Hanging Out In The Rain

Well, last night, my oldest daughter and I were coming up with songs she could use for an English project to show rhythms, rhymes, and patterns (or lack of!). One song we both came up with was "Stand in the Rain" by Superchick. So this morning when I found myself still listening to this song in my head..., while watching the hummingbirds braving the rain out our patio door..., I just had to post!!!

This is the first in the almost five years we've lived here that our hummers have learned to "play nice" and actually share. I'm glad we've (finally!) "accomplished" comradery!!! --LKR

Freedom For All

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone! And many thanks to those of you who have served to defend the freedoms of our country!

Every Memorial Day, my Mom would bring my sister and me up town for the Memorial Day service held on the corner lot of the public library in Chatham, NJ. Both of my parents were immigrants from Hungary, and so appreciated the freedoms they now enjoyed in the states. Mom came over at the age of seven with her mother; Dad in his late twenties after serving in WWII.

There were many memories both my parents shared of how life was in Hungary. One phrase my Dad repeated often describing society in his native country was: "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine also," adding, "You don't know how fortunate you are to be living in a country like this. Never forget that." Dad would also relay how the poor stayed poor while the rich stayed rich. And if the authorities didn't like you, for whatever the reason, false accusations could be charged against you without further questioning in your defense made.

Though Dad apprenticed as a tailor, he miraculously passed a virtually impassable test to work for the Hungarian National Railroad the third time he took it. This meant he also moved up a notch in the social realm, something that was seldom accomplished. Jealousy and hatred by a couple commanders clashed with admiration and praise from many others.

This, I fear, is what we are heading for with the change sought after by this new administration. Our veterans have sacrificed their lives for the original, authentic American dream held so dear by our Founding Fathers and the many individuals that sought, and are still seeking, to escape dictating, controlling societies.

After being injured and finding himself in Paris, Dad never saw his parents, family, or homeland again. Tearfully, through letters, his parents urged their only child never to attempt to return home. They all feared for his life if he ever set foot into the country since he had been employed by the government, and the political climate had changed.

Again I will express gratitude to those who have--and will--continue to defend the authentic American dream! May God bless America! --LKR

Sunday's Song--We Live

Yesterday, we visited a friend of mine who is in hospice in Kenosha. Julie is only in her early 50’s.

When we got back to Eau Claire, my oldest daughter heard that a classmate in her culinary class had died in a freak accident. He was only 15!!!

Another really good friend who was like a mother to me and my sister while growing up is taking the last breaths of her life. Her children and grandchildren will not be the only ones missing her when she's gone.

But none of us really knows when our time here on Earth will be over, do we? If we did, I'm sure we'd all do things differently!

Life’s too short. Too short to hold grudges. Too short to hold back on the things we really want to do with our lives. Too short to put off making the right choices when we can do them right now.

In the Psalms, Moses asks the Lord to, “Teach us to number our days.” Here's a song that may help put life in perspective.The video has been made by a school for a project, using some footage from Superchick's website. --LKR

Sunday's Song--Pass It On

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

--Kurt Kaiser

A Way Of Escape!

Aren't they adorable? Ever since I knew these creatures existed, I've wanted one--or two!--for a pet. My daughter and I stopped in at Petco and were delighted to find 12 very friendly, playful ferrets! They climbed up our arms as a means of escape, but they enjoyed being held, too! --LKR

Cat & Deer Video

Not Quite Full...

I was out testing my camera when I captured this shot. It's not quite a full moon, but pretty close. The date for this month's full moon, according to Moon Phase, is Saturday, May 9th. --LKR

Please, Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Okay, so has this picture of my back yard made you very glad I'm not your neighbor? Well, I'll have you know that my yard is incredibly popular with the insect population! Various bees, butterflies, and ants are flocking on over for a feast. Yup, so that means these dandelions will be pollinated and their seeds viable. ...Um, a note to my neighbors: I will make every effort to get these flowers picked before they go to seed!!! --LKR

The Long Anticipation Has Finally Ended!

I've been waiting for this day to come since they last appeared at our feeders. This made for a very long winter! But, finally, as I was sitting near the window cuddling a kitty, a beautiful male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird flew up to our feeder!!! It was 12:26 pm. Our feeders have been up for three whole weeks. Just in case. :-)

Reported the siting to Journey North. I always forget, but this is our location: Latitude: 44.74 Longitude: -91.51

--LKR