Venus Warned Mars

Ignoring the advice Venus so generously dispensed, Mars power-played his derriere right down to the concrete. Yep, he just didn't believe that the mesh sling needed replacing. Ahhh, c'est la vie. Venus just hates to say, 
"Je vous ai dit ainsi!"

Surreal Bloomin' Begonias

Sorting The Facts

Architectural Masterpiece

In a case of self-doubt, I'm wondering if I identified the fallen bird's egg properly for Gavin, recently. The nest pictured here is deep inside of the Weeping Cherry Tree, often pictured on CMI in early Spring, when it is laden with white blooms. Thing is, a Catbird and a Robin take turns perching atop the tree, many times over the course of the day. Lo and behold, I've just learned that a Catbird's eggs are the same gorgeous shade of blue as a Robin's. I'm confused. Maybe it's an inter-species union? It will take disciplined observation to determine the answer to this mystery. 
I'll keep y'all posted.

Don't Discount Delicacy

Miniscule daisy lookalikes stood tall during recent downpours, as their more sizable buddies succumbed to wind and water. There are analogies to be made here. 
Ya think?

All Too True

Still lovin' 
that Tommy Lee

Yesterday's rainy morning pay-per was good... not great as a film (a five), but excellent in its expression (a ten) of what astounding numbers of us are experiencing in the current economical world. The trickle-down effect is overwhelming. Great cast. Easy watching.
"The Company Men" 

Baby Bro ♡

We're Goin' Cuckoo

Yellow-Billed Malkoha
A Cuckoo Bird

Last night, the sound that Joe jokingly dubbed as that of the monkey bird did a fine job of keeping me awake, here in Jungle Habitat. It had vanished for a few, and we thought perhaps it only occurs on days and nights such as the tropical ones we experienced, this past week. Well, that's obviously not the case, 'cause we had a chilly downpour, last night. However...

With Joe's theory in mind, I did a little research and found an actual monkey bird - more specifically, one of several varieties that are attracted to the animals when they are feeding. Ah, this one'll fill the proverbial bill, as a member of the cuckoo species. Clearly, I'm going nuts from the loud, indescribable sound rising to our bedroom window from woods that are now quite dense... almost tropically so. All I can say is, 
Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby...
Strut Your Stuff

Twofer?

It's a twofer...
wear as dress or skirt

Cute sundress, right? Had to have it, especially after it was reduced. Thing is, it wasn't a twofer, as we know one to be... you know, two similar items for the price of one. Rather, it was a case of being billed beyond twice the cost for one item. Would that be a onefer? Or fraud?

The online seller herein prefers Master Card, for payment. My bank's MC debit card was handy and thus used. Mistake #1. I inadvertently entered my street addy, rather than my billing POB. Mistake #2. This generated e-mail, requesting me to phone in corrected info. I complied.

 In reviewing my current statement, I noticed two overseas charges, made on the night I phoned the company. The legit charge for the dress was made two nights later. The transaction(s) represent the only time I used said card for an online purchase. Unleashed was a flurry of events:

1. Phone call to bank to report compromised card and initiate dispute

2. Cancellation of current card - reissue of new one, at my expense

3. Notification of fraud activity to local sheriff, who took note before steering me to the Internet Crime Center, suggesting a...

4. Phone call to online seller, alerting them of dishonesty within their ranks; no names mentioned

5. Online completion of detailed FBI form and subsequent mailing of same

6. Aggravation - what a waste of a morning
 BEWARE

Wild Thang

When I consider all that is growing and thriving on our land, I'm truly astounded. Things we planted and subsequently pulled decades ago are still popping up, where least expected. One needs to go out each morning with a good eye, to explore the daily gifts of Mother Nature. I just adore this time of year. It's a love inherited from my parents, I'm sure. Genetics? Who's to say... but, here's a case in point...

Joe picked up Mom's wake-up call, this morning, and put her on speaker. She was all perky and happy, after a relatively tough day, yesterday. "How do you feel this morning, Marge?" "Oh, I feel good. What a beautiful day it's going to be." "Really? That's great that you feel better so quickly." "Well, I have to be grateful because, you know, everyone doesn't get to live to be 92." I chimed in at that point and told her she'd made my blog with that fantastic comment. Sweet truth.
Color Me Inspired. YAY for Mom. ♥

And so, with inherent adoration of the day's offerings, I went outdoors and just about fell into a patch of wild Iris, currently bloomin' away. They were gifted to me many moons ago, by a friendly neighbor. In examining them, I thought it no surprise that cultivators were inspired to develop more exotic varieties, such as Lynn's. 
Gotta luv those wild thangs!

Hold That Blink...

1:53 p.m. 

6:56 p.m.

Salvation

Earlier today, I inadvertently displaced a frog that was resting on our pool ladder. He was too quick for me, rendering me unable to save him with the net. Sad. 

After a half hour or so, I was surprised to see him pulling himself up on the coping. What a guy! Salvation. And for the Rotterdam show, tonight - here ya go...

I AM...I SAID (If You Know What I Mean!)

Poolside Air Show

Embrace Them

The Cape '09

Today is (link) World Oceans Day. Worthy recognition here, in reminding us that our seas and their inhabitants need our protection, so that generations to come may reap similar pleasures to those many of us have enjoyed. 

♡Saturday Night Fever♡

Fab Photo by Dawn

Bloggin' Baldwin

Massapequa HS Yearbook '64

Must be an omen of sorts that twice in one week, for two different reasons and with separate individuals, Mr. B's name played into conversations. He's meant to make an appearance here on CMI. I've told this story gazillions of times... and... I wouldn't be surprised if I did so here. But, won't you agree that some anecdotes are worth repeating?? Rhetorical question. 

Of course, they are! 

Good Gene Pool

So, the story goes that Alexander R. Baldwin was my high school history teacher, some time before his gorgeous son had claimed fame. Still, he was an all-time favorite, even without the enhancement of Junior, who was eight years behind me and graduated from Berner HS, also in 'Pequa. Mr. B. was a regular guy who counted on a dynamic personality to make his point. We'll tackle other famous Massapequans on another day. Are you ready, ND, Seinfeld, Ron Kovic? 

Now, give me an M- give me an A- give me an S...

Hard Won

The segue to "Curb" from "Seinfeld" came much sooner for Joe than moi. He loved LD's show from Day 1. After a while, I began watching. Now, I find myself hooked. Lots of reruns to catch up on... that's always good. And so...

When Wanda Sykes, one of my favorite "Curb" characters, appeared on Piers the other night, we tuned in. When she spoke to the challenge of acting on a show that is unscripted, we were astounded. We had not realized that LD et al simply provide an outline of the weekly concept... from that point, the participants wing it.

WOW! I think I like the show even more, now. How impressive.

Buongiorno

Another of Lynn's in early morning dew

"A Lot Of Horses" :-)

Photos 'n' Hilarious Montage for Joe, by Nicki

Here's a little OBX leftover - an inside joke, if you will, labeled "Horse Humor". Hey, all my ideas can't work out; right, Honey? Left double-click to enlarge, if you're interested in seeing these poses, yet again. ♡

Saturday♡Sandwich

Perfect Mid-Air Ball

A nice day, yesterday, kicking off in clouds with a pay-per-view choice of "Last Night", a too-true story of the temptations challenging marriage... and the easy justifications in making poor choices. Predictable, but honest. An easy summary of why the divorce rate is so high. Ah, human nature. If only the complexity of it all could be replaced by the priceless value of the family unit and the little things in life that offer true, lasting pleasure. By movie's end...

Wind-up

It had cleared outdoors and we had lots to tackle before Gavin arrived. He stayed for a mere few hours, during which time he devoured yogurt, watermelon, carrots, bananas, power pancakes, scrambled eggs, p-b-j 'wiches, ice cream and various drinks. He's clearly in a growing spurt, 'cause it looks like someone stretched him... he's so tall... and where is that chubby tummy? We're still laughing at how busy one can stay, just feeding a six-year-old boy. Also, in the few weeks since we've seen him...

Caught It!

He's taken up baseball, with Bri at the helm. Our Boy Grand is darned good, too! Just look at these action shots. Check out that form. G'pa was so impressed at Gav's ability to take a little instruction. Watch out Derek Jeter - there's challenge on the horizon.

"G'ma, G'ma..."

During an important pitch to Gramps, our Little Man became very excited, stopping that fierce arm mid-air, and saying, "G'ma, G'ma, look what I found - a bird's egg!" We discussed the wind that had probably knocked it from the tree and marveled at Mother Nature's Robin's Egg Blue. Then, it was back to the ball game.

Contemplating Horton

After dinner, or whatever that umpteenth meal was, we layered our day with another movie. Fantastic. We just loved Horton, his antics, his friends and his message. Sigh. Perfection. Cuddles. And more snacks.

"A person's a person, no matter how small."
♡

♡Lovin' Lion Cub

We Win ♡

It's almost show-time... 

link Wanna Bet? ;-)

Boomer Royalty

As a kid, many a Saturday night was spent with Dad in his big chair and the rest of us lounging comfortably around him, in our Massapequa den, with the black-and-white TV blaring. He loved "Gunsmoke"... and by default, so did I. :-) Sheriff Dillon and Miss Kitty. Rest well, James Arness; thanks for the memories.

Consider The Competitive Criteria

It used to be that Joe and Jim would race to open respective pools by Memorial Day. Them, thar were the good ole days. Mother Nature did not factor in... it was simply a goal. We still miss the comforting presence of Jim, as well as the shared commiseration regarding the extensive work it takes to keep yards (and pools) pristine. But the times they are a-changin', as has Opening Day.

Consider the sun-showers of maple seeds and pollen, currently in progress. Polynoses are descending upon us by the thousands; and I swear, you can cut through the pollen in the air. It layers the Great Outdoors with a lovely accumulation of mellow yellow.

During days gone by, we'd simply empty filter buckets filled with the dynamic duo. Now? We wait till maple trees are done shedding and pollen subsides. Result? Pool might open during mid-June. That's just fine; soon it shall be raining violets. Oh, and just so you know, we discriminate...

When the ornamental red Japanese maple seeds take root, we baby them till they reach maturity. Those big-leafed green leafy monsters are not so lucky. Please excuse me while I go pull that puppy from our 
garden bed.

For Jim.

Ready To Rock

Lookalike Inspirations

My Photo - Today

This morning's poppy bloom took me by surprise, with its brilliant striations... simply spectacular.

Capture of a Georgia O'Keefe 
Painting - circa 1927

Neil Diamond Fans - Wanna Bet?

Every fan needs an ND Iris

Come on... 'fess up... you know that these mutual vibes occur amongst us, all the time. Right? At the very least, you walk into the supermarket and Cracklin' Rosie greets you. Jeesh, just consider Baby Grand Gavin's birth - an early arrival, just moments before midnight on ND's birthday. Now, that was a strong one - coincidence, that is. 
So, the bet's on:

Consider this namesake Iris, ready to burst. Will it happen tomorrow, on June 3rd? Or, will it spread its proverbial wings just in the nick of time for the first show of the resumed European tour? That would be on the 4th, in Antwerp. Are y'all up for the challenge?

Excitement in Antwerp as ND arrives

Note for non-fans: Laugh all you want. We know it's difficult to comprehend. Sigh.

Lynn's Beauty ♡

Lynn was born to beautify the hearts and souls of those she touched... and to leave her powerful message of love on Mother Earth, as well... never to be forgotten. I miss her. She touched my life and my garden. Today, I celebrate her gifts, once again, as the first Iris opens to dazzle all who see it.
♥

June - Passion, Love and Beauty

Mom gifted me her cherished pearls, years ago. Not to worry, 'cause we still share. They look so beautiful, draped over the crystal she and Dad gave to us, piece by piece, when we became engaged. They represent June and what the month speaks to, as does the red rose, not yet blooming in our gardens. This one from a Valentine's Day past does the job; don't you think?

 Is it any wonder so many choose June as their wedding month? Here's to passion, love and beauty - what a grand package!