Going to Seed

This week my Willy Nilly has a theme. It seems like summer doesn't really want to hang out this year. We've had hot, then cool, back to hot, and now it's cool again. Still, it's that time of the year. All the weeds are going to seed.

1. Queen Anne's Lace has been abundant, but it is slowly ending its run. It is one of my favorite wild flowers. As you can see, the clover flowers are turning brown.

2. I'm not sure what kind of plants caused its seeds to be carried on the wind to the surface of Bro O's pond, but here they are.

 3. Thistle is spreading the wealth.

4, Another shot of Queen Anne's Lace through the already brown weeds.

5. I have no idea what this seed pod is, but it has a cool shape.

Happy Friday!

Linking to Willy Nilly Friday Five

Good Fences

Another fence daughter found for me. She saw it a couple of weeks ago when more of the clover was in bloom. She was disappointed in the number of blooms but I still like it.

Next camera club assignment is clouds. What do you think about my using this shot?

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It's Wednesday!

I almost had an owl! We were driving down to Bro O's house to work in the garden. We always stop on a bridge to see if Mr. Heron is visiting the creek. No Heron, but a huge owl took off from the empty creek bed and flew up into the trees. Sadly, I wasn't fast enough to get his picture. 

However, we did see this guy by O's pond. Kingbird or Phoebe? Tex?

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


1. When I look at the sky I feel..
in awe of the angry clouds before a storm and happy when laying on the ground looking up, picking out familiar shapes in the clouds. But mostly, the vastness makes me feel small. 

2. If you had to run for political office, which one would you run for? Do you have any real desire to actually do this?
The answer would be Circuit Clerk of our county. This is an actual delimma I am facing now. My boss was the Circuit Clerk. Since she passed away, I have been appointed to the position. There will be an election in November and everyone expected me to run. I have declined. I am not a politician and have no desire to be one. There are few politicians who are really in it for the good of their community, state, or country. Most are in it for the money, power, and glory. Sad, but true. 

3. What scent makes you think of home?
I can't think of any scent in particular that reminds me of my home today. I enjoy scented candles, but buy lots of different varieties. There is one scent that takes me back to my childhood home and that is apple pie baking. My mom's was the best.

4. How often do you take a step back to think about where you're headed in life? Do you need more or less self-reflection?
Not often, normally. Lately considering whether or not to run for Circuit Clerk has made me take a step back and consider the idea seriously. Of course, the decision was no way!

5. July is National Ice Cream Month...besides a cone, what's your favorite food item to top with ice cream?
Fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Yum!

6. What might your autobiography be called?
Life in Short. I have written about 150 short stories for my memoir. I'll probably add a few more and call it done.

7. Your least favorite mode of transportation? Why?
I would have to say a bus. I've never actually rode a bus anywhere, but daughter has. She was traveling from Dallas to Raleigh, NC where I lived at the time. She had to get off in Charlotte, NC because some weird guy wouldn't leave her alone. She got her luggage and hid in the ladies room until the bus left and then called me to come get her. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Fergus is in serious need of a long walk. I've been at work and working late this week. Fergus has had to settle for a few throws of the ball and a frisbee toss or two. This morning he is standing on the bed behind me, his paws over the back of my office chair, and his chin is now resting atop my head. I think he is wanting some attention. What do  you think? Guess I'll go for a walk before work. I'll be spending the day with the auditors. We are in the midst of our yearly review. Ugh!

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Rubbish Tuesday #12

Daughter and family often ramble around in the country. On one such adventure, she found some wonderful items to post for Rubbish Tuesday. So, Saturday she took me for a drive down to see this odd place. These items are all along the fence leading up to a house.

 Coffee anyone?

 How about a canon?

 Or a slightly used and weathered pair of shoes from this shoe tree? 

Ahoy Matey!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'.  Anything old and/or deteriorating such as old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

the Bird D'pot

Linking to the Bird D'pot

Willy Nilly and Lilies

I don't really have much to talk about today, but I'll start typing and see what emerges.

1. Every time I start thinking about taking a trip that includes boarding a plane, one crashes. Several years ago I planned a trip to Egypt to see the pyramids. Shortly before the tickets were purchased, some Egyptian pilot decided to commit suicide—or was he actually a terrorist? We may never know. When once I easily flew for both business and vacations, now I choose to drive. Yes, I know the statistics.

2. I am not going to go on about the memorial service for my friend/boss, but will merely say that the bagpipe version of Amazing Grace played before the service was amazing.

3. Our garden is flourishing. So far we have had cucumbers, zucchini, green peppers, radishes, and okra. I think the okra blossoms are pretty. We are still waiting on that first tomato.

4. The lilies are in full bloom, too. My sister-in-law has tons of lilies in her flower bed. These are a few varieties. 

5. Back in the day, I spent a lot of time taking art classes. I loved to draw and paint. I didn't have time while raising my kids, so got away from it. About as close as I get these days is photoshop or in this case a free version of Picasa. This is the really bad Heron shot I took a couple of weeks ago. It isn't any better, but since Granddaughter is now the artist in the family, maybe I can get her to make this into an actual painting. Hmm. I'll be seeing her later today. Fergus and I are on our way to daughter's house for some time with the grands. We're leaving Hubs home to hold down the fort. 

Linking to  Willy Nilly Friday Five

Good Fences

Gate Day

No Trespassing.

 Unlocked.

Open. This gate provides entrance to a corn field. Don't forget to stop. Corn crossing.

Linking to...

Birds and Blabber

Hey there beautiful. You have the most gorgeous eyes. How about a dance?

That's a tired line. If that's all you got, No thanks!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


1. The month of July was named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. He's quoted as saying, 'Experience is the teacher of all things." So what has experience taught you lately? 

I hope this post doesn't turn maudlin. Lately, I'm remembering to appreciate my friends and loved ones more. You never know when you say goodbye whether or not that will be the last time you see them or not. The last time our boss walked out the door, we didn't say anything more than see you tomorrow. But we didn't.

2. Where did you last 'roam'?

Roam, ramble - Down The River Road looking for birds and old things to photograph.

3. Speaking of 'Rome'...pizza, pasta, gelato...you can only pick one, which would you choose?

One of my grandsons is a very picky eater. His favorite food is pizza. I'm burned out. Hubs cooks way too much spaghetti. I'm burned out. So, would have to go for gelato! We had a gelato store near where we lived in Dallas. Yum! Love the taste and the smooth texture.

4. 'Rome wasn't built in a day', 'All roads lead to Rome', 'When in Rome...' which 'Roman' idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.

'Rome wasn't built in a day' is my life right now. There was no cross training with the Circuit Clerk's duties. I'm struggling to figure out how to do the things she did with ease on a daily basis. I'm trying to be patient with myself and remember it will take me time to become familiar with all my new duties.

5. What's a movie you've seen or a book you've read, that makes you want to book a trip to Italy?

The only movie I can think of is Under the Tuscan Sun. I didn't like the movie, but the scenery was beautiful.

6.  Walt's original Disneyland opened almost sixty years ago, on July 17, 1955  Have you ever been to the California park? How about any of the other Disney parks around the world? What's your favorite amusement park ride or attraction?

I've never been to any of the Disney theme parks, but my favorite rides are roller coasters. Love them!

7. It's that time of year...when were you last bitten or stung?

Sunday evening at the garden. The next day I discovered a very itchy chigger bite behind my right knee.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

My friend is on my mind today, tonight is her memorial service. But I'm also thinking ahead to the weekend. I will be hanging out with the grands while their mom and dad go to a concert. There is no better cure for the blues than a few kid hugs!

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Rubbish Tuesday #11

This post is being scheduled. I will be working long hours and weekends. I will do my best to visit everyone soon. 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'.  Anything old and/or deteriorating such as old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

Blue, Yellow, Black

Warning, may need your magnifier of choice. The first two shots were taken while we were parked on a bridge where we always look for a Blue Heron who once hung out in this spot.

 Indigo Bunting

 Goldfinch

 And what would one of my bird posts be without a Red-winged Blackbird. Male.

Female. What the heck is she doing? Guess she had an itch. 

Linking to the Bird D'pot

Saturday Critters

I found these horses on my ramble down The River Road. 

When I first saw these critters, they were both facing the road. As is always my luck, one turned around and gave me the moon.

In this shot, some smallish critter is being swished away by a tail.

I really like milkweed blooms. Seems this bumble bee does too. Have you ever used the milk to rid yourself of warts? It works. I have a tiny little wart on the palm of my right hand just below the ring finger. I rubbed milk weed on it and it disappeared for several years, but it is back now. I will be using some of that milk again this year.

Mr. Bumblebee seems to like this sunflower, too.

Thursday night as we drove up to the garden, we saw these juvenile wood ducks swimming on the far side of the pond. When they saw us, they took off.

I'm off to work. It's a sad place to be right now. My boss was my friend. More than that really. She felt like family. Her family lived near mine when we were growing up. Everyone loved her. The service will be held Wednesday. I can only imagine the number of people who will stop by to say their goodbyes. She was a bright light in many lives. She will be missed. 

Hope your weekend is a good one.


Linking to Saturday's Critters

Only the Good Die Young

Friend, family, and fearless leader. She will be missed.

Do not stand at my grave and weep 
I am not there. I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. 
I am the gentle autumn rain. 
When you awaken in the morning's hush 
I am the swift uplifting rush 
Of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die. 

Good Fences

I have posted this fence before, but drove by it again last Sunday.  It surrounds an old family graveyard and is very old. Probably late 1800s.

I want to apologize for not visiting much during the next several days. Our office is a 4 person office and our leader has been fighting a valiant battle with cancer for a lot of years. She is currently in intensive care with pneumonia. Which leaves me to work both of our desks. If you are of the persuasion, please say a prayer.

Linking to

Duck Duck Hodge Podge

After last Sunday's ramble, on my way home I decided to drive through The Rez. Even though I hadn't seen any wildlife there in weeks, I am always hopeful. This time I got lucky! The water was really green. Hubs thinks it was treated for algae.

I think these are Juvenile Wood Ducks.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

1. July is National Anti-Boredom Month. When was the last time you were bored? What's your go-to cure for boredom? 

I found myself walking around the house alone last Sunday afternoon. Hubs was working. Dinner was planned and prepped as much as I could prep. I finished the book I was reading earlier in the day. I tried to write, but my muse must have taken the day off. So, I grabbed my camera, loaded Fergus in the car, and went for a ramble.

2. What's the last thing you made a reservation for?

That would probably have been dinner reservations when I still lived in Texas. I live in middle-of-nowhere Illinois. Diners don't take reservations. On second thought, probably hotel reservations.

3. What's one thing on your summer 'bucket list'? Any plans to make it happen?

I want to go to Hannibal, Missouri. I will need to have about 2 days off during the week so Hubs can go, too. He rarely gets a day off on the weekend. It will need to be spur of the moment. We can't really plan until Hubs gets his schedule. He rarely ever gets the same days off during the week. If that doesn't work out, I will take myself down to see my son.

4. What's your favorite summertime sip?

Iced Green Tea with lemon. No sugar.

5. What do you find is the best way to handle another person's hostility and hopefully ease the tension?

I practice avoidance. I don't have time for those kind of people.

6. Your favorite film set in summer?

Now this answer will age me, as if you haven't already figured out I'm older than dirt. A Summer Place with the dreamy Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee. Two of my favorite actors when I was a young 'un. Besides, I was madly in love with Troy. It was a risqué movie back then, which added to its appeal.

7. What word are you using too much lately?

Funny. When co-workers tell me a 'funny' story, I always laugh and then say, "That's funny." I'm tired of hearing 'funny' come out of my mouth, but can't seem to stop myself before it plops out.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A man came in the office last week looking for the Assessor's office. Once upon a time it was in the courthouse, but now it is in the annex building. The girl at the desk told him the annex building was 'kitty-cornered' across the street, which sounded correct to me, but obviously not to the man. He asked, "How do you spell that?" The girl didn't know, so he picked on me and the other girl in the office. We had no idea. He says, "It is spelled 
c-a-t-e-r-c-o-r-n-e-r-e-d." I didn't dispute his obvious knowledge, but as soon as he left, I pulled up Google to prove to myself kitty-cornered was proper. What did I find out? I was wrong and he was correct. Did you know there is a Gunsmoke episode titled, Kitty Cornered?

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge