90 / 365 Tweet! Tweet!

During the office renovation, my colleagues and I have taken the opportunity to change the decor in our cubicle areas.  My friend P brought her bird clock from home; when the hands mark the hour, the corresponding bird sings.  I can hear it from across the room and like to try to identify the bird.  At the time this picture was taken, I believe the white-throated sparrow was tweeting.

I jokingly told her that I might look for a small fountain for my side of the room to simulate a babbling brook and then we could create a whole woodland-nature feel in the office.  A great idea, if I do say so myself!

89 / 365 Out Like a Lamb (Maybe)

H took this picture this morning (while standing on our front stoop looking out across the yard) for the sole purpose of taunting his colleagues in Boston.  They’re expecting a full-blown blizzard on April Fool’s Day as the bad weather we’ve had the past few days moves Up North.  I’m so happy that we live Down South!

88 / 365 Silky Smooth (I Hope)

For those of you who don’t recognize this, it’s a Brillo pad that somehow found its way into the wash.  Luckily, it was in with some rags and towels that had been used for cleaning.  I was just about to add a load of undies when I discovered it.  Not wanting to take a chance on any lingering bits of steel wool in the washer and dryer, I wiped down the insides of both units and rewashed everything before starting an actual load of wearables.

H, thoughtful as always, asked me this evening if my undies were as silky-smooth as usual.  I assured him there had been no unexpected sensations today.

87 / 365 The Sentinels of Spring

After three days of heavy rains, our camellias are laden with water and just hanging from the trees.  The back yard feels absolutely lush and tropical.

86 / 365 Recuperation

Yesterday, the cough that has kept us from sleeping eventually won out, and H and I spent the morning at the local Urgent Care Center, where I was diagnosed with allergies, bronchial spasms, and constricted air passages.  A supply of medications got me through the final preparation and successful execution of my sister’s party, but I was exhausted when we got home close to midnight.  I didn’t get out of bed today until 4 p.m.  It’s been a slow day.

85 / 365 SURPRISE!!!!

After months of silence, I can finally mention the surprise birthday party we threw for my sister, who turned fifty on Friday.  These bobble-head cupcakes were just one highlight of an event that featured a jazz band, great food, a suitably embarrassing video, over seventy guests, and a very happy guest of honor.

84 / 365 Cough! Cough! Groan…

I have developed a nasty cough over the past couple of days, most likely because of allergies.  Several times an hour, a tiny tickle triggers a ten-minute coughing fit.  I was up three times last night, drinking fluids, gargling with salt water, and sucking on throat lozenges trying to soothe the flames.  I know I kept H awake most of the night, but (other than checking each time to make sure I wasn’t going to expire on him) he never said a word. 

Sometime early this morning, H quietly got out of bed (he let me sleep in) and found the name of an over-the-counter cough medicine that his mom’s lung doctor had suggested to her.  He then looked it up on the Internet and emailed me a picture of the box because he knows I’m am better with visuals… and he added the item to my morning grocery shopping list.  I just love that man!



83 / 365 The Work Never Ends

I had dinner out with a friend and came home to find H still “workin’ like a dog.”

82 / 365 A Little Drink of Water

The weather is warming up, and H and I have started dining on our screened-in porch again.  I love sitting out there with nature right at my fingertips; the birds are so close I can almost reach out and stroke a feather or two.  I keep several feeders and baths close by in the back yard in an effort to attract a variety of birds.  This birdbath is a favorite of mine… a gift from a friend.  It sits in the secret garden amongst the ferns, just calling out for customers.

81 / 365 Operation Install is About to Commence

Wrapped inside this mesh is the new carpet for the office… one of six rolls delivered today.  Installation begins tomorrow.

80 / 365 A Humbling Morning

This morning, as I helped a church visitor find her way back to her car in an out-of-the-way parking spot, I discovered a young man in his early twenties stretched out on the sidewalk in front of this lobby door, disoriented and obviously in distress.

Over the next forty-five minutes I witnessed such an abundance of respect and kindness that I was humbled beyond measure…  from our senior pastor, who sat with him until help came, to the seven paramedics who arrived by fire truck, rescue vehicle, and ambulance, each one calm and caring while information was gathered and vitals taken.  As the last door closed and the ambulance on its way, I knew this young man would be cared for.

79 / 365 Tales of Yore

H, his mom, and I celebrated the end of a very busy day with dinner out. The evening was filled with so much laughter and wonderful tales of the past that I could have stayed for hours more.  It was a great way to end the weekend.

78 / 365 A Friendly Invitation

This evening after dinner, H and I explored the shops along Canton Street in Roswell, and we ambled past this sign.  It was situated at the end of a dividing hedge between an events facility and an antique shop.  I’m not sure which establishment was extending the invitation, but I think it could make for an interesting evening if taken to heart. 

77 / 365 It’s That Time Again

Looking at my sister’s blog last night, I knew I had to get out into the secret garden to see if anything new was pushing through to the sunlight.  Down on my hands and knees, brushing dirt and debris aside, I discovered a trillium with the beginnings of a bloom.   What's the big deal?  Well, I’ve only seen them bloom in the wild or at the botanical garden or my friend P’s house (where this one came from), but never in my own garden.   It just made my day!

76 / 365 Watch Your Step!

Welcome to Mt. Zion, and please pardon our mess.  Watch your step!  Yes, the restroom is located at the end of the hall.  Oops!  Sorry… it seems to be occupied by a bookcase... try the one around the corner by the Youth Center.  Thanks for stopping by.  Hope to see you again soon!

Excuse me?  What's that?  No, the Fun Meter has been packed away.

75 / 365 Accentuate the Positive

I don’t listen to the radio too much when I’m in the car, but when I do, my favorite music is from the 1940s. On my way to the church office I heard Johnny Mercer’s Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive, a snappy little song written in the style of a sermon (how appropriate).  Given that we’re in the thick of boxing up, it seemed very fitting.  Here are the words to the chorus – better yet, click on the link to sing along.  It’ll make you smile.

You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene

74 / 365 Bedraggled

Just this past weekend the blooms on our tulip tree were really lush and full, and now look at them.  One good rainstorm was all it took.

73 / 365 Where to Begin?

Maybe I’m misremembering, but I used to be much better at handling chaos.  We started packing up the office today in preparation for new carpeting, fresh paint, and cubicle reorganization.  The improvements will be fabulous once completed, but my stress level is climbing and I’m pretty sure that I did not win the Miss Congeniality contest today.  (It wasn't a good day for the Fun Meter either.)  Thank goodness tomorrow presents an opportunity for a better attitude... and I’m sure my co-workers silently agree.

72 / 365 Early Bloomer

Spring makes herself evident in many ways, but for me, I know it has arrived when our Yoshino Cherry Tree starts to bloom.  It is one of the first to show off its delicate pink and white flowers, and when a breeze rustles the limbs, it looks like it's snowing as the petals float to the ground.  Guess what’s blooming in our back yard!

71 / 365 Changing Times

This bowl sits on my dresser in the bedroom.  It was my father’s, a gift from my sisters and me many, many years ago.  I’m sure my mother let us pick it out, hence its charming gaudiness.  It sat on his dresser, filled with what-nots, until he passed away.

The sun was streaming through the window this morning, and I love the patterns of the light on the bowl and the dresser.  We change to Daylight Saving Time tonight…a welcome sign of the longer days of Spring.

70 / 365 The Little Foxes

H and I enjoyed an evening with friends at Marietta’s Theatre in the Square.  We saw The Little Foxes by playwright Lillian Hellman – a great evening of greed, deception, and betrayal.

69 / 365 Measure for Measure

Calculated chaos reigned in the office today as a team of volunteers prepared to paint the walls, install new carpet, and reconfigure our work cubicles.  I answered lots of questions and provided various tools and supplies as needed.  I had to laugh, though, when one of the men asked for a tape measure, and I handed over mine with its Pinocchio face and broken retractable nose.  Needless to say, the offer was declined with a request for a more manly version.  I guess guys just take their tools pretty seriously.  

68 / 365 Lonely Hearts Club Band

I love this jacket!  I bought it last year on sale and then didn’t have the courage to wear it because it’s so bright and different from my normal garb.  However, I woke up this morning to gray and stormy skies and thought, If I can’t wear it around my friends, then when?  So off I went to work in a blaze of orange.

Before I left the house, I stopped by H’s office for a kiss goodbye.  His eyebrows arched quizzically and with a huge smile on his face, he commented, “I feel like I’m married to Sergeant  Pepper – but I mean that as a compliment!”

67 /365 Easter Goodness

The Early Bird Circle is one of several women’s groups at the church.  Each year during Lent they put together Easter baskets filled with such items as small toys, candies, stuffed animals, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, storybooks, and chocolate bunnies.  The baskets are then delivered to MUST Ministries to be distributed to children of families in need.  Fifty baskets were delivered today.  It was a pretty cool sight.

66 / 365 Birthday Celebration

March is a big month at the office for birthdays.  Today’s was P’s, and she received lots of well wishes, cards, and calls.  Her daughter sent her flowers and this oversized fortune cookie.  If you look closely, you’ll see that it is covered with chocolate sprinkles and decorations; the birthday message was on a large slip of paper inside.  It was a very festive day.

65 / 365 On the Road Again

Today H and I headed back home after a long weekend visiting friends in Nashville.  The ride always seems longer on the return trip.  We passed the time by listening to country music, as a sort of tribute to Nashville.  I’ve never heard so much crying and shaming and hurting in all my life.  I thought I’d share a few snippets from various songs since they’re still in my head:

It’s another wasted morning and I’m bouncing off the wall…

One thing is for sure, I don’t love you anymore…

The clothes she was wearing told me a sad tale, my darling was there wearing a new bridal veil…

The Lord knows I’m drinking and running around…

Please don’t stop loving me, for I couldn’t live with you gone…

The sentiments went on and on.  I was worn out when I got home.

Of course, I’m sure you’re wondering what the picture above has to do with heartbreak and sad country songs; actually, not a thing, but I thought this tourist information trailer was funny with its faux log cabin look.  It was at a rest stop that we paused at on the way home.   Plus, it’s hard to take a picture of music on the radio.



64 / 365 On the Air

I’ve never been to a live radio broadcast before, but this morning H and I, along with our friends V and M, sat in the audience of the Grinder's Switch Hour in Centerville, TN.  I didn’t quite know what we were getting into, but the live music, special guest singer, 4H speakers, and Chamber of Commerce announcements surpassed my expectations.  It was a wonderful dose of small town hospitality and fun.

63 / 365 Roadside Delicacies

For H and me, traveling is synonymous with snacking.  As soon as we settle in the car, we start planning our snack stops.  Today, on our way to visit faraway friends, we swung into a favorite Welcome Center and treated ourselves to junk food.

To us, nothing says “Welcome” like a heavily fortified snack center.    

62 / 365 Mix ‘n’ Match

One of the many things I love about my husband is that he has never expected me to do his laundry – on the contrary, he has asked me to stay away from his clothes hamper.  When we both realized that we had wash to do this evening,  I giggled and suggested “Let’s go wild and mix our clothes into one load!”  My hopes were dashed when he reminded me that the last (and only) time he had added something of mine to his wash, his t-shirts came out pink (albeit a very, very pale pink). 

Maybe we’ll save the combined load for our tenth wedding anniversary.

61 / 365 Approaching the Castle

H’s favorite place to shop is Fry's Electronics. The store’s location is one of the first waypoints he programmed into his car’s GPS, and (not surprisingly) the icon that he assigned to it is a castle.  We had occasion to visit this evening, and I always get a kick out of seeing the image appear on the horizon and grow larger as we get closer.    

60 / 365 Is This a Trick?

The vet gave me some sample treats for P today to see what he thought about them.  They are bite-size chews meant to “support a healthy urinary tract,” a concern in light of his failing kidneys.  I love the description: Appetizing chicken liver flavor!   Appealing fish shape!  How many cats do you know who care about the shape of their medicine?