Rainy day garden...

The rain started in the early morning hours and by morning the garden was watered and cooled off from the previous heat. Ahh, sweatshirt morning once again. I took this photo as the birds were taking a break from their bath and there was a lull in the rain.

In my small town there are activities from morning til night. My purple bike is ready to make the rounds and my stories are tucked into my back pocket for the work I need to do today. Stories from a small town are the flavor of the day!

A walk in the woods...

My two favorite guys, Matthew and Jonah, and I took a walk through the woods at Pokagon. We were joined by Fred Wooley, the naturalist at Pokagon State Park. He took us over to the area where the bluebells are blooming. There were patches and patches of bluebells.

I could almost see and hear fairies dancing in the middle of the day. I can only wander what it is like when the pale Moon slides overhead at Midnight.

The boys and I took photos, made lists of birds, and just enjoyed spring enjoying each other's company.

It is not often one gets to set foot on fairy ground. Shhh......





Rupert Brooke

I found this lovely old poem in a book given to me by Adam years ago. Inside the cover of the book is inscribed: To Mommy, From Adam, Christmas 1987.

I have loved this book, Stillmeadow Daybook by Gladys Taber all these years. This afternoon through slight sprinkles of dawdling spring, I pulled this book off the shelf. Ahh, sweet spring, taking your time, but patience is a virtue for you and for me.

"All things are written in the mind.

There the sure hills have station;

And the wind blows in that placeless air.

And there the white and golden birds go flying;

And the stars wheel and shine; and the woods are fair."

Rupert Brooke

The photos were taken in my garden as the winter winds are finally giving way to the wedding march of spring.

Just realizing...

I just realized that I left for China a year ago today. Kimberly and I left with the folks from Global Indiana from Indianapolis on this morning. We flew to Washington D.C. and then on to Tokyo. We had a two hour break in the airport at Tokyo and then on the Beijhing. The rest is, of course, history.

Have been thinking about this all day as the news pours in over the wires.

My friend Mari has been trying to locate her family all day. Disconnected world and lives, and yet connected in so many ways.

Reacting in a small town..

I was down at the local coffee shop early this morning where the talk was entirely on the earthquake in Japan and the aftermath that will follow. Tsunamis, stock markets, health risks from the nuclear power plants. We, in the Midwest, send our thoughts and reactions to everyone involved.

One of my best friends, Mari Williams, is from Japan. Her family still lives there. There are several students at Trine that also are unable to connect to their family and friends for who knows how long?

What we can do, we will. In the meantime, compassion is all we have to offer.

Garrison Keillor

(I lifted this photo, he did not have a podium!)

Last night Garrison Keillor performed at the Embassy in Fort Wayne. Kathy and I bought tickets months ago and we (along with several hundred folks from the Midwest) were not disappointed.

The stage was set with a single stool and microphone. There was no introduction. There was no intermission. There was not even a bottle of water on the stage. Just Garrison with his red shoes.

For two hours he shared stories from his beloved Lake Woebegone. The audience, made up with older folks, loved each moment of the show.

Thanks to the Lutheran Foundation for bringing him to Fort Wayne!

Last snow of winter (again)?

Last evening I was invited to dinner at the home of Carolyn and Elton. (We are planning the retirement party of the century!) It began to snow on the way with large flakes, reminding one of cotton candy!

With huge windows facing the prairie, we shared a lovely dinner while watching the snow fill the fields and meadows. By the midnight hour, when I left, there were over three inches of snow and still falling. The streets and roads were empty as I drove home.

This morning the sky is azure, the sun is bright, and the snow is dazzling. The truth is, I was ready for one more storm.

Lou Ann