Walking With Butterflies....and Refrigerator Magnets...

An absolutely beautiful day here in Wisconsin. Blue skies with white puffy clouds, Lake Michigan's blue was gorgeous.....a perfect day for several dog walks. Fenway and I went out twice during the morning and once again after lunch.

On our last long walk we started down through the volleyball court, through the woods, across the bridge and back to the condo along the well traveled bike path. Fenway pranced along in front of me and I just looked at the trees, listened to a few birds, dodged the bicyclists and noticed a few monarch butterflies migrating south. One large butterfly literally flew alongside me for about five minutes. Slowly swooping up and down the way they do....from one side of the path to another....but continually along side me. It never stopped at any of the blooms along the way.....just slowly flew along with me as I walked.

I, along with many others, have a "thing" about nature and "signals" and "moments" where heart strings connect across time and space. Watching the butterfly was one of those moments for me......memories of my cousin flooded back. Memories of my mom and my mother-in-law. Memories. A few tears, a small smile and a nod toward the monarch. "I see you and I'm so glad you came."

Later, making our dinner, I glanced at the refrigerator. It's covered with magnets....that's what I buy when we travel. These small souvenirs remind me of adventures and of just how fortunate we are to be able to explore new places. The refrigerator also features about a dozen photographs....some happy ones of family gatherings....others of smiling faces no longer part of this world.

So of course...tonight my eyes flew to the one corner....there were some of the people I miss. My mom and my mother-in-law, my darling cousin in the photo where we were both giving cancer "the finger" and one of my best hospice volunteers who died suddenly and much too young.

Monarch butterflies, refrigerator magnets and memories......

Looking Down......

We recently spend a few weeks exploring New York State, Vermont and New Hampshire. Our little RV took us down the road from place to place as we wandered. A quick stop at Niagara Falls, campgrounds along Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain, wooded sites in the Green Mountains....each evening provided new views and new discoveries.

One of the best parts of the trips was connecting with family and friends we don't get to see very often. Brunch with one of Dave's high school friends (he was in our wedding almost 50 years ago!) in Franconia, NH. Two days visiting with Dave's brother and family in Atkinson, NH and then two nights in our friend's (the Other Lynn and Dave) driveway in Hollis, NH.

The big adventure in Hollis was a tramp through the woods to find mushrooms! The exploration began when Lynn and I were walking Fenway and noticed a few interesting specimens along the road. We brought one home.

Challenge accepted the two Daves grabbed a basket and disappeared into the woods behind their house. Gone for quite awhile they came back with a mother load......we now have to find a mushroom book to figure out just what they are.

Leaving the house to do some shopping Lynn and I renturned to find that the treasures inspired creativity......creativity covering most of the round table on the screen porch. We squeezed our plates and silverware around the edge just so we could enjoy this one-of-a-kind centerpiece.

So now as I walk....sometimes I look up and sometimes I look down. You never know what little delight is waiting!

Oops and What the Heck is Poutine.....

A day in Halifax included a visit to a wonderful art museum. My two friends and I were especially pleased to see the Maud Lewis exhibit. Maud created wonderful folk art in spite of severe physical challenges. She lived in a very quiet corner of Nova Scotia and her personal story is inspiring. I can't wait to see the movie about her life when it comes to Milwaukee.

Our day included the museum, the public gardens, lunch, conversation and laughter.  And one big "Ooops!"

We were at the art museum and somehow got separated for a few minutes. I needed to use the facilities (located right next to the exhibit) but when I walked into the room showcasing Maud's amazing work my friends were no where to be found. I went back toward the lobby....no one in sight. And that's when I heard some giggling. Turning to look back down the hallway I see one friend at the door to the men's room saying "I'll guard it!" What?????!!

I've made the same mistake myself.....but usually back away at the last minute. Not these two "brave"souls! No names....but I just had to capture the moment.

And then lunch......I'll tell you about poutine....it's delicious!!!

At

Folding Towels and Elevator Reminders.....

A few weeks ago we took a Holland America cruise to explore a little bit of Canada. We left Boston and stopped in Halifax, Nova Scotia, visited Prince Edward Island and then on to Sydney before going down the Saint Lawrence to Quebec City and Montreal.

There are lots of things that make cruising a lot of  fun......not the least of which is sharing the time with friends. But, for me, it's also wonderful to enjoy lots of wonderful meal choices without having to do any shopping or preparation. Especially as I browse the dessert selections!

Two fun things also include the towel friends who greet us every evening in our cabin.....and the reminder in each elevator. One does tend to lose track of time on a cruise......but it must be Friday!

Those Busy Bees.....

Fall is approaching....fast. And the bees are busy. With colder temperatures just around the corner they are gathering all the pollen and nectar possible! A recent visit to the Public Gardens in Halifax, Nova Scotia included their beautiful display of colorful asters.

Every fall I notice the bees zipping back and forth with great purpose. Time to gather as much pollen as possible. And I've also noticed that picnics become more of a challenge.....spread your repast out on the picnic table and before you know it you are "competing" withe the bees.

So eat quickly.......

A Sad, Sad Post.....

I am a dog lover.....I have a dog. I've always had dogs. I love my today dog as much as I've loved my previous dogs. I love coming home to this exhuberant little soul who is so thrilled to see me and so glad I am home.

Our current dog is a Boston Terrier named Fenway Underfoot Woodard. He will be eight tomorrow and is boasting some grey hair. I watch him run through the condo, or walk along at the end of his leash and I wonder how eight years can pass so quickly. When we bought this small-ish dog Dave remarked "Do you realize we've taken on a responsibility that will probably last until our late 70's or early 80's?" It was hard to wrap our brains around that concept....so we just started enjoying our little guy.

The other day, on another blog, Julie Zickfoose sadly told her followers that their beloved Boston, Chet Baker, was gone. You could hear tears falling all across America and beyond. We've been reading Julie's nature/family based blog for years and we all knew Chet. Dave and I had dreams of driving out to Ohio in the RV, finding Julie's driveway and stopping by so that Fenway could meet him. Silly I know....but fun to think about.

Chet lived a wonderful life in a farm-like setting. He went for long daily runs, he went on trips with his parents, and to book signings and to concerts. He was much loved by his human "brother" and "sister". And he really was loved by everyone who "knew" him on Facebook or through Julie's blog.

Her heartbreaking post on August 31st was titled "Chet Baker's Last Run"....I've read it several times, tears always. The prose and the memories and the photographs celebrate a little dog's life. A little dog....a big hole in the family now.

So I offer my own inadequate toast to Chet....and to his family. I know he will be well remembered, and I know just how much he is missed. I hope the memories of the laughter that enters the home when you own a silly Boston Terrier will provide them some comfort.

I don't expect that the Zickfoose family will ever see my little blog....but it makes me feel a bit better to just remember Chet and to thank Julie, Bill, Liam and Phoebe for sharing him with all of us.

And I look at our Fenway....as our new puppy.....

...and now with his grayness showing....

...and I think...."oh slow down love, just slow down".....

TV at the Gas Station.......

I stopped at one of our local gas stations to top off my gas....with prices rising due to Hurricane Harvey I thought it prudent to keep the tank full. I pulled in, flipped open the tank's cover plate and got out of my car. Grabbing the handle of the hose I inserted it into the car and turned to choose the grade of gas and start to fill.

I was met with a television screen....and the minute I started to hear gas running through the hose the "program" started. I think it was some kind of ad....I really don't know. I was just sort of amazed that I was watching a TV show while filling my car. I wondered just how long the program could be anyway And just why does a TV screen need to be there?

So now our world inserts a screen into another everyday activity. Stopping at the gas station. Fill her up....and watch TV.

So here's a picture of my reflection taking a picture of a gas station TV. Does this count as "screen time" for my brain?

Really???