Sunday Safari

Sunny and 62 degrees at 2 o'clock.

Crocus in bloom

and lilacs in bud.

Spring is coming too early.

Tulips are emerging,

easily they could be nipped.

The birds are beginning to pair up.
I saw a Grackle this morning at the feeders.

A baby Praying Mantis scurried across the window sill.
I have missed the bugs.

My friend, Poppi, sent me a Dragon she made in school.
I hung Dear Dragon on the front door.
 Dear Dragon can stay on the door all year for it is the year of the Dragon.
It is the year of cherishing friends.
Thank-you Poppi. Dear Dragon is charming.

While my husband painted the office I took my book to the deck. The more I read the more
I began to long for the butterflies.
I began wanting to see them again.
I miss them so very much.
I am  butterfly hugger.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Question Mark butterfly.
She was sunning.  She did not stay long.
"Stay safe butterfly," I called out to her.
 "Soon Spring will be here to stay."
My heart began beating fast.

Our St. Francis garden is greening up.
I easily could have daffodils for St. Pat's Day.

I have a relationship with the birds and the bugs.
I listen to them.
They have so much to teach me.

Soon the birds will be seed giving.
Soon they will begin to build their nests.

I saw a butterfly today.
Spring is coming early.
Happy Sunday Safari.

Sunday Safari

It is day three of the Great Backyard Bird Count.
It was a glorious day too.
The sun was warm and a gentle breeze from the southeast
whispered "Spring."

I was out on the deck in my short sleeves.
I was outside counting birds,

planning my gardens

and falling in love.
I just love this idea of a scented, flower ice bowl!

Presidents Day is tomorrow.
Our founding Fathers were plantsmen.

They too were planning their gardens even when they were
far away.

Every now and again I looked up from my books and journals
to count a few more birds.

The Titmice are in pairs now.
They are always together.

More crocus have bloomed.

I put my nose all the way in.
It seems like a long time has passed since I last had blooming flowers outdoors.

I heard my friend before I saw her.
Sweet bee!

She was interested in my cup of mint tea.
I am always happy to share with a bee.

Birds, blooms and bee!
Excellent Sunday Safari!

Sunday Safari

Once again fair skies called to me.

Once again I took my coffee and books to the deck.

We remember Abraham Lincoln's birthday today.

I read his poetry and thought about him as a Father.

I thought about history.

Charles Darwin was also born on February 12, 1809.

Valentine's Day is soon.
It is the day we celebrate love.

I thought about growing roses while sitting in the sun.
I thought about love.

I picked up my book and soon I was transported.
I forgot about the birds and the cold wind.

I am learning about the culture of Iran.
I am learning about the art and the music of this ancient land.

I too am dancing.
I too am honoring love.

Happy Sunday Safari.

Sunday Safari

After a couple of days of clouds and drizzle it was most
enjoyable to be outside in the sun.

We had a dusting of snow overnight.
It was melted by noon.

February has come in wet with temperatures more moderate
for this time of year.

I enjoy these end of winter days
 when I can be outside with the birds

and my books.

It is too early and too wet to be
working in the kitchen garden,

but it is the perfect time of year to plan.

Sapporo, Japan will host their snow sculpture
 festival beginning tomorrow.
I hope to see pictures.

I have inside gardening to tend to.
My bonsai needs attention.
I check the Black Swallowtail butterfly eggs
on the inside parsley a few times a day.
I do hope they "hatch".

My World War II study continues.
Today marks the 889th day.
 I am following a war diary on line
 and reading all sorts of books.

I am keeping a war journal.

I am learning my
geography.
I am understanding a wee bit more.

The mythology of Maat
is very interesting.
Her feather reminds me to walk lightly
on the souls of others.

I like to look at
life from the butterflies point of view.

I understand the elegance
of the Japanese culture,

for I too honor the designs of nature.

My Grandmother had a bridge tally card
in her box of treasures.
I use it for a bookmark.
We are connected.

This book was a gift from my daughter.
I have read it many times.
I reread it to remind me to honor my
gardens in the spring.
I reread and once again I am inspired.

This year I will add the idea
of a Victory Garden to my Kitchen Garden.
My Grandmother was a gardener.
We are connected.

Happy plans for Spring.
Happy Sunday Safari.
Today I was hunting for balance.