To remind me. . . . . . .

. . . . . . of how precious life is and how quickly
 it can be taken away.

I worked in the garden yesterday morning for a few hours. 

It was incredibly hot for mid-February and broke the record for the date
 reaching 81F. I enjoyed a mini breakfast out on the front porch, the air felt so good. 
Came in damp and tired, feeling pleased with myself for accomplishing some small
 chores which needed attention.

Today will be much cooler with rain later, the garden will only be viewed
 from the windows.

I pruned the Japanese maple, also took a few more lower twigs off the Celeste fig tree.

I fertilized all the Spring bulbs scattered throughout both front and back garden beds,

 natural areas, and in large pots. I left the potting shed door open for a burst of

 fresh air and, when I returned to put away my gloves and tools, in with the air

 had flown one of the always inquisitive Carolina wrens.

 I chatted with her as she hopped around inside, not scared, just checking things 

out before flying off. How can one chat with a tiny bird? Quite easily!

I cut just 17 daffodils and jonquils for the dining room, some in full bloom, 

others still in bud.They are my way of remembering those 17 precious people
 taken from their families and friends in the Florida school shooting this week.

There is still beauty. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . out there somewhere.

There is kindness and love, honesty and caring. 

There are good people doing brave things.

At times such as this we question much.

We pray and hope for a safer future,

for the children, for us all.

Gary Bunt - Daffodils: Art and Poetry

I wandered slowly with my dog

We likes to roam o'er vales and hills

When all at once we came across

Loads of bloomin daffodils

Scribble Picnic - Mushy!

I used a color photo of a tin of mushy peas, reverted it to a b/w sketch, 

then added color back with water color pencils.

The history of mushy peas can be found HERE

They are the traditional accompaniment to British fish 'n chips.

Growing up in England I recall eating them often, fish 'n chips being on the

 menu almost weekly. For the full meal cooked at home and served at the table,

 the mushy peas were always alongside the fish and chips -

French fries here in the US - on a proper china plate.

When very young I recall the 'Fish 'n Chip' van parking at the end of our

 road on Fridays - I guess it was an original food truck - serving battered
 deep fried fish, probably local fresh cod, and little tubs of mushy peas.
 The thick cut golden chips would be handed to us in a greaseproof baggie
 tucked inside a newspaper cone. Sprinkled with malt vinegar and a little salt,
 we started nibbling those delicacies before getting back to the house. . . . . . and
 without concerns for fat, sodium and calories. Those were the days!

Hope you enjoy stopping by Michael's Scribble Picnic today -
'mushy" is the theme so there may be some surprises!
Go HERE soon - mushy food, even mushy love - it is 
Valentine's Day after all!  
Who knows what you
might discover.