Hummingbird on My Tree

Okay, perhaps not a real hummingbird, but it did make you look!

This is my Red bud tree that was given to me one year ago on Mother's Day from my boys. It missed the flowering time when I got it, so this was the first we had seen the flowers. From afar, it is just a tinge of pink, almost purple. Close up, a whole new world.

I tweaked the shadows on this one, love how the heart shaped leaves appear orange.

Hope you take a moment every day to walk your grounds and see what the earth is showing you.

My Saturday

After an IMAX showing of How to Train a Dragon for $41.00 for three people, we hung out in the heat. I can't think of an 83 degree day in the beginning of April in Buffalo - ever. It was unbelievable. By the picture above, you see that I am sitting in my garage, the only shade I could find. It was hot.

I made two double crochet stitches in the wad of yarn seen sitting on my table. Texted some friends about peep sushi making (picture coming in my next post) and read the mail.

Those paddles are "shields". The boys had a great time.

It was the most beautiful day.

Nothing better than water fun on a hot day in April.

In Buffalo.

Buffalo, NY.

(I'll take this opportunity to share with those out of towners that contrary to popular belief, it doesn't snow all the time here. In fact, we only had three months of snow this year and less snowfall than Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA.)

Spring Has Sprung

This Rhododendron was transplanted over a year ago and I believe this is the year he shows me his thanks.

This is what happens when you plant on top of other existing plants. I'm thinking of letting it all go, survival of the fittest, see what thrives.


Most people rake in the Fall. We do, but I leave a light coating of leaves in my back bed for fun. And for moments like this one where the new growth pierces through last years remnants.

I hope you are enjoying your spring arrivals.

Spring Monsters

Nope, not purses. People. Boy people.

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We had snow (in parts of this area) on Wednesday and 77 on Friday...that's Buffalo, my friends.

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Seventy-seven means the Super Soakers can come off the high shelf in the garage and get soaking. We are still trying to remember the rules all the time, but soaking is so much fun, that those pesky rules get lost in the drips. The rules? No soaking anyone without their own Super Soaker, no squirting inside the garage and no squirting at close range, specifically in the face. Only two time outs yesterday, so they are getting better. And when I say 'they' I really mean just one :). These are the two we have, this is good for the little ones, much easier to hold and squirt, and, this one is better for the olders with longer squirt action, but the trigger is a little tough for the little ones, leaks a lot, and it always needs refilling.

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I am working on another monster bag for a gal in Maryland who has declared herself a 'Wash My Cloth Monster Bag Collector'. I am honored and humbled by her kindness and support to this chic up in Buffalo trying to make do in life and have fun. Thanks, Jeri!

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And to all you sitting inside reading this...get outside.

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I have nothing else.

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Really, go.

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You are still there. Stop reading.

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Goodbye

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Head for the mountains.

Garage Living

Yup, we will create anywhere. It is amazing how the same tools and activity becomes new and exciting with a simple change of venue.

The weather is becoming more friendly to little fingers and cheeks, the sun stays awake longer and I don't fight with the basket of gloves and hats and scarves every time we want to go outside.

Spring is good. The boys still ask, "Is that it? Am I all set to go?" with this confused tone while only wearing shoes and a light jacket.

Before our new neighbors moved in, the house across the street was occupied by an elderly couple that had transformed their garage into a living room. Complete with artwork, carpeting, television (very loud) and a screen door to replace the garage door.

When we first moved in, I thought it was a little odd and disruptive with the television. Why hang out in the garage, when you have a backyard or a family room? My family never parked a car in the garage. It was a storage shed. Not a living space.

But now I know. The garage is a gathering place for creativity, friends and a shelter from the rain in between puddle jumping.

It's okay to spend time in there, a change of scenery. Just don't disturb the neighbors with blasting the Wheel of Fortune. I'll help you get a Miracle Ear.

Signs of Spring

Yeah, every blog is showing their version of first sprouts and signs of spring.

And I am copying them.

Stonecrop above and what I believe to be grape hyacinths or the other little white thingamabob plant I have.

Either way...invigorating, rejuvenating and hopeful.