A Little Sunshine In My Garden

The sunshine came out yesterday but then it started snowing again in the evening! It was surprising to me. I guess I should not be surprised because this weather situation is getting crazier and crazier. The daffodils are in pots protected from the snow. And, they are very very cheerful.

It is so difficult to plan anything socially when the weather is so unpredictable. Tonight, we are planning to go downtown (within walking distance)  to the "grand opening" of a new Steakhouse Italiano named Angelo's. We are expecting it to be a great restaurant because we have been able to experience his delicious food at the little deli he has been running for the past few years. 

I am looking forward to getting out even though I am really suffering from my recent low back incident. If I don't experience more improvement during the next week, I will have to set up an appointment with the orthopedist.  

We still have a reservation for next week to visit Yosemite National Park since we had to change plans a few weeks ago because of the snow. Can you imagine that the US Government may cause us to change plans once again?  If they don't settle the budget the National Park will be closed! 

I know my issues are minuscule in the total scheme of things. However, it would be nice if my back and leg would quickly improve to a lower pain level.

I hope you are experiencing Good Health and having a Happy Day.

Springtime ~ ~ ~ No! No! ~ ~ ~ Not More SNOW

I was just beginning to trust the weather report of only sprinkles of rain. The flowers are starting to bloom, especially the camellias. So, I put together a Spring Table piece. I love bringing flowers into the house and putting little vignettes together. Isn't this pretty?

But, look at what I saw through my dining room window when I got out of bed this morning ! ! ! Is winter ever going to be over?  I waited patiently for the White Stellata Magnolia (see center of photo) to bloom following many snow falls and finally it succeeded. 



It was so beautiful a few days ago.

Have you noticed that many many blogs have  lot of photos of snow this year? It really has been a very white winter.

I hope your day is Fabulous.

 

Is The Doctor In

The last few days have been busy for us catching up on routine medical appointments and having various diagnostic tests. At this point, everything is looking very good, ESPECIALLY, for MSM.  In 2003 he had congenital heart valve repair along with one coronary artery bypass. All of his tests were great. Reportedly, his heart is completely healed and his cholesterol levels are great even without medication! He eats anything and everything he wants. Some things just aren't fair!  I have always had to watch my dietary intake because of familial elevated cholesterol. And, my hypertension has been misbehaving and I am having to work with medication adjustment. I recently had a kidney ultrasound and echocardiogram.  I feel confident that the test results will be within normal limits. I still have to have a bone scan.

Speaking of bones, I have reinjured my low back and have been in a lot of pain radiating down my leg. I knew I was being foolish when I did a physical activity that I should not do!  Will I ever learn?  

It is so wonderful to have bright sunny and warm days. I just love it. The breeze was blowing the flags beautifully.

Our hospital has the nicest little chapel with a very pleasant stained glass mural. If you look closely, you and see a little green frog in the lower left. Our county is known for "The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".

The blue sky and billowy clouds have been so beautiful. It is such a nice change from all the rain and snow.

One evening we had a Crockpot dinner following a busy day with medical "stuff".

I have been busy with other springtime activities but will have to bog about it later. It is time for me to go lie down for a little while with my "ice pack and pain pill"!

I hope you are enjoying these lovely springs days. And, if you are still having winter weather, spring should be on its way soon.  ;>)

A Love Letter To Japan

Today and everyday let us remember our fellow mankind.

Blessings!

Travel Plans Changed Because Of Weather

This week was going to be a week filled with lots of activities and travel. It has been snowing and/or raining so many days that we have not been able to travel as planned. We were going to leave on Monday to drive to Fresno to visit my Granddaughter at college and celebrate her 19th Birthday.  Then we were going to Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 83rd Birthday of MSM.

Yosesmite has closed for the first time in fourteen years because of the snow and power outage. It is such a disappointment. I have been to Yosemite only one time in the past and that was for only a one day visit. We are hoping to go the second week in April.

Yesterday we did get a chance to go out for a nice lunch to celebrate MSM's Birthday. We went to a favorite restaurant called Talulah's. We had a great lunch and they served MSM a special desert with a Birthday candle. He is doing so very well at his age. He was out shoveling snow just a couple days ago. I kid you not, I think he seems younger than he did a year ago. Maybe, "love is the best medicine"!

Today, I invited a friend of ours to have lunch with us. I prepared some Ruben Sandwiches with the leftover corned beef . I have a Wolfgang Puck Panini maker that I bought a few years back when they first came into popularity. The sandwiches were great. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy day.

It's been a Good Day. I hope you are having Good Days no matter what the weather is in your town.

Yes, it's The First Day Of Spring And It's SNOWING AGAIN

It started snowing an hour and a half ago and has been continuous. That is all I have to say!

Except - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I am ready for SPRING WEATHER ! ! !

I hope your day is Cozy.

I Could Not Resist

It just sounded too good not to find time to prepare Nicole's recipe for Corned Beef dinner. It was fabulous!

Simmering the corned beef, onions, carrots and cabbage in Guinness Stout Ale  Beer was a wonderful way to give a delightful flavor to the end result. I also liked putting a glaze on the corned beef and baking it in the oven for a short time.

The Irish Days Celebration went on as planned in spite of the cold day. The crowds were less than usual. But, it was great that it was not snowing during the day and the snow was melting. But, - - - we have more storms on the way!

I hope you are having warmer weather than what we are having.

White As Snow

This is the last photo I took with my Casio digital camera before it died. The little camera served me very well since I bought it in 2008. I must admit that I have dropped it a time or two. I guess it thought “enough is enough, I quit” and I can hardly blame it. It was a good little friend teaching me how to take photos for my blog.

The photo of the White Camellia is the first camellia to bloom in the garden this season. Sadly, it is also, the last photo I took in the garden before a snow storm started this evening about 5:30 PM.

The Big Irish Days Celebration is scheduled for tomorrow.  Unfortunately, the town folk have been preparing for months for the events that are planned. Even, our little church has been working very hard preparing for their annual Pancake Breakfast that was to start at 8:00 AM in the morning. This is a very big storm for us. We lost our power about 7:45 this evening and I am typing this post on my laptop.

From my dining room window you can see the snow as it was beginning to fall. It snowed steady for at least 3 hours.

It looks like my St. Patrick’s Celebration hat is going to stay on the mannequin this year. My Special Man brought it home for me a couple days ago just so I would be festive for the activities on Saturday even if I had to bundle up because of the cold weather.. Do I dare tell you that he has green slacks for the event? This little town really goes “all out” for their celebrations! Just take a look at these photos from last year.

 

These photos are from flicker taken by someone who attended last year.  The crowds were very large on a very sunny day.  It was a great celebration! The above photo is a short block from my home. 

A couple months ago, I bought an inexpensive little camera in case my Casio Exilim EX-S770 did not live much longer. The new one is a Polaroid i1437 and I was able to use it for the snow pictures this afternoon. I hope to get another camera before too long.

The snow has stopped and is quite wet. So, we will have to wait and see what it looks like in the morning. Maybe, enough snow will melt and the - - - - - - Party can begin!

I hope you have a Great Weekend.

A Little Green

This is what I see out my front door. The green moss is so vibrant covering the quartz rock wall around the front patio. It is a great reminder that today is St. Patty's day and there will be lots of activities in my little town this weekend celebrating Irish Days with a street fair, parade and lots of food. As you know I only have to walk a short distance from my front door to be in the center of all of the activity. Today, the sun is shining but rain is forecast for the next five days. How can "they " do that to us. Maybe, the rain gods will change their minds!

Are you ready for your celebrating? I am.

Have a Great Saint Patrick's Day but take it easy with the green beer.  

 

 I love preparing Corned Beef and Cabbage but I'm not sure if I will be taking the time to make "homemade" when we will be so close to all the Corned Beef we could ever want. However, if you are looking for a yummy sounding recipe, check in with Nicole's blog for what sounds like Corned Beef that is out of this world.

 

I will try to take some photos of the festivities to post next week. 

You Don't See This Everyday

Yesterday, when we were out 'n' about following church and brunch we took a short drive to see if the daffodils were blooming at a nearby winery. Yes, they were starting to bloom but what really caught our attention was this "one of a kind" motorcycle in the parking lot.

I never have seen anything like this in the past.

The artistic skill was very impressive. I wonder what it would feel like to see this "animal" coming toward you on the roadway.  Just look at the size of those HORNS!

It was a very rainy day and the first day of daylight savings time. Things seemed a little "off-kilter" but these beautiful blossoms were very cheerful! I could sure use a good dose of sunshine.

I hope your week is starting off with lots of energy. I am working on it!

It's That Time Again

And don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detector.

I hope you have a Wonderful Day.