February Color

A dear friend brought me some beautiful florist's azaleas for my birthday. Don't you love the texture of the petals and the ruffled edges on these buds?

The white edging on these petals is so delicate--they look like fancy petticoat edges, all ruffles and lace.

Primmies

Primroses are a sure sign of spring around here. They hold up against the frosty nights and the occasional late snow (like yesterday). I found all these at the nursery last week, and loved all the color and the center patterns.
And, one early industrious bee!! Spring MUST be on the way if this worker is out collecting nectar already.

Hellebore season

This is a hellebore, also called a Lenten Lily. They start blooming in the early spring, and there are some varieties that bloom in the early fall. I like them because the pestiferous deer and elk don't eat them, since they are poisonous, and the serrated leaf edges keep them from nibbling just to check. There are so many different types and colors--I saw this one at a nursery a couple of weeks ago.
For those who have asked: Rick and I are playing Hospital Bungee--in and out, in and out. The doctors are ironing out most of the kinks in his recovery, so hopefully one of these days we will get home and STAY home. I miss Pea-ing, but can't do much of it at the hospital (oh there's a good laugh in there!!). I am home tonight for the first time in a while, but back to my "second home" tomorrow. Thank you for all the emails and kind thoughts and wishes, and the prayers. They have all helped!

Artistry in Ice

Another crisp morning this week gave me some more textures to drool over on the pond. I just love the organic, fern-like feel these have. I also love the little snowflake shape at about 5:00 on this shot.
More ferns or feathers, looking like they are rising out of a pleated base.

This reminded me of wings...

And speaking of wings, here was a butterfly on the ice! Isn't it incredible what an artist Mother Nature is??

Rusted Remains

The next town over from where I live has a railway museum, with a wonderfully restored depot, and a train that runs through the valley, as well as hosting Thomas in the summer. There is also a collection of old railcars and engines...most of which are not much more than rusted-out hulks. My DH, who used to work for the railroad, rolls his eyes in disgust everytime he sees the collection of junk, but the railroad afficionados love this stuff.

Me? I think it's junk too---but there is a wealth of detail in all the junk. If you overlook the big picture, and focus in small, there are really cool patterns and textures to be found.

Truth in advertising??

Doesn't exactly tempt the tastebuds, does it? And they wonder why they don't have much business!!

Love, Man-Style

What is it with men and remotes?? I mean, aren't they supposed to leave their Woobies behind when they grow up? R has always been a remote-hog, but since he's been home from the hospital, I swear that thing never leaves his hand. Actually, I'm surprised that it hasn't started growing to his hand! My favorite part is when he is sound asleep, completely and totally zoned out, and doesn't even hear me talking to him. I gently reach over and slide the remote out of his relaxed grip. WRONG! The hand spasmodically clenches shut, and he shouts (honest!) "I'm watching that! I'm watching that!" Needless to say, he doesn't even know what "that" IS--just don't take away the remote. Anyone else out there have the same problem??

Love, Mother Nature

Saw this wonderful openings in the clouds the other day, and had to grab it quick before the swiftly shifting clouds closed in. Couldn't believe the little love note that Mother Nature sent!!

Signs of Spring

One of the first signs of spring around here. :-) I am always excited when the pussywillows show up, because that means spring is just around the corner.
And, since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery (are you sure about that??), I tried the sepia/spatter action in PSE7 that Becky used the other night on her tulip shot.

Thank you to those of you who have asked about R. He is home and we are working on getting him better and stronger. We had to go back to the hospital last week for a couple of days for a transfusion and "tune-up", and another transfusion today, but he is slowly but surely getting stronger and better. He is eating regular food and all the repaired GI system is working properly, so once we get the "start-up" bugs ironed out things will look a lot better. He will be on a highly restrictive diet for the rest of his life, but he HAS the rest of his life!!! :-)

For the Birds...

A few more bird houses. Having a hard time getting out anywhere lately...great weather, but I am still pretty busy/housebound with R.

Home Tweet Home

Bad pun, I know, but couldn't resist. I collect bird houses, and even though most of them haven't been occupied, they are still sweet homes!!
I love this one. I got it at a gallery back in Petosky, Michigan many years ago; all the rocks are from the local beach. So--birdhouse, beach rocks (another fave), and Michigan, all combined into one funky little stone cottage.

Home "Sweet" Home

This cookie jar is just a couple of years younger than me--yep, an antique! My mom always had it filled with cookies, so when I read this week's theme, this is the first thing that came to mind.