Bird Watching

(I took these pictures from inside my window, so forgive the reflections!)

This morning, while sitting at my desk, with every intention of making cards, I ended up bird watching.

After Whitey died, I didn't think I was going to keep up with his hobby of bird and squirrel watching/feeding.

I just didn't know if it was "my thing". After going for a time without feeding the birds, I discovered that I missed hearing them in the morning when I went out to feed my animals. It was just too quiet. I missed seeing them scrambling around on the ground for stray seeds and splashing around in the birdbath.

So, after a trip to the feed store and $49.93 worth of seed, I'm back in business.

Whitey would be happy.

I put a feeder outside my window next to the purple lilac, (which is bursting with buds, can't wait!!!) and it is bustling with bird activity. Mostly chickadees and finches, but I have seen a blue jay (Stellar Jay) trying to get in on the action, as well as those pesky squirrels.

 The squirrel almost looks like a statue in this picture!

Unfortunately, it doesn't show up in the picture, but the tree is full of birds!

I ended up having to move the feeder away from the tree because the sqirrels were jumping from the tree to the feeder :(

I think I need another feeder too, the finches don't like to share with the chickadees.........I think I'm hooked ;)

Stay tuned for more bird & squirrel adventures.

5th Grade "Fun" Basket

Daemyan's class had a band concert during the Lenten soup supper at his school last evening.
I wish I would have remembered my camera, it is so cute to see all those kiddos up there playing their hearts out! Daemyan plays the bell kit which looks like a xylophone, but I'm not allowed to call it a xylophone! :(
As we were getting ready to leave, I was chatting with his teacher, Mrs. Reichlin, and she presented me with a basket from the 5th grade class and parents! She called it a "fun" basket and it was filled with "fun" stuff! Gift certificates, books, bath and body supplies, a wind chime, candle and other little goodies! How sweet was that? My favorite item was a pink and purple painting with hearts that Daemyan created for the school's Silent Auction which was held earlier this month.

Daemyan's friend Josh's mom brought a cute stuffed bear out to the car as we were leaving! It had been given to her by a special friend a long time ago and she wanted Daemyan to have him.

His name is Bartholomew. I forgot to ask how he got the name! Now, to keep him away from buddy, who LOVES to eat stuffed animals.

Man's Best Friend

These pictures were taken last month, but I have been wanting to post them anyway!

Anyone that knows my brother John, would consider him a "cat person".

Look out Gracie (his cat), you have some stiff competition!!!

John stayed with me for a few nights to keep me company after Whitey died.

The first night he was here, we stayed up late, talking and Max decided  to become his bff.

And by the way, Max is not allowed on the furniture!

The reason I have blankets draped all over my furniture is because of the dachshunds and cats, (and grand kids, sloppy adults, etc.)

***sigh***

Life after Death

I haven't blogged in a while.

My husband of almost 35 years passed away unexpectedly January 30th.
Five days after my birthday.
Two and a half months after his 56th birthday.
One week before Superbowl Sunday.

I mention the Superbowl because he LOVED football and looked forward to the Superbowl every year. He had always wanted John Cougar Mellencamp to perform the half-time show. Needless to say, he was not thrilled when Madonna was chosen. He would have been even more disappointed had he seen the performance. :(

It will be 6 weeks on Monday. Each week has brought new challenges, trials, hardships, but in the midst of the pain and shock, I have been able to feel the love of God through my friends and family.

My brother and sister were here almost 24-7 for the first week and continue to check up on me daily.
My parents were with me, and even in in their grief stricken state, were a great comfort to me.
Daemyan was well cared for the first week at the home of his best friends, Caleb and Christoph. This was so helpful since I was such a mess and had so many decisions to make. Difficult and heart wrenching decisions. And I needed to prepare to see his grieving family. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. He was the oldest of six and was adored by his sisters, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and of course, his parents. He had been looking forward the parent-sibling vacation this summer and a trip to San Antonio......
Even in the horrible grief of his family coming out to Washington for his funeral, I was able to catch glimpses of love through friends. The family was able to spend time with Whitey's best friends which was a great help to me since I was not up to entertaining. Our long-time friends invited everyone to their home on Superbowl Sunday, where he would have been. What a wonderful gift that was! Great food and great friendship was shared and even laughter through our pain.
Many other blessings were so obvious, I still am dumbfounded!
My sister became my personal secretary, my voice and my brain.
My brother was my moral support and companion. He and Syl took Daemyan to the school bus stop the first couple of mornings.
One of the ladies in my choir arranged for the Ladies Guild to prepare all of the food for the reception at no charge to me.
My dear friend Miles arranged for all the flowers. And they were GORGEOUS! Which reminds me that I need to get the pictures!!!
My choir sang at the service.
My friends from high school came to visit me and brought a quiche the night of the funeral. Perfect since I needed nutrition, but did not want to cook. I had given Terry that recipe years ago!
Karen's husband, Steve, also a good friend made Whitey's urn.
Karen picked Whitey's personal belongings up from work for me, since she works at Boeing.
My friend Sue brought me a load of hay for the horses. She also had some great insight and suggestions since she had lost her husband five years ago.
My friend Becky hired a couple gals to come in and clean my bathrooms and floors the night Whitey's family would arrive. She also worked herself into a lather getting the house to look comfy and inviting and preparing snacks and making sure the coffee didn't run out. She also lent me a purse for the funeral, packed with tissues, chapstick and breath strips~! (She thinks of everything!)
Al came over and fixed my furnace which had gone out the day after Whitey died.
Lori cut Daemyan's hair.
Denise came over with a tater tot casserole. Ed came over with two rotisserie chickens, deli salads and bread.
Father Christopher, my priest, was awesome. He came to the hospital right away and was able to pray with me and over Whitey. He was a great comfort.

Monetary gifts from Whitey's co-workers were a huge help. Friends and relatives were also very generous! The flowers, the cards, the phone calls. Everyone showing such love. Things happened without me even having to ask, which would have been hard since I didn't even know what I wanted or needed. I know I have probably left some things out but everything that was done for me was so appreciated, there are no words to adequately describe my gratitude.

Thank you everyone!