Wow, it's been a long time

It's been a long time since I posted anything. Lots going on this winter, most of it not much fun. I'll post some updated musings a little later. But, I did get a chance to look at my sister's new blog. She's doing a "365 Project", taking pictures each day and posting about them. I like the idea. I suppose it's never to late to start....so here's one, or more, from today.

Bleeding hearts and a poppy starting to come out of the dirt. Zeb resting in the sun in the screened porch. Mrs. Cardinal coming for a snack this afternoon. Patio furniture put out in hopes of warm weather soon....

Blizzard 2011

So, it was an interesting night getting to work. I'd settled in for my pre-work nap this afternoon with only a few snowflakes flying around. When I awoke, there was much more than the forecasted 3 inches of snow. It looked like a blizzard...which in fact it was!!! I think the official snow fall amount was 14 inches. Well, I had at least a 3 foot drift in my driveway. Lots of shovelling done over the next couple of days.

Evening with Joan

This evening I will be joining friends to listen to an icon of American folk music...Joan Baez. I never imagined that I would be so fortunate! The show will be at a lovely venue, The Englert Theatre, here in Iowa City. The Englert Theatre's renovation has had an amazing effect on the quality of talent that has performed in Iowa City in recent years. I'm so excited!

Here's a link to this event and other upcoming events at the Englert. The Englert Theatre, Iowa City, Iowa

Background Notes

Many people play an important part in my life. Although they may not be people with whom I have daily contact, they are the background music to my existence. This weekend I lost one of those lovely notes, Donna Hoaglan. Her absence leaves a hole in my heart. Even though her sweet sound may not be physically here...I will always remember her and her tone resonates through me and all of those that love her.

Dark Days of Winter

So, winter started off as a really snowy season this year. December brought many snowflakes. Here's a picture of what my back yard looked like in the depths of the snow. Much of it has since melted off after a period of rain/sleet/ice and slightly warmer days. To tell you the truth, I like the fresh snow better than what's currently out there. The temperature has also been drifting back toward the zero mark this week. But, more snow is predicted for Monday (that also means it will be up in the 20's)...I'm hoping for at least a couple of inches to cover up the dirty views that are now all around.

Waxing Moon

After the fireworks I headed home to check on my dog, Zeb. He wasn't too happy with the firecrackers and other small explosions around the neighborhood. I let him out and was stuck by the brightness of the moon. After being so cloudy earlier in the day, it was a clear, cool night. Here's the waxing moon on July 4th, it'll be a big full moon in a few days (July 7th).

4th of July Celebration with Friends

The day started out cloudy and rainy. Not any massive thunder storms, just a consistent rainfall. I was wondering if it would clear up in time for the much anticipated trip to Sonic to watch fireworks with my good friends Cris and Paul.

I spent the majority of the day just lounging and not doing anything constructive. I checked my e-mail and played on the computer while watching a show on the History channel about the Revolutionary War and creation of our country. It's amazing that the United States actually came into existence. There were so many obstacles in the way of the birth of our nation...including the lack of cooperation between the individual states.

By early evening the sky had cleared and it looked good for seeing the display. I was able capture a few photos of the festivities. I was only using a small digital camera, but, was able to get a few decent pictures of the explosives!


Happy Birthday, America...and here's to another 233 years!!!