn't happen. Sometimes denial is all you have to get you through another rough day.
 

Keeping the kitten warm at night!

   Does it look like I insulated the cat carrier well enough? He certainly liked it! He thinks he is the king of the world up there. hahaha  It did get below freezing the other night (and was freezing the night before) so this was sure to help.
    Put hay bundles and "nests" everywhere for the outdoor cats.... but some went and laid on top of my baby tomato plants instead!! Yes, I'd covered them with hay to keep them from getting killed off. They survived the freeze but were squashed by the yard cats. sheesh!

   Haven't gone out and inspected the damage to the plants yet. The firebush by the porch took a hard hit! I'm fearing the worst for my eranthemums. Pictured above was one of the bloom clusters right before the freeze. Such a lovely blue color!

From February 19th...thought I had posted this! Ooops

Looks like its going to be our coldest night of the year so far. In Florida when the night time temperature falls into the 20's..... EVERYONE gets excited!!!

 

   I'm very happy to report that we have lots of robins in the area this Winter season! A few years back I hardly saw any... that was kind of scary actually. Look at all the dots in the photo above and you'll see a very small portion of them as they head West and Northwest to roost for the night. If you stand out and watch for a while, you'll see thousands of them.

   Haven't chosen a name for this little guy yet. His mama comes back about once a day to check on him and get food. Other than that, he is on his own. This evening I fortified the carrier. A plastic garbage bag duct taped around the outside to cut down on wind and I put "slabs" of coastal hay underneath, then around the three sides then on top. Hate to leave him out there in this.

   And I'm asking the spirits to keep their eyes on this little baby ring neck. He hasn't been hatched out very long!

   And, of course, I planted my little tomato plants!!! It figures!!!! Pulled the cypress mulch up close and covered them all with more of that hay. Oh goodness! Don't think I'd ever be able to actually live up North where it gets really, really cold!! hahaha     So bundle up and stay safe everyone!!!!!

Just because....

Trying times.... so just try to go with the flow!

There is always light amongst the clouds!

 

   Well, its been "different" around here the last few months. My mother's dementia is proceeding along at a steady pace... but we still have those moments of lucidity. And that's when she expresses her fear about how her mind is not working properly.   As everyone says, it all comes with the territory. We're making the best of it... as best we can.
    Doesn't seem like anything much has happened in four and a half months, but its all the "little" things that I'm realizing have started to add up. I find that pretty exciting! Of course, right now I'm in the midst of garden fever... and little else has the ability to grab my attention! hahaha    BUT I'm trying! Trying to stay focused on the here and now and not make any impulsive decisions that, well, won't work out as well as planned later on down the road. I seem to have a real gift for doing that.   So here I am, trying to plan ahead in a sane and rational manner.... sniggle! Trying to put in some "permanent" garden beds. Whatever that means!! haha 
     Its going to take some work to straighten out the front yard whatever I decide on. The well driller's truck really dug in some ruts out there. But hey, I have my own well now! YIPPEE!! Thought the wisteria was done for.... but I should have known better than that! Its rising up from the chaos and destruction like a real champion! The yellow anise bush is following suit... I was positive that was gone! Whew, the resilience of the plant people is amazing.   And that mulberry tree I was taking down.... still not finished (my back sort of gave out on me!) but its popping out leaves and little fuzzle berries everywhere it can!  Oh goodness, that just makes me feel worse about trying to remove it all.   (insert frowny face here)
    But onward I go! Might as well dream and make plans... not sit around and gripe and moan like some folks do. I never know what will actually come of all my efforts but that's part of the adventure! Might as well go with the flow and make the best of this precious thing called Life.  I'm lovin' it more and more.