Bird Watch: The Crowned Sparrows are back. Is that a sure sign of fall? We also noticed that the Red-winged Blackbirds are gone. Our year-round resident, the cardinal is here. Mr. and Mrs. Red are having supper at the feeder at this moment. It's looking like fall here.

Reading Iran Awakening, by Shirin Ebadi was quite timely with all of the news about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad coming to Columbia University and his denial of the Holocaust. But, this is not about Ahmadubehad. This is the memoir of Shirin Ebadi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. It tells of her traditional life in Iran including childhood, education, and accomplishments as a judge. Ebadi was demoted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She was imprisoned, harrassed, and was on an assassination list. She is a national hero who has fought for women's right and a fair judicial system. She has defended democracy, free speech, and the rule of law.

Her big thing is to work within the context of Islam. Many of her cases for human justice have been based on text from the Koran. She writes," In the last twenty-three years, from the day I was stripped of my judgeship to the years doing battle in the revolutionary courts of Tehran, I had repeated one refrain: an interpretation of Islam that is in harmony with equality and democracy is an authentic expression of faith."

She feels that change in Iran must come peacefully and from within. Ebadi states," The West, for its part, has the option of using diplomacy to pressure Iran to change its behavior, from its human rights record inside the country to the nature of its nuclear energy program. ........ I can think of no scenario more alarming , no internal shift more dangerous than that engendered by the West imagining that it can bring democracy to Iran through either military might or the fomentation of violent rebellion."

I wonder what advice she would give our President and her own President if given freedom of speech and the freedom to live without fearing for her life? I would like to be the little fly on the wall. Read this book, I have only summarized some highlights.

A few weeks back, I went to the Epicurean Classic in TC . It was fabulous. A great place to rub elbows with the high brows, big rollers. and foodies around our parts. I went to a class given by Alice Medrich. She was basically promoting her new book, Pure Dessert. Lots of fun, since she made chocolate souffles, touilles, and honey ice cream. All were wonderfully tasty and easy to make.

My favorite was the honey ice cream. So, woe is me, I want an ice cream maker. I checked one out a the kitchen store and I have a $10 coupon there. I want one for my birthday which is coming up in Nov. Oh boy, there are so many yummy flavors to try. I wonder if we will be eating ice cream every night? I wonder if we could put just a few scoops in the bowl?

My sources say that it is totally out of the question. Don't even think about it. He screams, Are you nuts???

Want a quick and easy dessert? Well, tonight I'm preparing one of my favorite chocolate dishes. But, it's not in a dish. I'm talking about m&m peanuts in a 1.74 oz. bag. Now this chocolate specialty has 250 calories, 30 g of carbs, and 5 g of protein. It is really quite filling and satisfying. It tastes great with coffee, you get that sugar hit, and you won't be eating it for a week like you would a chocolate cake. So, that's the beauty of candy. Quick, easy, tasty. I have even put the cute yellow bag beside each plate. I don't think it fits in with the the sophisticated ways to serve up the dessert course, but it works for me. No fuss, no muss.

Given up on my blog? No way. School has started and I'm just getting back in the swing of being at work. Boy, did summer go by fast!!

The good news is that I'm still going to the gym. I went from lifting 5 lb. weights to 8 lbs. I am making progress. My back is still a problem, but I figure if I'm in pain, I might as well get some benefit from going to workout and be in pain. No, I don't overdo. I only go to the gym four days a week and lift weights the days I don't go. Don't mess wif me!

The wedding is over with and the happy couple are just back from their honeymoon. It was fun helping with the flowers and shower. The lesson I learned is to try to stay rested the week leading up to the big event. Seems like we had something that needed to be done every day and night. I hope I can take my own advice when the time comes. Another problem is the "add ons." You know, an event could always have more and more and more. Stick to the plan. That is, unless it makes things easier.

So, with the cool fall weather- upper 50's and rain, I craved meatloaf and mac and cheese. They are on this weeks menu. Soon it will be time to make soup. I need to find some new soup recipes. We love corn & cheese chowder and potato soup. Any yummy soup recipes out there?

The tables are set, the flower arrangements and candles are in place, the dance floor is ready, and the trellis is festively decorated. It's time for a wedding. Most everything has been accomplished. I even got a manicure (thanks to a gift certificate from the bride and mother-of-the-bride). The room looks lovely, so now it is just a matter of waiting until tomorrow.

After everything was in place, it seemed like we should have come home, changed our clothes, and gone back for the ceremony and reception. I sound like I want to get it over with, but that was just my feeling earlier in the day. I know there are mixed feelings about wanting it to be finished and on the other hand, wanting the time to slow down.

This wedding is a pre-play of the wedding coming up in May. Same location. I will be thinking about what needs to be done and what not to do. However, I'm sure this will be a lovely event.

Congratulations to Kendra and Walter!! Cheers!

Bird Watch: Dovey has not been sighted for the last few days. I hope he/she found her way back home. It always makes me curious when animals like that show up at our house. It's much the same as the way life presents unexpected events. This dove visit was a pleasant, quiet, and reassuring event.

Our preparations for the ground breaking for the library are finished. Sat. we took the gold shovels, ribbon tied spoons, and the tents to the building site and even though it rained, we had a successful ceremony with lots of celebrities, and kids. The next step is to see how much money we still need to raise. Then...drum roll... we will be putting up our new library. It is very exciting. I wish someone would come along and give our group about ten thousand so we would be done. It is a real achievement for our community to raise over $780,000. I'm proud!!

This week is dedicated to getting ready for KW's wedding. I am doing the flowers for the reception. I spent most of the day washing vases and chimneys. We have had some problems with getting the flowers, but KW isn't real fussy so we revamped our plans-thank goodness. I love doing this sort of thing.

More important to report is that I have been going to the gym. Boy, it is really easy to be out of shape. And, we are trying to eat more healthy. BF quit smoking and started going to the gym, so I am there as his support and I'm trying to strenghten my back. I give us an A+ for effort. Hope I can stick to it when school starts. BF is very dedicated and goes everyday after work. Next step, a body building contest. RIGHT, me and Arnold! The hardest thing is going out to eat and my craving for a little sweets after dinner. Any advice to keep us going?

Bird Watch: This has been the week for intensive bird watching. It started out with the fighting humming birds. Let me explain. We thought there were three: a male and two female hummers. But, as we observed more, there are at least three humming birds plus the male. We haven't seen him much lately. What we have seen are three hummingbirds buzzing around, fighting, chasing each other off, and chipping at us when we are sitting outside. We noticed the numbers since they like to sit on the top of the trellis in the garden. They won't feed at the feeder at the same time. When they chase each other, they come dangerously close to running into us. There they go again. One landed on top of the lilac tree just outside my window. It appears to be a female. All we can think of is that these are babies and the mother is trying to distance herself.

Almost every bird we usually see has been bringing their babies to the bird feeder. It's cheep cheep feed me. We had a rash of woodpeckers and now it is the goldfinches and house finches with their young. We also have a young blue jay that looks bald because it doesn't have its blue jay hair cut.

One evening, Mudge started barking and when I went to the front door, I was greeted by a whole flock of turkeys. Two hens had about two dozen babies and they were strutting through our yard. I shooed them away since I don't want them scratching in my garden.

Another interesting bird development is the white dove that has made itself at home in our yard. No it's not a mourning dove. I'm talking about a dove that you would keep in a coop and train to fly out and come back home. This bird is pure white with pink legs and is very tame. BF went right up to her/him and reached out his hand. Dovey didn't perch on his finger, but then she didn't fly away either( BF keep pigeons as a kid) . It doesn't have a band on its leg. I hope it goes home soon before the weather gets too cold. We think it is some kind of sign. Not quite sure what, but the bird is very pretty and makes us wonder. We are wondering if someone released it for a wedding or a funeral.

Ah, birdies.

Bayfield, Ontario gets the highest marks for our summer vacation. We traveled 430 miles to Fergus, Ontario, saw the Elora Gorge in Elora, went to a play in Stratford, and then drove to Bayfield. The best and most relaxing part of my four day trip was at the Little Inn of Bayfield. Bayfield is located on Lake Huron with one street of shopping and enough restaurants to give a variety of dining. We have been staying at the Little Inn since 2003.

Let's exclaim about the food- Wonderful! This is a four star inn, so I expected gourmet food, and I was rewarded with a sumptuous meal lasting a good two hours. BF had beef tenderloin, M and I had jumbo scallops and shrimp, and R had chicken. Now, that all sounds ordinary, but the whole meal was a gastronomic pleasure. I can't leave out the mango shrimp salad and lemon raspberry bomb.

Now, let's exclaim over the hospitality. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and available to make sure we had a grand time. Darren, the Inn manager, has always been gracious and was our waiter for the gourmet meal.

The Inn is old, quaint, and charming. The rooms we stayed in are newly remodeled on the second floor, so they were very comfortable, although I'm not sold on ThermoPedic mattresses.

We won't talk about the hour and half wait on the Blue Water Bridge to get into Canada and we won't talk about the two hour wait at the bridge when we came back home.

So, there it is for another year. You had to be there. Now I have to go back to work to pay for my vacation. Some people work to pay the bills, but I work to pay for my vacation. I'm already planning for next year.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is a WOW book. It is about an orphan, Hugo Cabret, who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in 1931. His uncle, the clock keeper in the station, has disappeared and so Hugo keeps the clocks going in the towers. But, the story grows more complicated when he becomes involved with an old man who runs a toy booth and an unusual girl. The mystery includes a mechanical man, a notebook from the boy's dead father, and a heart-shaped key.

The story is intriguing, but the second WOW factor is the 284 pages of original drawings. There is a wonderful chase episode done in pictures. The book also includes elements of films so... it makes for a unique reading experience. The book is gigantic and the size could be a put-off for young readers, but the reading goes fast and the pictures keep the reading pace brisk. The story is based on a collection of mechanical wind-up figures known as automata and early films and photographs. Films and photographs are a part of the "illustrations".

This book can be enjoyed by young and old. I recommend this book to read to the kids, for young readers, and for adult who like the pure joy of reading.

Today was the bridal shower. The day started out with rain, but it got warmer and the sun came out so that didn't stop the party. Everything went as planned.

Menu:

Tiny heart cookies with drizzled frosting

Lemon bunt cake

Chocolate chip kiss cookies

Zucchini bread with cream cheese spread

Cherry bread

Fruit shish kabobs

Raspberry lemonade Punch

Coffee

A nice party with aunts, great aunts, cousins, and second cousins. Everyone seemed to enjoy Bride Bingo as the guest of honor opened her gifts.

The party guests received a small candle favor and winners of the Bridal Bingo took home miniature purple African violet plants in purple pots. Three names were drawn from the Thank you note addresses and they took home the fresh flower arrangements (roses thanks to FB's flower garden). I made a corsage for KW with small purple roses, white feverfew, lavender, and ivy.

It was a pleasant afternoon and fun to host.

Butterfly alert: It's not yet a butterfly, but I saw a Monarch larvae when I went down to get the mail. It is very distinctive looking and really chewing away on its host plant the milkweed. I'll keep watch to see if the chrysalis is formed near by. the wormy is cool, but the chrysalis is downright beautiful with its blue body and gold markings.

Bird watch: No new birds.

I've been working on the wedding shower goodies. I made small heart shaped sugar cookies and drizzled a purple powdered sugar glaze on them. The cookies are tasty, but I wish I hadn't put on the glaze- toooo sweet. They do look pretty and will look even more lovely atop the purple cake stand that AS gave me for Christmas. Still have to make a lemon bunt cake. Everything else has been farmed out so everyone gets a chance to help. I really do enjoy planning and doing parties.

Of course, the weather is always the subject of serious conversation in Michigan. It has been raining and cold with wind and thunderstorms. I sure am glad I'm not camping with little kids these last few days. I bet the malls are crowded and the sale of t-shirts is up. It is the week of the National Cherry Festival so TC is crowded with Fudgies. And, it usually rains during this big event. The same goes for the fair which starts the first week of August- rain, I mean. But, we could use the moisture since the lawns were burning up and turning brown. Don't worry, it will be back to hot summer weather shortly.

Butterfly alert: I saw a Mourning Cloak. The crazy thing just sat there sunning itself with it's wings folded. I couldn't identify it with my new Michigan book. Now I know why I need the big North America field guide- because they show both angles of the wings.

Bird watch: Cedar Waxwings are coming to the ripe honeysuckle berries. Still have a lot of hummingbird action.

Where have I been? What have I been doing? Well, I'm getting ready for a Wedding shower that I am putting on. I'm making goodies, getting the favors around, and doing the general stuff. The good thing is that I don't have to clean my house for this celebration. I will be doing the flowers for this wedding so we have been discussing types, form, cost, etc. I've spent a good deal of time looking at ideas on the net. Many great sites.


Since BF stopped smoking, I am his support system and have been going to the gym. I've been walking on the treadmill and doing a few exercises for my arms. Boy- am I out of shape. At least my back pain is for some reason.


We have been hanging out over the holidays keeping the yard watered, working in the garden ( I have picked zucchini and my beans are nearly ready). Lots of beautiful roses. FB has a beautiful pale lilac rose that is sooo fragrant.

Also, we went out on the plains ( land North of our house that was logged off and people grazed there cattle on the grass during my father's time) to pick wild huckleberries. Slow picking because the berries are so small. We picked enough to make huckleberry muffins and have some left for pancakes this weekend. I remember, when I was a kid, picking in that area and getting quarts and quarts to freeze. It is a good thing we don't have to live off these berries, because we would be thin from spending so much time picking those little blue wonders.

Summer is slipping by, I have to make lists or else I find myself doing absolutely nothing. Some days I have very little motivation. I can see why people fall into depression when they retire. Its hard to balance regiment and spontaneity.

Butterfly alert: This year seems to be exceptional for butterflies flitting around the yard, garden, and in the trees. Maybe they have always been around and I am finally noticing their fantastic features. (Probably I'm being more observant). I have identified a Red Admiral and Eastern Swallowtail. I think the Swallowtail lays eggs on my fennel in the garden. I counted four striped larvae on the big ferny plant just on Monday, but I can't find them today. They were fat so could be yummy food for the bluebirds or they have made their chrysalis and are hiding somewhere deep within the ferny plant. I also saw a Little Wood Satyr or a Northern Eyed Brown. It had a lovely eye at the top of it's dun brown wing as it rested on an open spot of dirt basking in the morning sun. I haven't found the correct identification.

I bought Butterflies of the Great Lakes Region by Matthew and Jonathan Douglas. I was hoping this would be great for identifying butterflies in my area rather that having to look through a field guide of butterflies in North America. It is helpful to have fewer butterflies to look at, but the downside is that the photos may only show the side view or the open wing view, not both. Many times I have observed a butterfly with it's wings closed, but the book doesn't show it that way. So... I guess I really need both books for a cross reference. And I need to be more observant as to identifying features- quickly! These guys don't just sit and sit in one place. As always, I have a lot to learn.

Bird alert: This morning I saw the oriole in the poplar trees in the side yard. It has just arrived at the humming bird feeder, but it had trouble since it has no way to gain a perch with the hummer feeder swinging in the breeze. I saw the eagle cruising the neighborhood. I wish that big guy would do more with rabbit control. Back at the bird feeder, we have been watching the woodpeckers parenting their babies. We have a family of Hairy woodpeckers and a family of Downy woodpeckers. They chatter and chatter to get their young to eat the suet at the side of the feeder. What a commotion when the male Hairy daddy was coaxing the female Downy baby.

Yes, the rabbits are still dining on seeds at the base of the bird feeder and the sumptuous white flower heads of the sweet clover. So far, no damage to vegetable garden.

All this bird and butterfly watching is very entertaining. I know, it doesn't take much to entertain me. Oh, there goes a butterfly. Toodles!

Today brought the pleasure of having lunch with my college roommate, Harriet. We talked fast and furious and barely allowed time to leave the room. I loved being together.

This quote sums it up:

Because of a friend, life is a little stronger, fuller, more gracious thing for the friend's existence, whether he be near or far. If the friend is close at hand, that is best; but if he is far away he still is there to think of, to wonder about, to hear from, to write to, to share life and experience with, to serve, to honor, to admire, to love.

Arthur Christopher Benson

We plan to make lunch together a monthly occasion.

for one more day, by Mitch Albom, is a short and fast, but a must read. Chick Benitto is a washed up guy who tries to kill himself. He is graced with a day with his long departed mother. Chick learns about the power of a mother's love. It will give you a few laughs, and a few tears. Some will wish for that one more day with their mother. Some will, perhaps, appreciate their mother here in the present, if they get a chance for one more day.

SPRING IS OFFICIALLY HERE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN!!

Yes, it has finally arrived because today we saw a pair of bluebirds. They flew down from the electrical wire after bugs and grubs. the flash of blue is amazing. When I took some drinks to the table out under the big poplar tree in the backyard, there they sat on a limb above the table. Blue birds are very cool. I was hoping they would take up residence in the bird box that is on the poplar tree I just mentioned. Wouldn't that be fun to watch. Maybe I will spot where they have made their home.

The next creature to make an appearance was a milk snake that Mudge (our Scottie) has been sniffing the garden for all day. He had it cornered and, sorry to say, that was the end of the snake. I know, bad karma, but I really don't like them in my house. One year, I took seven out of my house. Two I took from under the kitchen table. I even have a snake stick that NB made for me so I can catch them in this noose outfit and let them free. I patiently did set them free for a number of years, but they keep coming back. Soooo....

I put out some hummingbird food because I saw a hummer in my flowers. Sure enough, the female came buzzing around and is at this moment at the feeder. Humming birds really like the wild columbine I have in the garden by the pole barn. I also planted some snapdragons for this sweet little bird.

Well, I could leave out the other wildlife, because here comes a bunny hopping down the trail. It just jumped through the vegetable garden and is sniffing out Big Fred's Jeep. Oh boy, my veggies are up and growing well. I hope BunBun doesn't like string beans or tomatoes. Dem Durn Rabbits.

All in all, a restful day on Wyndyhill. We did wash the inside and outside of the living room windows and BF washed the cars. All in all, it was a restful spring day.

OK, I've been waiting for the bride to post about the big event, but no luck. So, I will say it -Counting down for the Bynum-Strong wedding one year from today. Yea!!!

Weather log: It was 61 at 6:30 this morning and is 79 and windy right now. Looks like it might blow up a storm.

Garden log: need to finish up the weeding. We will plant the climbing hydrangea plants we purchased a few weeks ago. They really got frozen, but I think they will come back. We will have to buy some big "Y" trellises to support the plants. I have never grown hydrangea, so it will be fun to see how they like our yard. I love their white flower. It looks like Queen Ann's Lace. I really need to get them planted so I can buy something new in the plant world.

Weather log: The temp is 72 with a beautiful sunset. It was in the 80s today-hot and muggy. We can only hope for this beautiful weather next year at this time.

Bird watch: Nothing new.

Garden log: Need to plant my vegetable garden. Weeded a bit this afternoon. The smoke bush got frosted and now its coming back with new growth around the bottom. The snowball bush is loaded with flowers (see photo). I love the chartreuse ball that turns white. Many of the iris are ready to pop. If this weather holds, we will have a grand display of flowers.

Bird watch: No new birds this morning. A friendly black squirrel has come to the bird feeder to share breakfast with the local bird crowd. However, the birds aren't very happy since even the sassy blue jays are flying in and then hopping out. A brave cowbird landed and took a few nibbles, but for the most part, there is very little bird dining at this time. The squirrel is cute, but I hope he moves on.

Garden and weather log: Rain and cold all week. Seems like it would warm up in the afternoon if I went to town. So, because of the unpleasant weather, nothing much was done in the garden. I did trim the lilac bushes next to the patio. Lots of rabbit damage. The bushes should be 5 feet tall by now, but then they would block the view. Thank you bunnies for controlling them for me. I worked a little in the front, so I only have a bit to clean near the big lilac bush in the corner. The lilacs are really pretty this year. They beat the frost. BF's roses look beautiful with all of the flowers. They were nipped, but because we got them from the nursery, they are blooming nicely. The iris are still putting out their flower stalk. It should be spectacular when they are out in the vegetable garden. Some of the early purple irises are open in the south garden next to the house. I think the lupine are the most interesting (see photo). The white candles before the flower opens is really neat. I love a spring garden because it is all new and exciting ( I have forgotten the colors and many times the plants that I have put in). As far as rhubarb goes, Aunt D came over and pulled enough for a rhubarb pie. And, we were invited for Sunday dinner to help eat it. I tell you, it was delicious. Maybe there will still be enough growing for rhubarb crisp. I wonder if Aunt D would make some?

Bird watch: A Rose-Breasted Grosbeak sang his lovely song yesterday while we sat digesting our picnic lunch. I am presently watching an oriole sipping from an orange half that I put on the trellis that leads into the garden. I think he is getting orange juice from all of the rain pooled in the orange. He is very orange and has now flown to the lilac tree just outside of my window. He is singing his good morning song. Now he is pecking at the gas can on the patio. The Brown Thrasher couple are dining on seed that has blown out of the feeder and bugs in the lawn. They have an impressive curved beak. I am really getting a bird show this morning. Very entertaining.

Garden and weather log: Thunder boomers all last night and into the morning. Poor Mudge didn't want to go outside when we got up. I can't blame him. It really poured and then we got hail. Now, if you haven't experienced hail hitting on skylights, well, it is especially loud and disconcerting. At the moment, it is not raining, the sky to the west is clearing, and it is intensely green out. So glad I got the pole barn garden fertilized yesterday. Now my plants will really pop. Everything looks great. The biggest garden worry is frost. We have been known to get a hard freeze as late as the first of June. A few years back, it froze all of the leaves on the trees. It was a disaster for the cherry crop. We watch the weather so we can cover up our plants. Late frost is also one of the reasons why I plant my vegetable garden so late. The iris I planted in the vegetable garden have bud stalks just coming up. I need to pull some rhubarb and find that rhubarb crisp recipe. I need some asparagus plants. Yum, all of that fresh food!

Bird watch: sighted the first Indigo Bunting at the bird feeder on Sat. and a pair of Brown Thrashers. We also have a large flock of white-crowned sparrows. They are really perky. All the juncos have gone until fall. We are waiting for Hummingbirds and Bluebirds. MOTHER KNOWS BEST.

Nice Mother's Day with Mom and the S's. Our usual party fare is grilled burgers and homemade potato salad- my mom's recipe. I know how to make this potato salad from all of the taste tests I did when Mom made it and when my grandmother made it. Mom gave an approving smile today when she took the first bite.

Garden and weather log: The air was a bit cool, mid 60s, but the sun was bright, so it was a beautiful day. Got lots of gardening done this weekend. I have two spots left to clean in the garden next to the road. It's mostly grass that needs pulling, so it is slow going. BF bought five new rose bushes. I got some bright fuchsia geraniums for the window box. And, I'm going to try growing climbing hydrangea in the garden next to the pole barn. Soon I will be sipping mint juleps and watching the the flowers grow. Oh yes, I still have to plant my vegetable garden.

Garden and weather log: Nice showers this morning and turned off in the 70s, maybe 80. At 5:19 pm the thermometer says 66. A thunderstorm has just moved through to the south with big black clouds and distant thunder. I would imagine folks are getting rain in Manton.

Of course, I worked, so I haven't been in the garden. The old-fashioned purple lilac bushes have a few flowers open. The crab apple tree in the front is ready to flower. I think I saved the foliage because I got rid of a bunch of tent worms eating the leaves. (I use dish soap on their webs) The cherry trees on the way to TC are in bloom and I see some flowers on our pear trees.

With this heat, the poplar and maple trees have their leaves. I always think what a miracle it is that trees can go from no leaves to leaves overnight. Ready to start the new cycle. With all the trees, it is no wonder one of my favorite colors is green.

Gauging the way the cherry blossoms are out this week, I'm afraid they won't be available if they are to be part of the B and S wedding next year. I know that won't be the end of the wedding world. Just an observation.

Garden and weather log: Monday was cool in the morning and then it warmed up to the 70s by late afternoon. Of course, my garden work time was in the morning and I went to town to visit my mom by afternoon. I cleaned most of the south garden next to the house. The iris are starting to flower. The variegated phlox are really healthy, and the rabbit ravaged rosebush is putting out shoots. I'm excited to see how the allium comes out. Allium is one of my favorite all time spring flowers. By the weekend, I'm sure it will have warmed up and the garden shops will have flats of petunias and marigolds in. I want to get the flowers for my window boxes.

Another sure sign of spring: we saw the first oriole. And of course, the cement block fell through the ice on Joe's Pond in Vermont on May 1. They have the block attached to a cord and a clock to know the exact time. The annual contest is a big deal event that signals the end of winter. For more details of weather trivia:http://www.scenesofvermont.com/joespond.htm

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a mystery about a young antiquarian bookseller and a mysterious author. When I first started reading the book, I didn't realize that it was a mystery. I thought it was a book about twins. And because it was so bizarre in parts, I almost put it down. At times, it gave me the creeps.

All of the mystery genre elements were present. It definitely had a spooky setting, in England with old dilapidated mansions. The characters were eccentric (to say the least), with love, hate, death, jealousy, and yes, twins. There were many twists and turns as the young bookseller writes the life story of the famous author and tries to find the real truth. There even were a few red-herrings.

What I didn't like is the way it seemed so...contrived: authors writing about authors, clues being within books, I don't know, if you didn't have a heap of literary references in your knowledge base, the clues and ideas would go right past you. I don't like horror stories and this had it's share of horror. Remember, I thought the book was about twins. I guess you'll have to find out for yourself.:)

Garden and weather log: Overcast, in the mid 60s, and windy. I worked in the front garden pulling out grass. It just wasn't that pleasant out for gardening. Clymatis vines are getting leaves and shoots are popping up. Amazing since FB got the plants from California. I'm surprised that they made it through the winter. One iris in the South garden is ready to bloom. The allium flower head is up about 2'. No other flowers yet. Saw a large bald eagle two days in a row. Sat. night we saw the Northern Lights streaking overhead. Hopefully, it will warm up.

Went to the big Ann Arbor to see the Loreena McKennitt concert downtown at the Michigan Theater. It's one of those experiences I have been looking forward to since we discovered Loreena about 10 years ago while on vacation in Canada, which is her home. BF and I really enjoy her Celtic-World music, so of course, when she was booked at the Michigan, we were on the fast track to get our tickets, thanks to our FDIL.

I enjoyed the concert, light show, and the whole ambiance of the Michigan Theater. However, as NB pointed out, much of the music sounded the same. If I hadn't known the words to the songs, I might not have understood a thing, but it didn't matter to me since I was there for whatever came along. The house was crowded with her fans, and I don't think any of the above items mattered. Ms. McKennitt has been away from the touring and recording scene for about ten years since the death of her fiance in a boating accident. http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/listenwatch/0,,466244,00.html

We also enjoyed eating at an Indian Restaurant, poking through Dawn Treader Book Store, watching an old version of The Adventures of Robin Hood, and shopping in the mall. But, the most fun was just hanging out with AS,NB, and TD. A good time was had by all.:)

Garden and weather log: Sunny and in the upper 60s. Grass needs mowing. Everything looks unkept since we have been gone. I hate to look at the front garden. The blossoms are coming out on the apple blossoms I brought into the house a week ago.

Garden and weather log: Another gray, rainy day. Temps in the 50's. Too warm for fleece, but not warm enough for short sleeves. Everything is still on hold.

The front garden, which has not been cleaned yet, is coming on strong. The grass is too. Must get out there.

I've noticed lawns with naturalized daffodils and crocuses. They sure look pretty. I wonder how it is when the flowers have faded and you are waiting for the leaves to dry down before you cut them. Maybe you let the lawn grow up and then cut the whole thing. I don't know, but I'd like to try it.

Garden and weather log: Gray, rainy, and in the 50s. Grass is getting green and tall, but everything else is waiting for the temperatures to warm up. Typical up north weather. These are nice quiet rains, so it is rather peaceful.

When the sun gets out, it will be time to hunt for morel mushrooms. These mushrooms are tasty morsels found around our swamps and woods. Once we found a big patch near a fallen poplar tree. Folks seek them and fix gourmet meals with them. We even have a local Morel Mushroom Festival. I am not a fan since I usually find a quantity of bugs in them even after I soak them in salt water. It does get people outside. I enjoy the hunt, but give my mushrooms away.

Garden and weather log: Monday the weather cooled off and we had a nice rain. The grass really shot up and so did the flowers. Today was in the 50s and was gray toward evening. Looks like it might rain again. Hot, cold, hot, cold. Definitely Michigan weather.

I found another sure sign of spring- the gopher that lives under our deck was out running around and antagonizing the dog.

The poplar trees in the backyard have their wormy looking things before the leaves come out. They are making a big mess on the patio-I just sweep it off.

No new flowers, but the wild columbine is growing fast. I brought some apple branches in the house to see how long it takes to force the flowers. The branches are quite lovely even without flowers or leaves.

Garden and weather log: 86 and breezy. Just haze around the horizon. Yard looks really nice since BF worked on the main garden and I sweep the deck and the brick patio. Raked next to the house and under the river birch and the poplar next to the water outlet. BF turned the water on and picked up the leaves and grass with the lawnmower sweeper. What a helpful purchase (at the time I was skeptical)! So, we are moving along.

We took the wire off the roses and shrubs. Not much varmit (rabbit) damage on the covered plants, but the lilacs off the patio are ruined and so are the three new shrubs I planted last spring. I won't be planting any new shrubs unless they are protected by wire next winter. All in all, we had far less damage this year and the plants look very healthy.

The goal is to make the garden look really nice without buying a lot of new plants. Of course, with that said, I know very well that I will see a plant I have always wanted and I will bring it

One happy surprise is that the blue poppy CT brought me from Bainbridge Island came up looking strong. I hope it blossoms.

Garden Log: With temps in the upper 60's today, the garden plants are up and coming through the leaves. The miniature daffodils are in bloom, the last of the crocus are finishing ( earlier flowers got snowed on), and grape hyacinths are just forming their flower. Leaves are popping out on the lilac and honeysuckle bushes. Grass is really green. We will be ouside all Sat. doing yard work.

I have to post the weather and the state of the gardens so I can make some predictions for this time next year. You know, the big wedding.

I'm always looking for a tasty and inexpensive wine and I have found one. Alice White Lexia 2005 is the product of South Eastern Australia. The wine is sweet, but not too sweet, and fruity. It went well with meatloaf and baked potatoes. I tried it blackberry pie and it was good, but not excellent. I thinks it would be yummy with chocolate.

The wine is named after Alice White who is an adventurous, fictional, English woman who explored the Australian Outback in the 1800s. The bottle label has an excerpt from Adventures in a New Land. This is an interesting idea for selling wine. The wine cost about $7.00 and I got it at the Fast Break gas station.

At one time our family was really into fine wines, blue bottles, estate wines and all that. We had wine tasting parties here at our house. I learned that a good wine is what you like. If it costs $4 great. So, here is a wine that I have easy access to and it fits my budget. I chilled the bottle for about twenty minutes before serving. I think it is a winner. And cute popup!

I love good fantasy and Mercedes Lackey has been serving it up. I just finished reading Fortune's Fool and One Good Knight which are part of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series.

I like these books because they are based on traditional fairy tales and mythology. Both of these books have kings, queens, princes, and princesses. They also have dragons, witches, godmothers, wizards, sirens, mermaids, brownies, and unicorns. The stories contain creatures that I've rarely heard of so I might have to get out a mythology reference book. It all depends on the setting as to the creatures that inhabit it. Sea King's realm involves sea creatures. Land kingdoms involve birds and beasts. You know- Baba Yaga, Sergei the Humpback Horse.

And because they are based on traditional tales and magic, they come with traditional plots like the evil stepmother and the dragons who are given virgins for supper (supposedly). As in any good story, there are many twists and turns and some modern ideas in the events that move the story along. There is the common use of three wishes, three tasks, three obstacles. Lackey is uncommon in the use of women as clever, beautiful, leaders, and main characters who have an unusual gift. Not to say that the evil woman is left out. No, she is just as evil as her male counterpart.

Lackey is right in step with Tolkien and J.R. Rowlings in bringing back the old evils of Greece, Europe, Russia, and Japan. Fortune's Fool was a great set up for the next book in the series. It involves the seventh son of a king of the land and the Sea King's seventh daughter. What a way to go? This is the Five Hundred Kingdoms series.

Back to soup. I was already to get the grill going last weekend when the weather was so nice, but with the blizzard weather, it's soup for supper.

I made a big kettle of cream of cauliflower soup from a recipe in the Joy of Cooking cookbook. It was really easy except I didn't have thick cream so I used milk and my half and half. You have to improvise when the driveway is plugged and you haven't been to town in two days. So soup and cheesy biscuits. Pretty tasty and it keep the kitchen warm all day.

The grill will have to wait for better weather.

Spring snow. Just as predicted, it's too early for spring. We have blizzard warnings up until 8 am tomorrow, with winds gusting up to 45 mph. So far, there isn't the snow that they predicted 10-12 in., but that could still come by tomorrow. The poor frogs and robins!

My aunt and uncle just returned from Florida and probably brought this storm just like they did last year. Burrr- I hope they didn't put away their long underwear.

But, I'm cozy-listening to CATS, cleaned the bathroom, made the bed, tried on some spring clothes ( I actually fit into them), and have spagetti sauce in the works.

So much for being on Spring Break. I envy the folks who made a mad dash to warmer climes, but I bet they will hate coming back. Darn Spring, you do this every year!!!

Yes, FROGS! We heard the peeper chorus last night. The grass is greening up and the temps are holding in the 50s. How long will this last? We, in the northern climes, are very skeptical.

Village men carrying lumber for their school when roads were blocked with landslides.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is an amazing account of how one person can make a difference in the world. Greg, a mountaineer, was saved by a Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains after he failed to reach the summit of K2. He promised to return and build a school for the children. This is the story of his struggles to build fifty-five schools in the area. The title says it all- One Man's Mission to promote Peace... One School at a Time.

Greg should win a Nobel Peace Prize. His efforts are so much more productive than fighting terrorists by going to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Reading the book made me more aware of the fact that ordinary people pay the price of arm chair warriors.

I came across these remarks from Brigadier General Bashir Baz, a close confidant of Musharraf, who helped Greg fly into the many hard to reach villages.

Bashir is watching CNN from Baghdad showing bombed buildings and wailing Iraqi women. He says," Your President Bush has done a wonderful job of uniting one billion Muslims against America for the next two hundred years." Mortenson says, "Osama had something to do with it, too." Bashir roars," Osama, bah! Osama is not a product of Pakistan or Afghanistan. He is a creation of America. Thanks to America, Osama is in every home. As a military man, I know you can never fight and win against someone who can shoot at you once and then run off and hide while you have to remain eternally on guard. You have to attack the source of your enemy's strength. In America's case, that's not Osama or Saddam or anyone else. The enemy is ignorance. The only way to defeat it is to build relationships with these people, to draw them into the modern world with education and business. Otherwise the fight will go on forever."

Chew on those ideas for a while. That's what stands out in this book!

More signs of Spring!!

The Red-Winged Blackbirds are back. So are the Cowbirds and Grackles. And we saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes at the pond on Schichtel Rd. Pussy Willows are blooming. Still no frogs or snakes.

I think it is too early for all of this. The birds have their own systems, so who am I to tell what is what.