A Violet!!!

Sure, yesterday was officially the beginning of spring. And yes, many states such as New Jersey, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all had snow falling from the sky on that promising day.

This morning, I took a few shots of the snow that had yet to melt. But what I discovered shortly after noon was really surprising.

A beautiful violet was in full bloom!!! I'd been lamenting that not a single crocus or daffodil has poked through the ground, but here was this cheery little flowery face looking up to greet me!!! Oh, what a beautiful day it's been! --LKR

Adventures in Mud, Muck, and Slush

Hi, it's me, Mister Poochie! What a beautiful day we had, today! It was in the 60's, it was!

Ice and the white fluffy fun stuff were melting fast. Yesterday, too, was warm! Hurray!

We did not have a really long walk, today, oh, no. Mud and slippery slush kept us from going too far. For cyclists, too!

I helped Mom up this one, I did!

Some trails we had to cross over... .

Mom caught me picking up on scents, she did!

We didn't take this path, oh no!

Nor go down this trail, for sure!

Mom sunk deep into mud right here, she did!

This path is called Bump. I wanted to explore, but Mom said, "No, we go home."

I got to play wild dog on the way back, I did! I lead Mom off trails and into fields where we ran and Mom laughed.

I found a "leave it" running through the grass, I did. Mom wouldn't let me make nice. These are holes where the "leave it" live and travel. We had fun! --Mister Poochie

Big Falls

I was in great need of seeing the top of Big Falls on this beautiful day! We were relatively close by, so took a quick trip on over.

William had just done a solo for cello, and was all dressed up!

This steep path leads to right below the falls.

I love the ice on top of the rocks!

This is the top of the falls. I would have loved to have seen this with more ice and less sloshy snow, but I'm not complaining!

Cool, huh?! While we were here, a large chunk of slush slid down into the river. It was a quieter noise than the last time we were here and heard ice heaving, falling into the icy river below.

Next year, I'd like to spend more time here out in the winter! It's truly beautiful here year round! --LKR

Sunday's Song--When God Ran

When God Ran

Almighty God,
The Great I Am,
Immovable Rock,
Omnipotent,
Powerful,
Awesome Lord,
Victorious Warrior,
Commanding Kind Of Kings,
Mighty Conqueror

And the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
When God ran

The day I left home,
I knew I had broken His heart
I wondered then
If things could ever be the same

Then one night,
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road
Ahead I could see

It's the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
When He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son,
Do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise,
It brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

Holy One
Righteous Judge
He turned my way
Now I know
He's been waiting for this day

And then He ran to me,
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
I felt His love for me again

He ran to me
Took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
Said, "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice,
He said, "Son",
He said, "Son,
My son,
Do you know I still love you?"
Oh!
He ran to me
When God ran.

--Benny Hester, 1985