Feelin' groovy?

It's May 1st tomorrow.

When did that happen?????

Didn't it turn into 2008 just the other day?

I continue to feel like time is just flying by me.

It brings to mind one of Simon and Garfunkel's old songs from the 60's:

The 59th Street Bridge Song

"Slow down, you move too fast.

You got to make the mornin' last.

Just kickin' down the cobblestones,

Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy.

Hello lamppost, whatcha knowin'?

I come to watch your flowers growin'.

Aintcha got no rhymes for me?

doo it doo doo, feelin' groovy.

Ba da da da da da da, feelin' groovy.

I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep.

I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.

Let the morningtime drop all it's petals on me

Life, I love you, all is groovy!

Ba da da da da da da bap a dee...."

Now those were the times when the days didn't speed by quite as quickly as they do now. Life was so much more carefree and easy back then, wasn't it?

Wasn't it????

Maybe it just seems that way to me now that I am getting old and 'cranky' instead of feeling young and 'groovy'...

Hmmm.

La La Land?

"If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities." -Maya Angelou

OK. I admit it.

I want everyone to be happy...and I want the world to be a kinder, friendlier place for all.

Heaven knows, I have tried to accomplish this quite often...and, it can be truly exhausting at times...but, it is part of my nature and very difficult to change.

So, when I saw this comic in yesterday's newspaper, I couldn't resist sharing it on my blog.

I'd write more about it, but I have some "fairy friendly dust" to spread...

(Consider yourself "dusted"...and have a great day!)

: )

Just a "normal, ordinary day"...

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.

One day I shall.....want, more than all the world, your return."

Mary Jean Iron

I wish you all just a lovely, normal, ordinary day today. : )

xoxo

Grammie

I'm going to try and get an "Owen Kiss"

C'mon Owen....give Daddy a kiss

GOTCHA !!!!!

Why is this crazy lady taking pictures of WEEDS?

"Lord, give me the determination and tenacity of a weed." Mrs. Leon Waters

I took my camera along on my morning walk today with every intention of snapping some beautiful pictures of the new spring growth in my neighborhood.

As I walked, I couldn't help but notice....the weeds.

They were springing up everywhere...in the midst of well-cared for gardens...in a crack in the sidewalk...or standing solo in a mass of pine straw.

It made me stop and think about the tenacity of a weed. It always finds a fertile spot to grow...much to the gardener's dismay.

It not only grows...but thrives. And, it does this without much care...no fertilizer...no pruning...no frequent watering.

So, I decided to dedicate my post today to the miraculous weed as I snapped these pictures to share along the way.

"A weed is no more than a flower in disguise." (Author Unknown)

Beware of some weeds that may cause severe itching and great discomfort!!!

Of course, sometimes to our delight, we find something beautiful growing bravely among the weeds...

Missing my "GROWIN' Owen....

and watching his growin' (and glowin'!) mommy

Vroom-Vroom

As the motorcycles approached the track nearest to where we were sitting, it sounded like the drone of a thousand bees.

Coming around the steep turn, the cyclists were all slanted so low to the ground that it was amazing that they were able to stay up!

Of course, not all of them did as a few came careening around...lost their balance...and went crashing into the side pebble pit.(luckily, there weren't any serious injuries that day!)

This was my first experience at Barber Motorsports Park watching the mototcycle races and it was a unique one.

Sunday was a glorious day here in Birmingham...warm temperatures....bright sunshine...blue skies...and low humidity. Dave's brother and sister-in-law were in town from Pittsburgh...so, we made a picnic lunch, packed up the car, and headed out to the beautiful track about 20 minutes away.

Spectators were sprawled out all over the place on the rolling hills of grass surrounding the winding track. We picked out our "spot" and settled in for a few of the races while enjoying our sandwiches and a cold beer.

Chairs were unfolded and tents and umbrellas were put up on the grounds as people of all types and ages arrived for this event-The Honda Superbike Classic. It was a real "people-watching" treat as you can imagine!

At one point we walked down closer to the track and tried to snap a few pictures as these cycles were traveling at speeds around 190 mph!

Absolutely amazing!

(We are under the little light blue and white striped umbrella!)

(Dave brought along the Sunday paper to read in between races...)

He ain't heavy....he's my.....SON! : )

It looks like Adam is getting a little boost to his exercise program these days! I wonder how he felt after Owen got off and held his arms out for "more"! : O

We're expecting three more!

Now that I have your attention....no new grandbaby announcements...I am speaking of the three eggs that have now been laid gently in the nest by my front door. (See post below: "Home Sweet Nest")

I have been anticipating the eggs for several days now...and just spotted them this morning.

Now I need to get online and see what species of bird is nesting at my front door....and how long it should be before I hear the little chirping of three new baby chicks!

Updates coming...

Happy, Happy Birthday, Adam!!!!!!!!!

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday dear Daddy Happy birthday to you!"

This picture looked like Owen was singing to his Daddy, so I thought that it was appropros for this special day.

My first-born turns 34 (!!) today! I can hardly believe it!

My dear, sweet Adam....I am sending you birthday hugs and love today and always! You are so awesome...

and I love you so very much,

xoxo

Mom

Home Sweet Nest

Mid pleasures and palaces, though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. John Howard Payne

As one approaches my front door, there is a hanging planter filled with trailing ivy as well as a few Spring flowers that I fill it with every year.

But, there won't be any flowers this year.

A family of birds from my neighborhood decided to make their nest at my front door...carefully placing pine straw and other bits and pieces of nature into a lovely swirling nest.

I have looked inside--no eggs yet--it could be that the nest is still in under construction--but, I dare not touch this new little home until long after the new family has hatched and flown away.

This little ritual calls on all of my maternal instincts and gives me a sense of peace to know that I will have a new little "family" sharing my space.

I guess that the real estate market isn't quite as bad for the birds as it is for the rest of us...!

He said it! He said it!

At 7:25 this morning I got a phone call from Minneapolis.

Jenny's mom, Judy, is visiting with the kids and Owen this weekend and she had some news for me.

Owen said "Grammie" !!!!!!!

Well, it was more like "Gammie"....

But, I'll take it! : )

So, what's the big deal???? : )

Stopping, and remembering...

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

H. Ellis

In the rush of going and doing I still find myself stopping and remembering...

Not a day goes by that my dad is not in my thoughts.

I know that it will get easier in time...but, for now, it seems to get more difficult with each passing day.

The finality of it all is what I struggle with the most.

Something will happen and I tend to think about how Dad would enjoy the moment.

As I continue to get the joyous news of more grandchildren coming this year, my heart aches for the fact that Dad will not be here to get to know two more great-grandchildren.

I remember the pleasure that he got the last time that he was with Owen when the family got together to celebrate Mom and Dad's 65th wedding anniversary. He was down on the floor with Owen, even though his 89 year old body made it quite difficult.

As Dad was sitting on the chair with his feet propped up on the ottoman, I remember the delighted look on his face when I placed his first great-grandchild on his lap...ready for a bottle.

I recall that Dad seemed weaker than I had ever seen him...with some labored breathing and wheezing. But, he did not let that stop him from enjoying the glorious moments with his family.

He was the Patriarch....and these were the times when I know that he had to feel that he was a very successful man...Not in terms of money or possessions...but, in love.

I miss you, Dad....and I will hold on to the memories of you forever in my heart.

Me and the trees in Point Clear

"I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do." Willa Cather

I was so intrigued by the trees in Point Clear...especially these along the walking trail by the bay.

With their outstretched arms they seem to embrace the sky with their strong presence...They have survived nature's wrath and are still standing-- as a testament to their strength and determination.

They offer a vision of hope to all those who have the privilege to walk under them...