The Big And Little Things Of May

Well, it seems that there are always big and small things that come up each month, and among the big ones is the blazing fire that's going on in So California right now.  It's called the Sandy Fire, and it's not that far from Jess.  It's 75% contained, thank the Lord, and we have some robust firefighters working on it.  Thousands were ordered to evacuate.  There's some smoke in Jess' area, but she has not had to evacuate.  

When I see the deer, I feel it's considered a big thing, as how many of us open our doors, walk outside, and see deer right in their front or back yards?  This one looked satisfied chomping on something.  I do think there was a buck in the midst of them all, which is rare.

Some baby birds were born recently, and I'm not sure what type of bird they are, but the neighborhood can hear them peep loudly day and night!  *Baby birds stretch and open their beaks as wide as possible.  This is called gaping.  They do this to reveal their brightly colored mouths, which triggers their parents natural instinct to feed them.

🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣

Among the little things (and those are often the best ones).....I watched the movie Green Book.  It was a really good movie.....reflective, eye opening, had a lot of perspective, inspiring, and entertaining.  I recommend watching this film.  It's based on a true story as well, which I always appreciate.

The kids are officially on summer break, and ready to enjoy this time off from school.  Mia had a 'spring sing,' an end of the year performance where all the classes in that grade level come together to give a short concert.

It's always such a joy to see my white flowering bush awaken every spring.

Cinnamon raisin toast and peach orange tea - a good combination.

Through the kitchen window, I see my neighbor's flag waving every Memorial Day weekend.

~if you know someone like this, give them a gentle hug today~

Sometimes I feel like I'm part Italian (but I'm not), cause I love their food so much. 🍝🍞🍕  Shell pasta with marinara sauce.

I hope you have some big and little surprises this week.

In The City For My Birthday

 People have wondered through the years why I like to spend so much time with my kids and do things with them, but they have always been my best friends.  I spent a lot of time with them growing up, and honestly as much time as a mother can spend with her kids.  They make me laugh, and know and tolerate my funky ways.

  I had the pleasure of being with my best friend on my birthday last week, my son.  I really didn't want to drive to the city, but I was glad I did, cause I had the best day.  I went to all the shops, went to the theatre and watched a movie (which wasn't that good, but the popcorn made up for it), went out to lunch, did some more shopping, and came home with lots of birthday goodies.  Jess' package came, and it was filled with many thoughtful gifts; a pair of slip-on tennis shoes in a mint color (very cute), a tin of See's candy, English Breakfast tea, a drawing that Francesca made, and this sweet mon cheri pillow, which means "my dear."

A pretty card from my best friend.  I love Papyrus cards.

And Nel made this card.  She is teaching her students a program, and she created this for me.

In the city, I went to Starbuck's, Target, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, Michael's, World Market, and JCPenney.  Hobby Lobby is my happy place, and I found this cute vintage 4th of July girl ornament.  I had the best 4th of Julys growing up, so I had to get her.

Some of you know that I love the ladybug.  There is a story about Mother Mary and the ladybug that I've shared before.  When I walked inside World Market, I first noticed the coffee kias, and this ladybug cup was hanging there along with coffee samples to try out.  I immediately put it in my cart and kept shopping.  ; )

We went to a favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch.  I wanted to go somewhere festive and fun, and you can't get much more festive than this one.

These are my birthday goodies.  My son bought me a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.  I was so tired when I got home, and it was the perfect end to the day with a cup of coffee.

And the cloth doll Nel gave me.

I had a nice visit with my neighbor, and we caught up on each other's lives.  While I don't like to drive long distances, she doesn't mind, and just returned from a long road trip to see her family.  We both, however, appreciate being home after such a trip.  It was starting to get so warm in the city at the end of the day, and there was a nice breeze driving back up the mountain.  It was actually chilly last weekend, and I had to put on a sweater.  I had a visit from the California Quail on my birthday week too.

Have you ever noticed that the coffee and tea you drink taste better in your favorite cup?

And for my birthday month, I put a few things out on my hutch and call it my "her hutch".......everything I love.

If you didn't hear the story of the ladybug, I'll share it with you now. 🐞

The story goes that in Europe during the Middle Ages, swarms of pesky insects (probably aphids) destroyed crops and threatened faithful farming communities with starvation.

In desperation, the farmers, who had a devotion to the Blessed Mother, turned to the Virgin Mary for help!

Soon after, a cloud of black-spotted, red-orange insects came and devoured the plant-destroying pests, saving the crops!

The farmers considered this an answer to their prayers and a sign of Our Lady’s intercession. They began referring to these life-saving, beautiful insects as “Our Lady’s Bugs.”

California Poppies For Mother's Day

 After a trip, it's always nice to be home, and last week was catch up time.  When I'm around so many people and crowds and traffic, I need to retreat to nature after, as it's a sweet part of creation that grounds me and keeps me calm.

Nature is lovely here in the mountains, and it's even more special when nature comes to me and visits me right here at home.

Since I was just with all my family recently,

it was nice to spend a serene mother's day with my son just visiting nature.  We headed over to the creek, but first we picked up some tacos and burritos at the local restaurant in town.

Everything was full and green, and it was a warm, sunny day.

I was hoping that the poppies were in full bloom - they come and go quickly, so you have to visit at just the right time to see them in spring.  When I first got there, I could see orange in the distance, and was surprised to see a cluster of poppies near the edge of the creek.

Some fun facts about the California Poppy.

*They were designated as California's state flower in 1903.

*They open in full sunlight, and close during cloudy weather or at night.

*Native American tribes used the California Poppy for its mild sedative properties to promote relaxation and sleep.  They also used the plant as a pain reliever.

*The vibrant blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies and beneficial insects.

*Known as the "Golden Flower of the West."

*They have four delicate petals that form a cup.  Also known as "The Cup of Gold."

I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Such yummy morsels of goodness.

Wanted to show you my calendar for May.  It's delightful and says ~Spilling the tea at the Fairy Tree~

*And for my new blog friends, a little about my own mom....I was fortunate to have an amazing mother.  She was always there for her five children, and tended to their needs, with me being the youngest feisty child.  Her Singer sewing machine was her hobby, and she made many wonderful things on it, including most of my clothes growing up.  I designed them, told her just what I wanted, and she went on busily sewing them for that special ocassion.  She worked on so many projects, like the fabric Christmas ornaments that she put on her tree one year.  Nel still has some of those ornaments tucked away.  She was a calm mom, who held her composure when it was especially needed.  Her family was her life, and she was the best cook, making homemade meals every day.  The person that resembles my mom the most I believe is Jess.  They are both petite with fair skin and lighter hair.  She truly was a great mom.

This is Jingles, Walt Disney's favorite horse on the Carousel at Disneyland.  It's really hard to get her when standing in line.

 

Hope your week is filled with all things good.  Here's a California Poppy for you.