A Quiet Weekend

The weather has been unsettled lately. 

One minute sunshine, 

The next minute rain. 

Everything is wet! 

Ling Ling walks the rail to keep her little feet dry. 

But the flowers are very happy! 

In between rain showers I go out and feed the birds. 

The beautiful Grosbeaks are back to nest and they love the black oil sunflower seeds I provide. 

The gnarly old tree where the bird feeder hangs is sprouting new growth along it's many burls. 

As I walk further on, I hear the buzzing of many bees 

 from my ancient Holly tree, which is just now blooming. 

You can see last season's berries still clinging to the branches. 

These will soon be eaten by robins and waxwings as they raise their young. 

My Ramblin' Man has been gone most of the weekend, traveling on business, so Champ and Whitey keep me company as I trim and sweep the walkway. 

Don't you love how Champ is sitting? 

His floppy ears and big feet make me smile. 

He is waiting patiently for me to finish so I can play fetch. 

He loves nothing better and carries his ball wherever he goes. 

After a rousing game, he is finally worn out. 

Whitey does not understand why anyone would want to fetch a ball, so he steals it and won't give it back. 

 I always need a spare! 

Go ahead, try and get it back! 

Watch out for your fingers!

The day proves to be cool and showery so I use the time to start organizing the closets. 

Winter clothes are put away and summer clothes hung in their place. 

Leaving a few sweaters for cool days like these. 

As the afternoon wears on, I take a break, along with Ling Ling. This is her favorite place to perch. 

Surveyor of her domain! 

From this vantage point she can see the deck, the backyard and inside the house through the glass doors. 

I love how she tucks her little paws. 

Soon the sun drops below the cloud cover and shines its light across the valley. 

At first a small patch of light,

But soon the hills turn gold, 

Lighting the trees on fire. 

Highlighting the landscape with a golden wand. 

Illuminating secret groves of patriarchs. 

Hidden homes of the truly wild. 

I stand transfixed as I watch nature's light show unveil hidden wonders. 

But soon the magical light starts to fade,

Technicolor turns to black and white. 

Until final curtain call once more. 

xoxo

My prayers go out to all those in the midwest and Oklahoma who are victims of the recent tornadoes.

May the Angels be with you.

xx