Interesting drive home

On my way home from work I now get to view a bunch of decorated houses. There are two that stand out. This one I call OMG.

It takes 3 views to capture most of it and the pictures still don't do it justice.

And then there is this next one which is right down the road which I call "Why bother"

One string of blue lights thrown in a tree? Maybe it's just the contrast between the two but they both make me laugh.

Puddles

A few days ago Rick and I went to the Cape to visit with friends from Pennsylvania - (John and Fran). We left Wednesday evening after Rick slept awhile after working a 24 hr shift. It rained furiously the whole way. We stayed in an Econolodge because they allowed dogs and we had a free night. What a dump!! They had a hot tub but it was closed. Smelled musty - very yucky all around. We were supposed to meet John and Fran about 11:30 AM the next day, so we decided to walk the dogs along the beach in the morning. It was very windy but not too cold. I like the beach when it is deserted. The dogs had fun frolicking in the waves (but not too far in) Emma didn't like the salt water ( got some in her mouth right away) and Zoe is a chicken to begin with. But they got wet and rolled in the sand and had a lovely time. I had flip flops on (took them for the hot tub) so when it was time to leave, my feet were all sandy and there in the parking lot were - PUDDLES. So convenient for washing my feet off in clean, fresh  water. It made me think that it's been quite a while since I have waded in a puddle and it reminded me of what fun puddles can be! I used to read the kids the book "Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble" I played in puddles all of the time as a kid. I can't remember if my kids did or not.
Well, a pool isn't a puddle, but this reminds me of when Rick was opening the pool one spring and told the kids (plus Ashley) that they could "put their feet in" So, of course they wound up all of the way in with all of their clothes on. ( occuring one small step at a time - can we roll our pants up?)  We didn't have a pool when I was a kid, but I do remember that you can get completely soaked in a small puddle, too. Actually, I do remember that Kim, in Oklahoma, after the one or two rains we had in three years did have fun in a puddle.

Cut a Tree Down Safely

Europe Is Warning Us - Victor Davis Hanson - National Review Online

Europe Is Warning Us - Victor Davis Hanson - National Review Online

In line at the methadone clinic

   "THE FIRST ONE IS FREE"

Yes, this is my addiction and drug of choice. I line up at the drive-through most mornings for my fix - just like at the methadone clinic. I don't get the whipped cream or drizzle - not because of calorie concerns - that would be like ordering a big mac and a diet coke - what difference does it make. I just don't want to adulterate the perfect mix of espresso and chocolate and take away the bittersweet bite of the plain drink. When made correctly it is very HOT - the perfect temperature, actually. It is disappointing when it is not made correctly - but when everything is just right it is perfection in a cup. Not to mention the caffeine which stimulates the dopamine receptors in the pleasure center in the brain. 

THE MAN IN THE ARENA

      Excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic", delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on 23 April, 1910

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Spring

Daffodowndilly

by A.A. Milne

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,
She wore her greenest gown;
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down.
She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbour:
"Winter is dead." 

It was 18 last night, but I know Spring will come. I can't wait to see the daffodils. I learned from Paul Rogers - the garden expert on the radio- that all daffodils are narcissi.

I also like "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." There is a field of dafffodils at Tower Hill Botanic Garden that reminds me of that poem.