It's A Maple-Seed World

Our new gardener... you know, the one who arrived Just In Time, post below... is very aware of his surroundings. Having just studied the topic of germination in school, he is quite intrigued by the gazillions of helicopters flying through the sky. He planted them all over the place. I brought to his attention the babies of red (ornamental Japanese/Lace-Leaf) and green (indigenous) that seeded themselves naturally. "G'ma, do you think my seeds will grow?"

A weekend visitor inquired as to "Why?" the pool is not yet opened; after all, the weather has been gorgeous. Ah, we must wait for all the seeds to descend... and then... and then...

We must wait for all their filter-clogging stems. And then, it shall be time to reveal aqua blue.

Hunter loves to help. After much begging and pleading, and with boatloads of supervision, he push-mowed the confined pool area. Tractors are for fun; push mowers are for the hard-working. Again, not to worry... release the handle and TORO shuts down - an important safety feature. I digress...

By some miracle, there is some planet Earth that is not covered by maple trees. Just look at the blooming Rhododendron, as it reflects in winter's seedy pool cover. Gotta love Mother Nature.

♥

AMERICAN IDOL

Well, it's down to the wire. For us, Joshua Ledet clearly won the night, yet again. Joe and I are wishing him into the finals and would like to see him win the whole shebang; but...

Previous years and statistics seem to dictate a winner in Phillip Phillips... he's terrific in his chosen genre, he is clearly very cute... and he plays guitar. Guitar. Ask Kid Rock why he chose the instrument and he'll tell you that it's traditionally a means to girls' hearts (and votes?). Have to note here that I did not appreciate his (Phillip's) father's packin' appearance. Might have been nice if he'd removed the pistol for the homecoming. Not impressed, except in a negative way. Will this cause him to lose a few votes? Joe thinks he should leave, based on performance.

 Jessica Sanchez has a brilliant voice, but is so young and seems to lack the emotion that immortalizes already great songs... just my opinion, of course, and I'm all for her departure.

AP Photo

Adam Lambert shall return to the IDOL stage tonight. Perfect. He's a primary example of the fact that one never knows what the show's outcome shall be. Second place worked for him, though... it's not everyone who can fill Freddie's shoes. 


ELIMINATION NIGHT UPDATE:
Well, Joshua did not make the cut, leaving the final round to Jessica and Phillip. I guess I did call attention to Phillip here, at the very beginning of the season. Perhaps that counts for something; but we are so disappointed. A mega-classy 20-year-old, Joshua brought his Mom up on the farewell stage and repeated his spectacular rendition of James Brown's "It's A Man's World". 

Sick Day... No, Really... A Sick Day :-)

Gavin spiked a high fever, the other night, so he came to hang out here, yesterday. It was teeming rain, outside, and thus we designated it a Pajama Day For Movie-Watching. And we watched... and watched... and watched... NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S ***"Really Wild Animals"*** and "The Chipmunks Chipwrecked" and "Despicable Me". Actually, I recommend all three... no kidding!!

"G'ma, I can't believe we watched THREE movies!"

"Honey, I'm exhausted from doing nothing. I haven't watched that much TV since I was YOUR age!"

"Gavin, there shall be NO leaping from the furniture!!!" said I, as I returned to the room with snacks.

But y'all know that you can't keep a good man down. So, when couch-cuddling got tiresome and energy levels were bursting, the G-Man built himself a few forts. When they collapsed, he switched to obstacle courses. Couldn't help but reminisce about the good ole days when Ronnie and I executed our own architectural skills. We were supposed to be doing chores on Saturday mornings, but sofa cushions held much more interest, if ya know what I mean.

Problem is, Gavin is still sick and received a double diagnosis, today... strep AND the flu. Am I doomed? If so, he'll have to come back to nurse me for a day.

♥
***"Oh, whaddya want for lunch...whaddya want to munch?
How 'bout some fruit bunch... or somethin' with lots of crunch?
Just give me a bunch of lunch... crunchy, munchy lunch..."***

Art Lessons

Do you play DrawSomething? Aubs introduced me to the game about a month or so ago. It's fun and addictive. More importantly, there are some talented people out there, from whom I can learn a thing or two about depicting words via art. My favorite player is a random one with whom I've engaged on occasion for a month now. I've blocked her name to protect her privacy, but I couldn't resist this screen capture. Our longest run was 56 consecutive rounds. The above 28 is now at over 50, possibly a record-breaker. 

Color Her Inspiring, don't you think?!

Just In Time!

Christian popped into town, last Friday, and he brought along our KidGrands. The visit coincided with our search for a reliever... you know, like Mariano Rivera, except of the gardening variety. By the way, we do send our Yankee star the fondest of healing wishes. I digress.

Turns out that Hunter was just itching to drive the tractor, instead of just riding with Gramps. Not to worry; I do jest a bit here. The blade was disengaged and he was only allowed to "ride the flats"; but I'll bet he put about five miles on Old Betsy! Boys will clearly be boys. Meanwhile...

Baby Sis did a bit of drivin' and ridin', too.

♥

Happy Mother's Day! ♥

Classical Kid

AP

Still lovin' the Kid and his efforts to save Detroit et al, whenever his hard-earned fame and fortune can help. Check out the article here. Born Free in the USA and forever appreciative...

Heavy Metal

My personal favorite-of-the-day, as captured while traveling at 60mph!

Nikon and I rode shotgun with Joe, yesterday. By sheer coincidence, my seated, static shoot from inside the car produced a running theme, don't you think? Check out the shades of steely gray, framed by none other than Mother Nature's brilliant palette.

It was impossible to ignore the deep, shaded greens of the mountains, so positively rich, this time of year, as they played against fluffy whites, more gray and hints of blue.

 Old barns and silos abound, in the countryside, with many in horrid stages of disrepair. They are reminders of a more lucrative time gone by, well before their dignity was threatened. I'm thinkin' that they still possess a degree of intrigue, rendering them photo-worthy. 

Super-size to spot the bird, perched atop the left silo... nesting, I'm sure, giving
new life to these abandoned structures.

Mr. President

Impressed am I by the fact that President Obama has publicly reversed his opinion on same-sex marriages. He somewhat credits the women in his life for this shift in the moral arena. By now, everyone knows at least one committed and monogamous gay or lesbian couple. I've known several, the first of whom were never labeled. I was a child and they were our neighbors. My Dad was friendly with them and that was enough for me. Live and let live with like privileges for all... yes, that would be my stance. Just BE.

IT'S WEDNESDAY... IT'S JOSHUA LEDET!!

Sometimes it's true and it IS a 20-year-old manchild's world! Wow!!

We're Rich!

Speaking of strolls, here are two little cousins enjoying Minnewaska landscapes.
Time flies! And, yes, we are so rich. ♥

A stroll through the garden tells me that there shall be a bumper crop of (link) Silver Dollars, this season, thanks to the fact that we didn't pull weedy-looking plants, earlier in the season. Blossoms abound. They shall soon turn to nifty pods that ultimately end up in vases and bowls. Decorating possibilities are endless. 


Seeds shall be available by the hundreds. Interested? I'll put your name on my list for late summer delivery.

Super Soll Celebrations! ♥

Hunter's much anticipated First Holy Communion and Chloe's fifth birthday party day arrived, yesterday. A spectacular dual celebration began with early-morning church ceremonies, during which Hunter executed his reading in perfect form.

Party-time could not have been warmer or more fun, and our four BabyGrands were excited to be together. 

 Lots of other kiddies rounded out a great crowd of friends and relatives, and the new Soll residence served the function in a super way, making for a super day that was topped off by a Super Moon. What more can we ask for? 

Color Me So Very Inspired 

♥

Occupied!

We've a bird's eye view of the real estate in the Japanese maple. As we enjoyed lunch, today, I spotted movement and quickly grabbed my camera. I was able to capture the tiny wrens from my own perch at the kitchen island... and right through the glass of the slider. How's that for comfy birding? Joe is so happy, 'cause he made the investment about two years ago. Finally, we have condo tenants, but we've designated the property as rent-free. Later on, I moved myself and my Nikon to the other side of the glass, for this close-up. It seems that these little guys are not at all shy.

Now, we're hoping for a family to take up residence in the very cool multiplex that Bri found for us, several years ago. It is clearly for rent, with Everybirdy Welcome. :-)

Tonight's IDOL Vote Goes Once Again To JOSHUA LEDET...

Maybe there was something prophetic in my numbering him "1", in my early photo. Ya think? He is just brilliant, and tonight is not the first that's he's won our first-place vote. Hollie came in a very close second, for us. Yes, Joe and I are in total agreement, tonight.
Update on Elimination Night... Sadly, Skylar leaves; but we're happy that Hollie saved herself. It's tough at this stage of the game. There are four remaining contestants.

Paint Me FIVE! ♥

Our sweet Chloe is five, today! How can that be? We only blinked! With a personality as bright as her gorgeous face, she loves to sing while she paints or plays... so precious. There is not task she cannot accomplish, once her mind is set... determination. Have I mentioned loving? We quickly lost count of the times she said, "I love you," during our recent time together. What a girl, our "baby"... but not the youngest for long, 'cause soon she'll be sharing her great wealth of attributes with her baby sister. She'll be an awesome role model. We love you so much, Chloe. Happy Fifth!! Today, we're singing Justin Bieber, totally in your honor.... and we are SO excitedly awaiting Saturday's party, when we'll share many hugs, just like this one...

Paint Me Ninety-three ♥

Our Matriarch turns 93, today. Ask her and she'll be happy to tell you that "...it's tough getting old." But as one can see from last year's photo, it was a pretty good ride, till recently. Happy Birthday, Mom. We all love you and continue to toast better days.

"Trying Is Free" - A Recipe ♥

Little did I know when Gavin was busily creating his music shop that his sign would so aptly apply to Aubrey's endeavors in the kitchen. No grass grows under Gav's feet, as the saying goes, and his store was born of an incredible imagination, in just a few moments of downtime. For just $4.56, I (re)purchased the big djembe drum. What a bargain!

Meanwhile, Aubs was hounding me to teach her how to make the strawberry sauce I'd mentioned earlier. Why not? It would go well with Nanny's 93rd birthday cake, already concocted by the kids. As I've mentioned before, my girl has inherited the cooking gene. (Bri later confirmed that she still loves the cooking channel; he'd taped "Chopped" for her. I love this!)

Wouldn't you agree that deriving sounds from all neat instruments is clearly the best part of shopping for one... and taste-testing is the best part of kitchen duty?

Oops, I almost forgot about the recipe! Chop fresh berries or use frozen/sliced... pile a few cups into a saucepan, add about one-third cup sugar, a couple teaspoons lemon juice and one of pure vanilla extract. Let it all simmer away and reduce to the thickness you desire. 

How awesome it is that life can be so delicious and...

What a bargain!

♥

Love Grows

The flowers are SO confused, this year, with the lack of a wintry snow cover and then unusually warm temps that sent them into early bloom. Dad's French Lilac, normally abundant with Mother's Day blooms, has only a few premature blossoms to show. Not to worry, though, 'cause right next to it is the Bleeding Heart, a prolific breeder of love symbols. Together, they memorialize from whence my adoration of nature came.

♥

We Are Family

Working hard to make the little ones warm and comfy...

Our friends at the Rondout provided us with entertainment of the most serene variety, today. There is at least one baby in the nest. Mama and Papa were extremely busy providing fresh bedding for their potential brood. 

Coming in for a landing with the first batch of fresh bedding...

As you might recall from seasons past, this nest is in full view from the road side, as it affords our birds of prey a proper perspective of the reservoir, where hunting opportunities abound. What a spectacular gift from Mother Nature... yes, the Rondout's rewards so justify the lengthy drive.

Guarding the nest...

I'm beyond thrilled with today's captures. Please enjoy them, and don't forget to left double-click to enlarge further. 

Look hard and you will see Mama, Papa and one newborn... trust me!

Here's to soaring peacefully in beautiful freedom... ♥ Nicki

Another trip and a few more fresh linens...

Real Time - Stayin' Warm At The Stadium On "Free Ice Cream Night"

Photo Credits to Gramps

Wish I was there, too!!

♥

Next Day Report: "G'ma, Jeter won the game in the ninth inning and Alex Rodriguez got a home run," said my sweet Hunter, who was hoping it would all go into extra innings. He also had some fun with Grandpa's phone; see for yourself:

Happy Self-Portrait

And One More Literal Blast From The Past

NBC Photo

Arriving this morning to its new home in New ♥ York is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. It will take up residence on the Intrepid. WOW! History in the remaking.

You Never Know Who You'll Find On A Neil Diamond Board

No longer am I registered and able to post on a certain message board, but I still read on occasion. Oooh-kay, having said that...

Along comes NOT Mary, but mention of The Association, by a Neil fan who intends to see the group in concert. IN CONCERT??? Did I read that correctly? Do you remember them? Talk about a time warp (CMI post below). Jeesh. Here's a tale:

Joe's lifetime BF invited us - then newlyweds - to spend a concert weekend in Oswego, where the band mentioned would be performing... this back in the late sixties. We left on a Friday and were caught in a mega-blizzard that closed highways. Soooo, the first night was spent at a motel in some town that I cannot remember the name of. When the roads opened the following day, we continued our journey.

You know, I don't remember much about the show.... but I do recall having taken a dare, along with Phil's then-fiancée, Deanna. We smoked cigars... big, fat, gross, disgusting cigars. No joke! Was that really me?

Deanna didn't last, in terms of a relationship. And Phil was gone, way too soon. Memories. Cherish.

The Vow

For me, the most difficult task of the grand jury is maintaining the required vow of secrecy. All that one is allowed to say is, "I am serving on the grand jury." Period. As the DA stated, "There are no Grisham novels, here." Pity, eh? And so it goes, and so it goes.

I am allowed, however, to mention that I'd not seen a certain court stenographer in over forty years, since law firm employment. I noticed this now-elderly gentleman and thought, "He must love his job." He's quite dapper looking, with thick, gray, spiked hair and perfect attire, from a gorgeous linen jacket right down to spit-shiny shoes. It took me a while to make the connection. Well, actually I didn't make the connection, till his name was mentioned. Then, my thoughts were all over the place. Wow, how time flies, only to sink you into a time warp.

'Twas the same when I heard that Barbra turned seventy, this past week. Can it be almost fifty years that she's been entertaining us? Did y'all know that she'll play Mama Rose in the incomparable "Gypsy"? Thing is, the part calls for a much younger woman, but I've got the faith... Ms. Streisand can accomplish anything she sets her brilliant mind to. Talk about a time warp.

So, for the next eight weeks, I'll commit to keeping under wraps the stories of those whose lives shall be discussed in front of a panel of strangers. People. Clearly, we mark time together. Clearly, we touch each other. No secret there.

IDOL Confusion

Can you pick a winner? What an incredible season. Just when I think, "So-and-so takes the night," along comes another fabulous performance. In split rounds, last night, I can only say that it's anyone's prize... just hope Phillip Phillips didn't hurt himself with a ridiculously bizarre rendition of Dave. We shall see. 

FOX

And eliminated this week was Elise. She left the crowd with a dynamite performance that won't soon be forgotten. 
It's coming down to crunch-time.

Old Friends

For several days, I've watched from our kitchen window to see slate-colored juncos building a nest. This morning, I powered up Nikon with the super-duper lens and captured this shot, as they rested in the nearby twisted nut tree. They then plunged into the thick, low shrub by the corner of the patio. Pays to keep the windows sparkling, thus enabling inside-out shots. Thing is, this is the third year that this family... or so I think... has nested in the very same bush. Creatures of habit, they are.

Playin' With The Fixed Fifty Lens