Saturday, May 31, 2008

Inherited

I did not actually know the old man across the street. To be perfectly honest, the only times I ever saw him were late at night when he was being rolled into a waiting ambulance. My part of town is full of these shadowy people, living in the myriad apartments that pack the old houses and hold a surprising number of inhabitants.

Early this Spring, the ambulance came again, and soon thereafter, the apartment across the street was emptied, and the old man's possessions were left on the front porch, a cardboard sign offering them free to whomever stopped by. I didn't go over right away, it felt strange. As if I were trespassing into his life.

About a week later, a friend and I decided to have a look. Another older gentleman, the owner of the building, was there as well. A friendly man, he remembers my parents from when they visited and asked about them. He told us that the old man form downstairs was dying, that he would not return home, and that now the decades worth of possessions that filled his generously sized apartment were his landlord's responsibility. He walked us through the apartment, an old house with beautiful dark woodwork and worn green carpet.

On the front porch, in a pile of old clothes and sheets, I came upon a treasure. Someone's handwork, unfinished. How did it come to be in this old man's possession? I somehow doubt it was his work. Was he once married? Was it a project inherited from some other relation?



I don't know what I will do with this, but it seemed too good, too intriguing, to pass by.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Household Safety

I am working from home today. Officially working, not working on projects and doodahs and such; I have my office setup on the kitchen table (its brighter here, and the tea kettle is nearby). This means I get to keep Ramona (she's the pup) company, as she does whatever it is that she does during the day. So far, this mostly seems to be sleep.


I have the back door standing open. Its a bit chilly, but worth it for the fresh spring air and the nice sounds of birds and windchimes and street traffic that drift in. Ramona sprawls on the floor at my feet, keeping my toes warm and, assumedly, dreaming of wonderful things.


A moment ago a neighborhood cat came by, apparently intrigued by the open door. He stuck his pointy little nose in, but saw me right away, and perhaps the large bundle of fur at my feet, and scampered off. Ramona slumbered on. Then the smell of "something unknown" must have reached her nostrils, because she leapt to her feet and with a throaty grr made for the door. She bravely snuck around the corner, her back legs shaking a bit, and peered outside. The cat was, of course, long gone. Emboldened, Ramona barked a little, she has a quiet bark that is nearly never heard, and set out to investigate. She ran the length of the yard, checked the front gate, and came back in to make sure the house was safe as well. One more check around the yard and she determined that all was well and returned to her position on the floor.

I am so glad I have such a brave, alert watchdog. Makes me feel very secure!

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Friday Afternoon Walk


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Friday, May 23, 2008

May Blossoms

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Tiny hidden babies



On the balcony of C.'s grandparents in Virginia, tiny baby birds living in a plant basket.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Technical difficulties

My apologies for the lack of posts recently. Blogger has been acting up, not letting me load any photos. Frustrating. I will hope it is better soon, and will keep on trying - wish me luck!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

For your Health!

Thought I'd share a few laughs -

Dr. Steve Brule - the rest of the show can disappear for all I care, but John C. Reilly is my hero. For your health!

While we are on that subject, check out this new trailer. Putting these two guys together? Awesome idea.

Also looking forward to this and this (maybe not so funny, this one), and of course this one here.

ok, so maybe not so many laughs here - but if you follow the link to the Dr. Steve Brule, consider clicking on a few more. He is hilarious.

Other linky goodness:

eb just doesn't stop! I am continually amazed, inspired, and insanely jealous of her genius with colors, collage, and freedom of expression.

Avalanche Looms.

Stacy Frank. I love a good etching, and when the subject is apples, I am captivated!

And a photo, just because I am so in love with Spring right now!


Happy mid-week, friends!

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Monday, May 12, 2008

Spring!

Spring has now unwrapped the flowers!
Day is fast reviving!
Life in all her growing powers...
Toward the light is striving!
All the world with beauty fills,
All the world with beauty fills,
Gold the green enhancing....
Flowers make glee among the hills
and set the meadows dancing!


Cherry blossoms, warm breezes, tulips and daffodils! Spring in the North is almost enough to erase the memories of the long, cold Winter past. Almost.

I am back from a week long vacation to the extra sunny south, and once I get my house back into order, I have so many projects itching to be made! Plus a few that are horribly overdue. I'll be back soon!

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Thursday, May 1, 2008

May Day!!


Arizona blossoms
Happy May Day, friends!

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