What Is A Baby Cocoon? Do You Know?

When I first heard at the end of 2012 that "The Stork" was going to be visiting our family I was very surprised and thrilled. Oh my, where does the time go?  I wasn't blogging at that time so I thought I would blog at this time about the Cocoon. 

I got busy with my crochet hook and made a Cocoon. I had seen theses cozy little bundles in blog land and thought I could make one for the baby that would be gender flexible. So, I chose yarn that had both blue and pink. 

It was nice to give the mommy and daddy to-be something at Christmas time before any of the special baby events started happening. They were very surprised and appreciative.

 

So, here we go. The cocoon is just a big sack for the baby to slip in and usually there is a matching cap. Kind of like "Snug as a bug in a rug".

This is a Google Image showing you the idea.

The cocoon is used when the baby is a newborn and for a short time after, depending upon the size of the baby.

I placed a blue ribbon on one side and a pink ribbon on the other side so they could take off one of the colors when the baby was born. 

I do not have a picture of my Great Grandson in it. I'll have to ask if one was taken. And, I do not know if the cocoon was ever used.

I do know that from day one this baby boy was definitely going to be a boy-boy. There were a lot of sports team tiny baby clothes! The cocoon may have been too foo-foo like.

When a baby is born "these days" it's a very different world than when my babies were born 50 some years ago! Yes I sound old, but it's only a number?

None the less, all of the baby things are cute.

Thank you for letting me share these cute baby photos and "a cocoon" with you.


Come back and visit soon.

Mary 

Simply Daffodil

It certainly is Daffodil time of the year. There are many points of interest with beautiful spreads of daffodils in our little community.

Last year about this time when I was arranging some flowers for an arrangement for Sundays Church Alter I realized how similar my result was to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

Even though I was doing it Sunday morning before church, I recall that I felt so calm and centered while enjoying the process. The daffodils were from my garden as well as the Magnolia Stellata which I went looking for in the garden in the morning. And, the large granite flower base really grounds the delicate florals.

My garden is not blooming as years prior. The Magnolia is about 10 feet tall but has had very few blossoms this year. Can you imagine what it would look like if it was in full bloom. I know fertilizer may be an issue but also changing weather conditions.

"Ikebana is much more than mere floral decoration."

A little more about Ikebana, according to Ikebana International. "Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature."

"In principle, Ikebana aims not at bringing a finite piece of nature into the house, but rather at suggesting the whole of nature, by creating a link between the indoors and the outdoors. Ikebana is creative expression within certain rules of construction. Its materials are living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. Its heart is the beauty resulting from color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and meaning latent in the total form of the arrangement."

We had a wonderful rain storm last night. We are in serious need of rain here in California. Rain is a blessing!

Come back again. I like your visits.

Mary

Man's Best Friend

This picture and caption took my breath away this morning when I saw it in the morning e-newspaper. It also brought tears to my eyes. My emotions are very close to the surface these days. It doesn't take much for me to cry! My pets have been such a big part of my adult life!

"A true best friend is one who stays with you no matter how bad things may get."

Hug your pets! There is no way we can return the amount of love they give us.

Thanks for coming by to visit. 

Mary 

Lunch For One And Some Crochet Time

Why not, have breakfast for Lunch? Are you one of those people who some times like to find a restaurant that serves "Breakfast All Day"? I know I am not the only one or they wouldn't serve it all day,

Well, my lunch was delicious with nice crusty french bread, thick sliced bacon and fresh eggs with golden yolks. Topped off with a nice glass of 100% orange juice.

Just look at those perfectly fried eggs with firm whites and yummy golden creamy yolks.  I did good, don't ya think?

And, now a little "hooking".

It is nice to return to some of the things that I enjoy so much. I love these spring colors for dishcloths. It always surprises me when someone is so happy to receive one or more of these dishcloths.

These colors just make me feel happy!

Thanks for stopping by. Take good care of yourself and others. OK.

Mary

I Really Like To Cook On A Rainy Day

May I present Herbs de Provence Vinegar Braised Chicken With Onions And Tomatoes.

I am not sure of the exact recipe because I used what I had in the cupboard after reading several recipes. It was a lot of fun.

It smells wonderful and tastes grand. Serving it the next day will help the flavors to meld. 

I will be serving it over Creamy Polenta because the pungent flavors of the sauce ask for a substantial base. And, the yellow color of polenta should look very nice with the red sauce. I hope it will be a nice presentation for dinner guests.

I love having the little Spice Shop only a block away. Their product is always fresh and small portions can be purchased.

Mary

Gracie

I am so happy to see some blossoms on this azalea that has special meaning to me. Because it almost died this past fall from lack of water when I was in the hospital.  It was all wilted and the leaves were dry and yellow in color and were falling off.



This was a gift from a neighbor from where I lived before moving to the Sierra Foothills. She gave it to me when I had my back surgery in 1992. She was quite a bit older than me and she no longer is living. She was a great neighbor and a very good friend of mine. It was a flower from the florist and I named it Gracie in her memory.

When I returned home from the hospital this past fall, I was told that I was not to water any plants and to "Let the damn plants die". Hurtful! Nasty! The next day I was reprimanded for watering the patio plants! Astounding behavior from someone who did not live with me or ever spend a "sleep-over". Controlling! Abusive! You maybe know how much my garden and plants mean to me. A lot!

This is what the plant usually looks like during the blooming season! This picture was taken a few years back when it was smaller. The color is a little off because I had to scan the picture. You can be sure that I will nurture the azalea back to good health.

It's important to take care of what nature gives us. It is such a wonderful gift!

Mary

Who Lives There

That's a very big house sitting on a lot of land complete with horse stables and you name it, it has it.

This is the home of MY TWIN BROTHER in Southern California. Yes, I am a twin. I guess I posted about this in 2009. Just click on this link Twin Brother and scroll to see some childhood photos and a little about the family dynamics.

The last time I saw my twin brother was probably at the memorial service when my mother passed away in 1990 - or maybe it was when my oldest brother passed away after that time. 

It is extremely unfortunate that none of my family members have been close with one another. And, now it is only my twin brother and myself that are left. I have not been to his home. Never been invited. However, he sent me the photo of some of his horses after I called him a couple years ago. I found this photo of his home on the internet in 2009 some time after he bought the place. All three of my brothers were married and had very successful careers in their chosen professions. My twin brother has taken the position of distancing himself from the family as long as I can remember. And, the three brothers never got along. It is my belief that the parenting style had a significant influence on family relationships! My two oldest brothers chose not to have children. That may say something!

For about the last 15 years of my oldest (eight years older) brother's life, he and I became quite close and it was wonderful to have him to talk to and to visit. He lived in Oregon and was a wonderful person. 

Especially, at times like this when I am going through difficult life changes and events it would be so wonderful to have a brother who cared about me. The vast majority of my life I have felt very alone and have been alone.

What's the saying - - - - - - - - -

 And, this is my "Humble Little Abode" for which I am extremely grateful. 

I have worked very hard to obtain and keep my little home. 

(December 2013)

Mary

It Was A Lonely Winter

Sitting all alone, all by itself. What could be so special about this green thing that it is the only plant in my little raised vegetable bed and how has it survived through the winter . It has such a pretty green color. Any guesses?

No. No. No. Oh, come on. Some one in blog land must know. O.K. I didn't really give you a chance to answer, did I?

I think it is quite pretty with the shades of deep pink. It looks so interesting.

OK, this is called a Walking Onion, a member of the Allium family. Some of you gardeners may recognize it for its uniqueness and invasive habit. It is also called Tree Onion, Egyptian Walking Onion or Winter Onion.

A year or so ago, when we were visiting a local winery and their Friday Night Summer Dinners In The Garden we also visited the summer season Farmer's Market which is held at the same location.

As I perused the table of familiar fruits and vegetables I saw this strange, to me, looking bulb in a basket that was full of similar bulbs, just different sizes.

And, this is what it looks like in it's mature stage and ready for harvesting. However, the whole plant is edible. I understand that they have a milder flavor than regular onions. Use them in recipes like any other onions.

(google image)

These onions are self-propagating and over-wintering. The weight of the bulbs cause them to droop to the ground and start growing. Thus, the name Walking Onion. They can be planted by just dropping the individual bulbs on the ground, as well.

Interesting! Don't you think? I hope you can find some of these to plant in your garden. They look like a fun conversation piece.

Mary 

God's Blessings

Mary

Lunch For One And Bright Colors

Something a little different for today. When I came in from the garden I went straight for the refrigerator for the Braunschweiger and Swiss Cheese that I bought yesterday. Recently, a friend prepared a similar sandwich for me and I have been craving another one something bad. I put this together so fast along with Dutch Crust French Bread, Lettuce, Mayonnaise and Grey Poupon Mustard and my lunch was made! Next time I will add some sliced red onion. I think that is a nice addition. Oh, I also had a banana and a small glass of white wine for lunch.  

                                            It tasted really good!

Love these Bright Colors.

I have had a Very Nice Day and I am feeling Very Healthy. It is Wonderful.

Mary

I Am So Happy To Be In The Garden

While doing some garden watering and maintenance this morning I noticed the garden has started to awaken  following the sleepy months. Camellias, tulips, forsythia and phlox have started to show a little color. Actually, the forsythia is looking fabulous. I love the bright yellow. It is always a joyous time when the garden starts to come alive. I am so happy to have time to work at getting the garden looking nice. It has been neglected far too long.  One thing it really needs is fertilizer. I can't remember the last time I was able to fertilize.

The biggest challenge is going to be getting the weeds under control.  It is going to take a lot of hand weeding. I'll just do the best I can. And, I'll be sure to enjoy the process.

It is to soon to take the camera out to the garden! Be assured, I will take pictures when it is time.

Mary

Stress Meter Update And Good Stuff

Well, it is up and down but mostly down. So, that is very very good. The meter is actually mostly down except when I am pestered or bothered by a person I want to totally avoid. I will no longer expose myself to abuse in any manner or shape. He continues to "pop up" in places where I am (Saturday & Yesterday) and tries to engage my attention. It just ain't going to happen. I am totally not interested in a "Wildebeest in Sheep's Clothing". I don't intend to defame the wildebeest. Just trying to make a point. OK, I have spoken. Now, on to good stuff.

My energy level is high. For the last two days I have been able to thoroughly wash and wax (by hand) my car. It is not garaged so it was an extreme mess. It is a huge task, but my next goal is to start to clean the garage. For the past four years I have been told to "just get a dump truck and it will be empty in no time". Sensitivity and helpfulness, right? How 'bout just plain lazy! I take pride in maintaining my home, possessions and myself in decent order. However, my family and friends are my first priority in my life.

I had a Wonderful Weekend with lots of fun and sunshine along with love, love and more love from so many friends in my little community. Friends are so happy that I am "free after four years".  I am so blessed.

And, I am so excited with anticipation of  having family around me at Easter Time!

Mary

p.s. I will get past my current questionable attitude as soon as possible. I know it isn't "very pretty".  

Look At Those Eyes And EyeLashes

And, I get to see him in a few weeks when he brings his Mommy and Daddy for Easter Dinner. His Aunt Kathy and Uncle Paul will also be coming. They have not seen his Mommy for ten years. I am so thrilled! Isn't it wonderful how sometimes a baby can bring a family back together?

Mary

Saint Patrick's Day

Looking at the calender, I see that this is officially Saint Patrick's Day. I guess I am not late with my post. Of, course we can post anything on any day we want on our little personal blogs. 

I love the look of these cookies. Almost to beautiful to eat! It would be nice to have a tray of these on my dining table along with some hot tea and we could have a little tete-a-tete.  This image is from google images.

The past week has been filled with events that caused me to be in a "high stress mode". I am happy to say that I think I have jumped the hurdles that were causing me to feel a little crazy. And, the week ended on a very good note and a little celebrating of the Green.  

This freshly painted shamrock is at the corner of my street and Main Street downtown Murphys. Several shamrocks are freshly painted on the town streets at this time of every year in preparation for Murphys Irish Days. This is probably the biggest event of the year for our little town with Parade, Craft- Food Vendors, Wine Tasting and lots of frivolity.

This is what the corner looked like on Saturday during parade time. 

And, this is what the street looked like just prior to parade time. Last year attendance was in excess of 10,000 visitors to Murphys! 

The church I attend serves a Pancake, Eggs and Ham Breakfast as a Fund Raiser every year. It is a very popular event with the community. Four hundred and eleven tickets were sold.  That little church was filled to capacity. A fabulously organized event was enjoyed by many people.

And, here are some parade pictures. There were many walking groups like Scouts, Dance Schools, Humane Society and Native Sons. The list goes on and on. But, I only took a few pictures so I could enjoy the parade.

If you are interested in more information on the history of St. Patrick's Day, our local newspaper has a nice article. Click on this link http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/news/article_c12ee4a2-ab07-11e3-b350-0019bb2963f4.html for some interesting reading.

Mary