Saturday, October 27, 2012

Vermont at last...

I had not been able to travel to my beloved Vermont for the past few years, but finally made it this year for an all-too-short visit. 
But I can't complain... any trip to Vermont is a great one!
Here are just a few photos from my trip ... I already miss being there!


YES, WELCOME... this is the great sign that greets you at the visitors center in Fair Haven...
And where would you like to go??


Moss Glen Falls, near Stowe, Vt. It's worth the hike ... and sore muscles...



The beautiful church and view of Stowe, Vt. I love staying in the town. If you ever go, don't miss Pie in the Sky ... the best pizza place up there!!!




Ah, the pleasures of driving on this road and reaching Smuggler's Notch...


Stowe has a catamount!!


Disturbing sculpture in Burlington...

But the fire juggler in Burlington was great!

Up on Smuggler's Notch...


A bit of a retro touch in our motel room. Check out the Golden Eagle if you're in Stowe... love it there!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Farewell, sweet Yellow Cat...





Our beloved Yellow Cat crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday. 




We were not expecting to lose him, so finding out that a silent illness had sapped him of his strength and very lifeblood was a horrible blow. It is never easy to say goodbye; it is especially difficult to bid farewell to a soul as gentle as Yellow Cat.





I remember when he first started to hang out around our house years ago. He would show up from time to time, disappear, then reappear. We'd say, "There's that yellow cat again," and when he started coming closer and we'd feed him, we'd simply call him Yellow Cat.

When he finally became part of our home, after showing up during a blizzard, the name just stuck.




We never knew exactly how old he was, since he had come to us as an adult.
Yellow Cat had a penchant for sitting around with his tongue sticking out a bit -- just part of his special,  gentle personality. He was a lover, not a fighter. He sought out laps, loved to be petted, enjoyed soft pillows and gentle touches.



Yellow Cat was such a sweet, old soul. Each of our cats is precious in his or her own way, and each one is an individual. Having many does not mean we do not mourn the loss of each one when his or her  time comes. There are not enough words to capture his personality and all that he meant to us over the years.
He soothed many of our sorrows, brightened our days, prompted us to laugh and, in the end, to shed many tears.

The need to help Yellow Cat cross the Rainbow Bridge was horribly painful. The knowledge that he is at peace and with his feline brothers and sisters helps a bit.
Sweet, sweet boy, we will never forget you.
Thank you for enriching our lives...

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Welcome September...

It's finally September 1, and even though it was about 90 again today, I have hope that autumn is approaching.
And who needs more proof than this?


Yes, I was at a local thrift store today and spotted this gem. It's apparently an all-purpose fall decoration. The cowboy riding the turkey (Thanksgiving) appears to have a pumpkin head (Halloween). And what says autumn more than a turkey in cowboy boots?
I passed on purchasing this, something I am SURE to regret, but had to share it with you.

Last evening, August 31, was the blue moon, of course -- you know, when we have two full moons in one month. I only had my iPhone handy, but captured a few photos. They aren't professional, to say the least, but here are two of them.


It seems a fitting salute to the very hot month we've just endured.

Now, with September here, PLEASE grant us some cooler days and chilly nights.
I, for one, am more than ready to see some autumn hues again!

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Butterfly days...








OK, I'm no expert and someone is sure to tell me these are really moths, but I don't care.

On a beautiful afternoon this week, I was delighted to find many of these gorgeous butterflies having a terrific time on the mint plants my daughter has planted.
I know, you're not supposed to plant mint, but we love it. So there.
And so did these wonderful creatures.
I've snapped quite a few photos with my iPhone, and here are a few I hope you enjoy.
August is flying along, autumn may be here soon (I can't wait).
But on this afternoon, I was thrilled by the presence of this beauty.





Saturday, August 11, 2012

Still time to visit the 4-H Fair!!

It's Saturday morning, and today is the final day for this year's Montgomery County 4-H Fair, on Route 113 in Skippack.
But there's still plenty of time today to check out the animals -- including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and much more -- plus the multitude of other 4-H projects, fair games, food and fun.
Here's one of the cows at the fair, caught napping on Friday afternoon. This is a Brown Swiss ... head to the fair and see how many other breeds you can identify!

You also can check out the fowl tent -- fowl as in chickens, ducks, etc. -- where kids can play some games and everyone can vote for their favorite birds! Here are a few I voted for...


This is a turkey shown above ... and yes, it really DOES have a head...


And above you see a really sweet goose!

Of course there is plenty of food to be found. Be sure to check out the ice cream being sold by the Montgomery County 4-H Dairy Club. My coffee ice cream on Friday was terrific!

And each summer I treat myself to one funnel cake splurge...
Yes, I pigged out at the 4-H Fair ... but it was worth it!


So head over there today... support the kids and the 4-H program!!


Sunday, July 15, 2012

We all scream for...

ICE CREAM!!
Hope everyone enjoyed National Ice Cream Day -- I know I did.
The Energy Station in Vernfield has delicious offerings ... this was a hot fudge sundae with black raspberry ice cream. YES!


I don't often indulge, but hey, sometimes you have to take one for the team.
What excuse can I think of next?
Perhaps Ben and Jerry's can suggest something?

Take time to smell the flowers...

OK, I am not a huge fan of summer, as everyone knows.
And this summer has been so hot, humid and lacking in rain, it's enough to make even the most avid summer fan a bit weary, I'm sure.
My yard is dried up, cracked open and crunches when you walk on it .... at least I don't have to mow.
But the flowers that we planted -- and water every day -- are having a rough go of it. Even one of my forsythia bushes looks ready to throw in the towel.
And the tomato plants? Don't ask,
But there still is beauty to be found.



You can sit and watch the butterflies that touch down lightly on the flowers and even drink from the birdbath.
You can listen to the cicadas sing their summer song.
When we're lucky, there's a lovely breeze in the evenings.
And right now some of my favorite flowers are in bloom -- Queen Anne's Lace and cornflowers.
Some may consider them weeds, but I think they are beautiful. And they seem to stand up the elements fairly well.




I snapped these photos today of the beauties that just come up wild along my lane. I consider them a special summer gift. And they make it a little easier to tolerate these long, hot days.