Whipped by the Wind

A huge gust of wind looking for a weak link whacked our fence across the face, wrestling it to the ground. We were away at the time.

What is worse, this isn't the first time. Why would we want to try standing it up again? Was it that our fence posts weren't strong enough? What to do. What to do.

Gas Grill Gives Eviction Notice

While filling the bird feeder one morning this week, Allan noticed small branches hanging out of our gas grill. Lifting the lid, he discovered it full of grasses in the shape of a full blown nest. He removed all of the home construction materials. That evening he opened the grill lid to find the nest had been rebuilt. Talk about speedy home builders, this couple was serious. It's obvious we haven't used the grill lately.

The week before I had observed a couple of starlings having quite the noisy conversation on our deck railing. They were singing at the top of their lungs. Now I know why. Perhaps a heated discussion over choosing a home. Announcements of their new digs was being telecast over the neighborhood.

Gives new meaning to the adage, "A bird in the hand is better than two in the grill."
"Give a bird a meal (inch) and he will steal your grill (a mile)."

Suffice it to say, we blocked the small one inch openings on each side of the lid that they were accessing for this perfect spot. Now what to do when you have been evicted. We used the grill today.

Is April Fooling Us?

The news report predicted snow; but I didn't believe them, when it was 71' on Saturday, April 2nd. The warm brisk breeze felt good as we worked in the yard. As afternoon wore one the temperature dropped with rain clouds threatening. After a successful shopping spree that night, rain followed me home.

Occasionally the weathermen are correct, because we woke up to a wonderland of white. It was so serene I had to snap these pictures. With no church to attend, the roads were barren of man or machine.

April Fool's is trying to hold out for more than one day. Either that or Old Man Winter wants to be remembered. No thanks, we are reeaallly ready for Spring.

Pallbearers Perform

Sons and grandsons worked together as they lovingly carried Grandma Crane's casket from the hearse to the grave recently. A representative from each family, including son, Jim at the head. It was a tender time, for service and reflection.

Boutonnière Time

Mauri was assigned to pin boutonniere's on all the pall bearers, sons and grandsons for Mom's funeral. Hunter helped by holding the box of red roses waiting to be assigned to the men. Julie made them in the wee hours of the morning, when she couldn't sleep. They are lovely.

Final Resting Place and Good Bye

Family gathered around while the pall bearers placed their roses on Mom's casket. Little ones knelt together to say the last goodbyes and look down into the grave not quite knowing what was going to happen. Be careful, don't get too close.

A tender moment of contemplation and see the closure of a loved one's life. Jim dedicated the grave to be free of the elements and a final resting place for our parents. May they rest in peace.

A Moment in Time to Contemplate

Here are a few photos you don't often see, but took place these past few weeks. A beautiful flower arrangement arrived from my employer. Holding hands with Mom, one of the few things that she could still do while being cared for in the hospital in the coma. Seldom was her fanny pack or watch not on her person. They look lost without her. The family is still getting used to the changes that will last a lifetime. Time to reflect and remember a great lady.