...I know what happiness is!!

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...a meme where you match photos to song lyrics






Daylight

See the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses whither away

Like the sunflower
I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day . . .

Midnight

Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I [she-my mom] was beautiful then

I remember the time I knew what happiness was

Let the memory live again
.....

Look
A new day has begun





FROM THE BROADWAY MUSICAL "CATS" Link to Memory [incredible artwork]

PHOTO CREDIT: Top to bottom: Sunrise over Newport Beach Access Road [sand dunes] - Patented "Tamora Rose" in our yard - Our city skyline at night - My mom in the late 30's - Me, in Hawai'i - "A new day has begun" over the Gulf of Mexico [Mustang Island]


PS....MOM, over at Madi and Mom's place is working her LAST day before calling it quits...permanently. Go over and wish her a happy retirement beginning April 1st. Well, actually her happy days begin this afternoon when she 'punches the clock' for the last time.

The wildflowers were beautiful!

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Between the mainland and Padre Island the open waterway is called LAGUNA MADRE *pronounced la GOON ah MAH dray [in English: Mother Lagoon] The piece of land near the top right horizon is Padre Island.

Red Roof...and blue sky...white added...the red, white and blue

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This area of town goes around Oso Bay and circles to the college campus and further into the Naval Air Station. Or...circling to the left, it goes along the shoreline into the downtown area some 10 miles or so. While driving, I spotted some white pelicans soaring above. Through the car's windshield I took the top photo, and then outside the open window, the bottom photo. Enlarging them will help. Much more detail [especially the last photo]. As always, by clicking the image my photos and links open in a new window/tab.

The fruits of my labor...

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Note as of 8 a.m. --I decided to play "Meet me on Monday" this week. Scroll down beyond my macro and morsels in this post to view my answers.


MACRO MONDAY



I love the smell of tomato plants in the morning!!
[you thought I was gonna say "napalm"?]




A beautiful dianthus in macro. Love the center detail.




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MONDAY MORSELS

I remember my dad and his love of gardening. I think it runs in our blood. My grandfather, my father's father, was the same way. They both were always seen working in the gardens or yards. My grandfather's 'specialty' was roses! He'd have the most beautiful blossoms ...and huge they were! He could slip rose bushes too. That, I never did get the hang of it. My attempts turn to mush with root rot! And my father, he was nearly 'carried away' with his gardening techniques. He tried everything. He had a peach, apple, pear, apricot, and cherry 'orchard'---two trees each [three kinds of apples, Jonathan and red and yellow delicious; along with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, garlic, green beans, carrots, parsnips, sweet peas, grape vines, raspberry bushes, cucumbers, pumpkins and three kinds of melons. I swear he could grow anything he put his mind to...except for one and that was blueberries. He was never successful with blueberries. He even tried and accomplished pineapples...and they produced. In Colorado!! Oh and his flowers!!! Roses, tulips, pansies, carnations, columbine, dianthus, violets, lilies, iris galore, just to name some I can remember as I type. Now, mom, she was the indoor plant lady. She could grow african violets and amaryllis with no effort at all it seemed. Anyway, their yards were a neighborhood showcase of blossoms. Well, I'm not a 'fanatic' like those two were, but I do love to dub around in the yard. I also remember how my dad, with his 1st cup of coffee of the morning in hand would be seen outside in his small acreage, just walking around checking the growth, weeding, spraying for insects, or setting up the irrigation. The fruit of his labors always paid off in a big way. I, on the other hand as a kid, didn't see the fascination 'til I grew up and had my own home. Needless to say, I now find myself outside each day when things begin to take root for the season. I think if Dad is looking down on me right now, I think he'd be proud that I experimented with a pomegranate tree, that isn't one he tried in Colorado, last year and was successful. It's blooming right now!!



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Speaking of food. Have you seen the prices of fresh produce lately?!! Here in south Texas anyway!! Heck, a couple of weeks ago, roma tomatoes were $.70 a pound. This weekend they were up to $1.97!! And the personal watermelons [usually the size of a large canteloupe] are nearly $4.50. Grapes?---over $1 a pound; nearly $2! Apples? Depending on the kind of apples...exorbitant. Blueberries per pint...over $4.00. A pint!!! The local news tells us the price hike is all because of the ice storms about two months ago; ruining all the crops. Ummmmm, let's see---cantaloupe "Product of Mexico". Label on the grapes "Product of Chile". So on and so forth. Ummmm, what has that to do with an ice storm in Texas? Dunno!! And the REAL SAD part of it is, with THOSE kinds of prices, I should easily lose weight...just drinking water. But...so far, no pounds shed. Except for the 'pounds' in weight of my pocket book!! Less and less when I walk out of the store!! Oh oh....got the water bill last week...the cost of water treatment went up. {My son would say "You voted for him". Wonder what that means? LOL}

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I thought I'd try this meme today. I've seen it around for weeks, and I do like to read bloggers' answers when I pay them a visit. So, on with the meetin' and greetin'!....



1. Crunchy or soft tacos?
SOFT, flour tortillas!! [my homemade ones preferably]

2. Do you scrapbook?
Nope, not me.

3. Do you take any daily medications?
Yes, for HBP.

4. What is your favorite sound?
So many...I love the sound of a gentle rain, thunder off in the distance, birds singing, ocean waves, music [especially instrumental], giggling, my cats purring, !silence!, so much I can't type it all.

5. Where were you born? The Cornhusker State USA

Afternoon Repose©

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SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY




Taken late afternoon with the sunlight coming through the venetian blinds onto the dining room wall, against one of my watercolor paintings entitled "Afternoon Repose". If you'd like to view other works I've done, go to the left sidebar near the easel and use the drop down menu.





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SUNDAY'S SUMMARY

Another week has passed. Now, let me think, what have I done this week worth mentioning? Not much me thinks. About all worthy of posting about is my idea that I got when Bud said, "We need something better than this case." A few weeks ago, I went shopping around for a new set of binoculars. The old ones we have are ancient!! And heavy. In fact, they're from a purchase that Bud made while serving in the Navy during WWI WWII the '60s!! They're very good binoculars, but they are very awkward heavy to be carrying around your neck/or on your shoulder and trying to enjoy traipsing around the beaches, swamps, and bird sanctuaries looking for the elusive waterfowl!! Along with toting a camera, a book, a bottle of water and stuff...it was a bit cumbersome. So, one day I decided to look online for some new, lightweight ones. What appealed to me with this brand was the fact they were waterproof. That, well, that is a plus in my book. I found where I could purchase them in town as I don't buy online for the fact that I like to support our local retailers. While out on one of the freeways a few weeks ago, I stopped in. And I tested them. Bought 'em. Then, the last time we were at the ponds [photos of the area are from yesterday and the bird photos posted here and here.]....well, they came with a carrying case made of nylon and it was okay for a while. But, with all the other things we carry around with us, we needed to consolidate it all together. At least that was Bud's idea. And I went with it. Of course, my project isn't quite completed, but I do have all the pieces done and just need to get them put together in a day or two. Hopefully before we venture out again. I tried to design a pattern in my mind to suffice. We needed a couple of 'pockets'. One for the lens cover. After buying this set, the lens cover for the viewer lenses is all one piece. And into the jeans pocket they were carried. Bud had fear that they'd be dropped out of the pocket and lost forever. I added in my design a pocket for the lens cover. Then, we have this smallish handbook of Texas Birds for identification. In my idea for design, I would add a pocket to the back of the carrying case for the book itself. This way, we only have to handle the bag crocheted with soft yet sturdy yarn. Which also in my opinion won't be as 'scratchy' on my neck and shoulders [if I'm the one left to carry them at times] 'cause I often go birdwatching wearing a tank top. Now, when it's done, we have just the lightweight pair of binoculars and nothing else in our hands...making a much simpler time.

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We plan on going into town today, and walking around the annual art festival. This is where the artists do all kinds of things...one of the most interesting for me is the chalk drawing on the pavement. I'm always left amazed with their talents. And of course, walking around viewing the artists' finished works displayed and all the booths with crafts for sale. Oh and not to mention all the fun musical booths with local bands. That's enjoyable also. Not sure I'll take my camera since there are huge crowds at these events...so if I get any pictures, it'll be with the cellphone. I'll try and share on my blog sometime soon. Oh!! I almost forgot! I have also been lookin' around town for new Easter Egg Cups for my newly started collection. So far, I bought TWO....one from Cracker Barrel and the other just this past Friday. I found the cutest, very unique [at least to me] one at Tuesday Morning. They're both really sweet looking. Can't wait to show you later this coming month when Easter gets a bit closer. Which reminds me...I need to get to the job of decorating the house for the holiday. I do like the change of 'decor' with holidays. That keeps me from rearranging furniture all the time like I used to do. Now, the furniture is getting way too heavy to be moving around all the time. hehehehehe Putting holiday decorations up gives the 'change I need'.

Spring - TURTLE 'PORN' - 'n' pollinatin'

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CAMERA CRITTERS

Y'all know what they say about Spring being a 'rebirth' of the world? ---Well, these turtles are doing their share. I don't know exactly what the '3rd one' is tho...maybe it's a sentinel turtle. A Teenaged Mutant Ninja perhaps? Or instead, the 'big brother' told him to "not look", to turn his back while he repopulates the world errrr, ummmm, pond....







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WEEKEND FUNNIES

Firstly....It's always I before E. Isn't that weird?

Secondly....







* NOTE: COMIC STRIP USED WITH PERMISSION according to this written agreement . In part:

Use by a private individual, not for commercial gain, at one URL for a period of up to 1 year, where that URL is part of a blog, a personal page on a social networking website or a posting on a web forum. A blog is defined as a regularly updated weblog, updated at least weekly and presented in a "diary" format sorted by date. It may be hosted on the user's own web server, or through a third party blogging service such as Blogger.com.
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Copyright in this image is owned by the original artist, rights to reproduce or use the image may be obtained from www.CartoonStock.com.

I'm Anni, and I'm a meme-er!!

No longer, am I addicted to the Friday memes!! I'm not going to bother with a Friday meme, starting today...forevermore. My main reasoning is the two I participated in [one for nearly two years] are not very meme friendly here of late, if that makes any sense. I'll just state that with show n tell and friday flaunt it, it seems that most of the 100 or so participating are the same few persons over and over again; by that I mean they link SEVERAL posts on the very day---with several blog posts of different subjects. Odd.

So, now that I step down from my soap box, I will begin a new style of Friday post. More eclectic. More on just ME...it'll be just about anything that comes to my mind. Not necessarily 'fodder' or hokey stuff, just conversation with those who visit here. Okay? Okay then...here I go:

Y'all know that I'm not too keen on going to doctor's. Oh, I do...out of necessity and educational value for the most part. I've learned so many things over the years. But, I've also learned tons of things now that we have the advantage of the computer and online sites that are dedicated to health. I do admit I have a heart disease. And, to be honest, I think a lot of it has to do with my diet when I was younger. I lived off Pepsi and caffeine. After decades of out-of-the-home jobs, and being home being a mom of two I very often opened a can of Pepsi in the morning and drank three or four by the end of the day when Bud came home from work. Then, I'd drink hot tea, iced tea. Along with chocolate. Never coffee tho. I just didn't like the taste of it all. Well, my point is...I was ruining my health. Today, now that it's really a bit late...I have stopped drinking any colas, nor do I partake in teas that are caffeinated. I paid the price. Anyhoooo, what am I getting at? Well, I ask: How many of you go out and check symptoms of such an ailment, BEFORE paying a visit to your physician? I've often used several...I've also checked out specialists in our area and then read their background; check for any complaints or if they've ever been in any malpractice lawsuits, etc. etc. etc. The 'several' sites I frequent are Web M D, various sites from a Google Search of symptoms, American Heart Association, Nutrition and Heart Health, and more. I also make good use of our retiree's insurance program with the help of nurses at the touch of my fingertips -- a helpful guidance from my phone. The other day, when I turned on the TV to begin watching a Yankees Spring Training Game the remote was set on a medical program...called...Dr. Oz. Has anyone else watched this before? I was amazed that he, being a doctor of great reputation, that he was open enough to have segments on holistic care and health issues. Also on the very same program he had other specialists [Dr. Oz is a highly sought after heart surgeon] dealing with alternative medications such as herbal-such as Medical Herbalism, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Reiki, and many others. It blew me away. The host even stressed that many doctors disagree with all this 'non-drug' induced curing; that doctors should open their minds and find and help ALL who wish to do so. He made points with me. Of course, I realize that it's just a TV show, and there is probably a lot of believers that drugs are the only choice to get healthy...but, I like the idea that this man of great reputation even brought all the other alternatives up....on a nationwide broadcast. More power to him. To top this all....Bud is one of a kind. He's worse than I am about doctors. He thinks they're all quacks!! Seriously. [sometimes I agree when the 'money and insurance issues' are brought up with your first consultation...if it is, and the Hippocratic oath comes to your mind, you're screwed...the doctor considers being a doctor is an occupation and income instead of helping heal the sick and wounded] Bud actually sat down and watched this...hmmmm!!! And, in my opinion, if this program, if its broadcast helps just a small group, that makes me feel he's doing his job. Yes, I realize that he's making a wad of money with the program also, and I won't watch it continually, but if I ever catch it on the tube again, I will stay and listen to what he has to say.

Mehmet Oz [his history]
cartoon used from doctor comics search online...no infringement intended.


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And, I've been thinking, it's close to tax time in USA. What else is new? LOL So, I'm gonna work on a blog for next week all about tax. I bet you're all looking forward to that, now, aren't you?

I can name that tune in one note....

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...a meme where you match photos to song lyrics


Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees


And the flowers and the trees


And the moon up above

And a thing called "Love"

Let me tell you 'bout the stars in the sky
And a girl and a guy


And the way they could kiss
On a night like this

When I look into your big brown eyes


It's so very plain to see
That it's time you learned about the facts of life
Starting from A to Z



SONG LINK: BIRDS AND THE BEES Jewel Aken

PHOTO CREDITS: Bird on Aransas Beach [I am 99% sure this is a magnolia warbler], Bee on our Passion Flower, Rose in our garden, Palm Trees by downtown 'twin towers' bank, moon at dusk near bird sanctuary, our wedding cake topper, and of course a big brown-eyed pelican at the marina.

Sleepy, serene shore lagoon...

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[all photos can be enlarged, opening in a new window/tab]

I mentioned yesterday that we weren't home much on Monday. Being that most of Texas now has classes being held again and Spring Break is over, I was 'dying' to go back to the beach. When we arrived we walked only a short time. The city crews were busy using their backhoes and graters, the large noisy equipment, cleaning up the debris and remnants of the long week prior, we didn't stay long. It was windy and the seaweed was quite prominent along the shore where they hadn't cleaned up yet. Besides, when the seaweed is washing ashore, I like to be there at low tide only. Well, it wasn't low tide, so there was hardly anywhere to walk comfortably. We hopped back in the car and drove along the island's highway. The overhead, hanging, electronic signs along the causeway warned us drivers that the ferry to cross the ships' channel was having an hour or more delay for crossing, so we opted not to wait for that..we ended up at our 'usual' place in Port Aransas hoping we could catch a glimpse of the progress of the great heron's nesting that I posted about on my photo blog HERE. We saw one humongous nest, and the momma was sitting on the eggs. But while there, we saw ducks on the pond--- Did I ever mention in my posts how I love this area? I love the swampy, Louisiana Bayou, atmosphere. The green mossy water, the huge trees, the whole feeling. I was just telling Bud that the only thing missin' is the gators! Maybe a cottonmouth or two. But we can be happy there AREN'T any. Bud and I stayed here for about an hour or so. Just looking through our binoculars and searching for, and finding a bit of wildlife. All of a sudden, out of the serenity of the day, a loud call came...the trees became a vicious turmoil of ruckus. Bud, having the binoculars, searched the branches. I, with the naked eye, could see where all the hoopla was taking place. We spied two Black Night Herons. By that time, we were the only two people left in the area, and we got a chance to talk quietly and just watch. Of course while aiming for the two herons, I spotted another bird...a young'un. A juvenile white ibis. This is such a 'cool' place to spend some time on such a gorgeous day, no matter what time of year, there is always something to watch. Not only this area in town, but there are several birding spots to go and visit. All too soon, we left and drove back to Corpus while just enjoying a quiet wonderful road trip. My kinda day...

BLACK NIGHT HERON





JUVENILE WHITE IBIS