A Bird, a Barn, a Grain Bin, and Hodge Podge

Yay, it's Wednesday. The worst part of my week is over. From here on out it is merely finishing up what Monday and Tuesday left undone. Life is good.

This European Starling was enjoying leftovers on the ground.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

This is one of the most unique barns around here, but the picture turned otu blurry so I had to tweak it. Looks better in black and white. I'll have to drive by and take another picture next time I'm in the area.

Linking to Black and White Wednesday

The farmers are out in force, trying to get the fields planted while the weather holds out. This is a familiar site in my neck-of-the-woods. 

Linking to Rurality


1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother.

My mother was one of the gentlest, kindest persons I have ever known. I don't remember her ever saying a bad word about anyone.

2.  A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?

When my children were young, trying to entertain them on a shoestring budget. I was always on a quest to find free or cheap things to do. 

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.

I remember running down the lane with my brother from our house to the main road, where the train tracks were. We waved to the engineer on the train and he would wave back and blow the whistle.

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?

Mother lode makes me think of gold or money. I haven't won the lottery yet, but I occasionally buy a ticket.  My mother lode isn't monetary, it's my grandchildren. I have 5 and they are the joy in my life.

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?

My mom made the absolute best cobbler ever. Her cobblers were reallly a pie made in a 9 X 13 baking dish with both a bottom and top crust. Apple was my favorite, but she also made blackberry cobbler from berries we picked on our land. I occasionally make both, but haven't in a long time. Note to self, make one for the next holiday meal.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?

I remember playing Simon Says and Hide-and-Seek with my brother. My favorite game was pretend. We were always pretending to be or do something. Once my dad brought home a blackboard out of a school that was being torn down. My brother drew an airplane cockpit with chalk. We would sit in front of that blackboard for hours pretending we were flying an airplane. We travelled the world. 

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?

Beaver's mom, June Cleaver. Not sure why. She was the first TV mom that popped into my head. She was always in the kitchen cooking and was nice yet firm with her boys.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My random thought stems from this past weekend and really has nothing to do with a mom unless you would consider my actions mom-like. Last Saturday I drove down to The Rez to check on the geese family. When I drove up there were some people fishing in different spots on both sides of The Rez. The geese usually hang out on the west side on the dam that separates The Rez from some murky water on the other side. And as usual, they were there. But, there was also a boy of about 12 years of age, with a stick, running toward the geese. The gander took off after the boy and he ran away. I thought Mr. Gander scared him away, but the boy ran toward them again. The gander again chased him away. The boy then picked up some rocks and started throwing them. Although I'm sure the boys mom and dad were the couple fishing nearby, they didn't say or do anything, so I decided it was my responsibility. I drove my car down near where th boy was, rolled down my window and yelled in my meanest mom voice, " Hey! You! Leave the geese alone!" The boy wouldn't look at me, he hid behind a tree. I pulled the car where I could see him from the rear view mirror and watched until he left. I feel a little guilty about yelling at him. Perhaps I could have handled it better, but my instinct was to protect the wildlife.


Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge