You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2009.
Haiku Sky Watch Friday is in the next post and at Sacred Ruminations too. Mellow Yellow Monday, Macro Monday, Ruby Tuesday & Today’s Flowers are in ‘Belatedly Multi-tasking to Catch Up‘.
This is my 49th
Misty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here.
Click to embiggen for better viewing.
Baby birds encountered recently.
Click for others participating in Camera Critters
and for Camera Critters #48 Snowy Egrets at Small Reflections.
and for Camera Critters #48 Snowy Egrets at Small Reflections.
This is my seventh …
(#1-4 at Sacred Ruminations)
but my 3rd here at Happily Retired Gal
but my 3rd here at Happily Retired Gal
South Breeze Farm hosted the Giving Thanks Challenge and I participated at Small Reflections in November and decided to continue indefinitely … generating the following list one day at a time throughout the month of February. I’ve decided to transfer the lists at the end of each month from Small Reflections to Happily Retired Gal … just because. Click to see previous lists already published here.
I’m Thankful for …
1. the Australian Open Men’s Tennis Championship Match was exciting from the first game … with highly competitive play throughout the first four sets. I do feel empathetic for Roger Federer who didn’t play to his full potential in the 5th set. It does seem as though Rafa Nadal is in Roger’s head at this point. I hope Federer decides to get a coach to help him figure out a clear game plan for future matches between these talented rivals.
2. Molly played with 3 different neighborhood dogs today … Jenke (a yellow lab), Rusty (a Collie- Australian Shepherd mix), and a Min-Pin named Dude … as I snapped photos to share over the next few weeks for Camera Critters.
3. for the beautiful sunny weather here in Southern California right now and rain on the way for Thursday through the weekend.
4. for the Ritz Camera classes my sister & I attended today in Irvine and the ones upcoming on Saturday. There’s still much to be learned about my Nikon D60, but I’ve begun and will continue to experiment as I’ve been doing.
5. it’s RAINING … finally! We need this wet weather so very much and I’m hoping it will continue as predicted through Sunday … possibly even into next week.
6. for the photos I’ve been able to capture these past two days while experimenting with the Tamron 28-300mm lens I purchased on Wednesday (on a 10 day cash back trial) and I’m thinking I’ll most likely keep it.
7. for the excellent ‘hands-on’ photography classes my sister & I attended today because we explored what ALL the bells, whistles and buttons DO on our cameras. It’ll take time to ‘master’ the technology … but at least we now have a glimpse of how to experiment with the possibilities.
8. I’ve managed to stay healthy in the face of my overly busy schedule, minimal sleep, and walking Molly in the rain lately.
9. it’s Retired Gals Luncheon today so I’ll be connecting with friends I’ve not seen for a few weeks.
10. I recorded Monday’s Presidential Address so I could listen and watch for a 2nd time this morning. It’s refreshing to hear & see President Obama provide direct information about the financial crisis we face … explain where things stand currently … then respond thoughtfully to non-screened questions from the press without trying to ’sugar-coat’ or oversimplify the situation into a few buzz words or slogans … conveying the complexity while demonstrating his understanding of the political process … modeling acceptance and civility toward those who differ ideologically .
11. for good neighbors to talk with … garden to work in … and the ocean nearby to walk along daily with Molly. Each helps me maintain a sense of balance & calm in the face of the current financial mess & general chaos in the world.
12. I’m meeting my sister & her husband for breakfast in Long Beach … looking forward to sharing an omelet and good conversation before returning to tackle clutter projects at home.
13. that I don’t suffer from ‘triskadecaphobia’ …
14. for a break in the rain and a bit of sunshine for Valentine’s Day!
I left gifts at Small Reflections & Happily Retired Gal for all bloggy friends and visitors … just because.
15. to spend the day at home clearing away clutter to create a space for my new Sony Bravia 37″ LCD digital flat screen television … purchased for ‘a song’ at Ritz Camera (see Morning Musings for details) … to be installed tomorrow morning between 8 & 12.
16. I’ve been able to remain calm & centered in the midst of this chaotically frustrating day … coping with Blogger issues while waiting for a television technician to install my new Sony. Happily, my friend Carol ‘talked me down’ by chatting with me on the phone several times over the course of the day. I’ll share the details tomorrow, but for now … I’ll add that the TV is still in the box.
17. for the iris blooms bursting out in my front yard … there seem to be 3 buds along with the one fully open iris already.
18. I’m getting my hair cut today and having lunch with my sister too.
19. for the first session of my Writing Workshop this evening. The teacher and other students seem interesting and the structure of the class is designed to maximize feedback.
20. my new Sony is set up and working beautifully after the Cable Guys came on time today.
21. for a most delightful day spent with my sister … attending a camera class, enjoying a tasty lunch of soup & salad followed by a long walk at the beach … taking photographs together. I collaged some brown gull photos and shared for Camera Critters this weekend.
22. for a few pleasant ‘catch up phone calls’ from friends today.
23. for the BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW greeting me this morning when I went outside to feed the cat … and the absolutely delightful day I spent with my sister ‘birding’ in the Wetlands and dining at Z’Tejas this evening!
24. for all the thoughtful birthday wishes left on my blog posts and sent in email.
25. I’m accomplishing tasks on my to-do list each day even as I fall farther behind on blog posts & visits … while striving to achieve some balance in my busier than normal life currently.
26. for Gustafson Brothers … the folks who have maintained my car for decades.
27. I have the option to stay home today … resting to recover from whatever ails me. Perhaps I can catch up on some of the interesting programs cluttering my DVR … if I can stay awake.
28. to be feeling a bit better today after resting yesterday. I appreciate the well wishes and will do what I can to visit around the Blogosphere … perhaps later today or tomorrow.
Thought for Today
“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘Thank you?’ “ William A. Ward
Rain storms moved though my
neighborhood the past few weeks …
One day I saw this!
Seagulls head inland
soaring through the drizzles in
search of whatever!
Thought for Today
“I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness.”
Adeline Knapp
Adeline Knapp
Belatedly multi-tasking … Here’s
Mellow Yellow Monday #6 -Macro Monday #4
Ruby Tuesday & Today’s Flowers
… all in one!
Red Pansies with Yellow Centers
… slightly tinged with mud splatters after recent rains.
Photos taken with my Nikon D60
using a Tamron 28-300 lens & collaged with PSE6
Click for others participating in Mellow Yellow Monday,
Macro Monday, Ruby Tuesdays, and Today’s Flowers.
Thought for Today
“Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in.” Henry David Thoreau
This is my sixth …
(#1-4 at Sacred Ruminations)
but my 2nd here at Happily Retired Gal
but my 2nd here at Happily Retired Gal
Click to ‘embiggen’ for better viewing
and for others participating in Shadow Shot Sunday at Hey Harriet.
Thought for Today
“An inability to stay quiet is one of the most conspicuous failings of mankind.” Walter Bagehot
FYI … I’ve shared several awards in my Witty Wednesday post earlier this week. Feel free to check them out … snag, enjoy, & pass along any or all of them.
Capturing full moon
views as rain clouds parted … a
few near perfect spheres
before clouds closed in
bringing more rain over last
weekend but today
skies are clear enough
to see snow on mountains far
in the distance north.
Thought for Today
“The real problem with leisure time is how to keep others from using yours.” Arthur Lacey
Redneck Wins the Lottery: Courtesy of Comedy Central Daily Email
A Redneck buys a ticket and wins the lottery. He goes to Austin to claim it where the man verifies his ticket number. The Redneck says, “I want my $20 million.”
To which the man replied, “No sir. It doesn’t work that way. We give you a million today, and then you’ll get the rest spread out for the next 19 years.
The Redneck said, “I want all my money RIGHT now! I won it, and I want it.”
Again the man patiently explains that he would only get a million that day and the rest during the next 19 years.
The Redneck, furious with the man, screams out, “Look, I WANT MY MONEY!! If you’re not going to give me my $20 million right now, THEN I WANT MY DOLLAR BACK!”
Click for ChrisB at Ms Cellania where I’ve enjoyed Witty Wednesday for a while now and for more Witty Wednesdays at Small Reflections.
Thanks to Sandee of Comedy Plus for sharing these latest awards. I want to them with all my regular visitors. Please snag, enjoy & share with friends … just because. If you wish to follow rulez … check them at Sandees. If not, share as you choose.
Ivanhoe passed the Life is Grand award along to the first 5 visitors who commented on her post … with the following instructions: List 5 reasons why you think life is grand and pass the award on to 5 bloggers. Those who know me are aware I’m not big on rulez … but here are 7 reasons why I think life is grand … and all who believe life is grand & leave a link are welcome to snag, enjoy, and pass this award along … just because.
My life is grand because:
1. I’m happily retired … grateful that I was raised to live within my means … avoiding debt and managing money responsibly … planning for the future throughout my life so I don’t have to work for a salary ;–)
2. I live near the ocean where I can walk daily with Molly and take photographs with my new camera.
3. My sister is back in town and we’re having wonderful times together. When she’s on the road we can talk to one another on our cell phones as often or as long as we wish thanks to Verizon’s free cell to cell minutes.
4. I’m blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors.
5. I’ve discovered this ‘virtual world’ known as the Blogosphere and met many interesting people.
6. I’ve discovered the local Adult School offers marvelous classes on a wide variety of subjects for reasonable prices. Many of my regulars have seen what I’ve learned about Photoshop Elements over the past year. My first Writers Workshop class begins tomorrow.
7. I’m blessed with good health, endless curiosity, and a willingness to teach myself whatever I need to know … when I need to know it. I’ve finally learned to ask for help when necessary.
The one below comes with RULEZ using your Music Player on Shuffle … but since I don’t HAVE a music player (with or without shuffle), I’m unable to participate. Sandee did, however, so click on the link to find rulez and her responses if you have the requisite music player and wish to participate.
Thought for Today – The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” James Openheim
Mellow Yellow Monday #6
Macro Monday #3
but I’ve lost count on Today’s Flowers.
My Lime Tree in Bloom
Photos taken with my Nikon D60
using a Tamron 28-300 lens & collaged with PSE6
Click for others participating in Mellow Yellow Monday,
Macro Monday and Today’s Flowers.
Thought for Today
“My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant’s point of view.” H. Fred Ale
This is my fifth …
(#1-4 at Sacred Ruminations)
but my 1st here at Happily Retired Gal
but my 1st here at Happily Retired Gal
Today I offer four
separate photographs … I
hope you enjoy each.
Click to ‘embiggen’ for better viewing
and for others participating in Shadow Shot Sunday at Hey Harriet.
Thought for Today
“Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse
while all the others were making ships.”
Charles Simic
“Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse
while all the others were making ships.”
Charles Simic
This is my 45thMisty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Collaged by me with PSE6 using cropped photos
from LolDogs and Cute Overload Press
Click for others participating in Camera Critters
and for Camera Critters #46 at Small Reflections.
A Gift … for all my bloggy friends
Thought for Today
“You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover’s arms can only come later when you’re sure they won’t laugh if you trip.” Jonathan Carroll, “Outside the Dog Museum”
More rain on the way …
here in California
we’re feeling grateful
because we NEED rain!
Once again … here’s a glimpse of
our dramatic skies!
Yesterday in my
Small Reflections T-13
I shared Haiku and
Sylvia From Over the Hill honored Happily Retired Gal with this wonderful new Award that she received from Peggy of Musings of Meggie.
According to Sylvia:
“This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write. Awards like this have been created with the intention of promoting community among Bloggers. It’s away to show appreciation and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.”
Selecting just 15 other bloggers for their contribution to the Blogosphere, then letting them know that they have been chosen is a challenge because I’d prefer to pass it to all of the many ‘virtual friends’ who have made a difference over the last 16 months … all those who have made me think, learn, laugh, celebrate, feel a myriad of emotions over the moving things they’ve shared … so the hard part remains … but here goes.
I received it from Aline & Akelamalu for Small Reflections and shared it with the following bloggers there …
Claudia of On a Limb with Claudia
Dianne at Forks off the Moment
Ivanhoe – From Ohio With Love
Karen of Journey to Authenticity
Kay of Musings in Hawaii
Jo of Teacher Says
Joyce of Mom’s Musings
Mary of Work of the Poet
Robin at Around the Island
Roger of Idaho Photo
Sandee of Comedy Plus
Sylvia of From over the Hill
Because I enjoy introducing my bloggy friends to one another, I’ve decided to pass it along specifically to …
1. Dianne at Do You See What I See?
2. Sandy of Garden Path
3. Akelamalu of Everything and Nothing
4. Forgetfulone
5. Gemma’s Greyscale Territory
7. Ellen of the Happy Wonderer
8. George at Senior Moments
9. BJ Roan at Rubbish by Roan
10. Mama Zen at the Zen of Motherhood
11. Carletta at Round the Bend
12. AppleDebbie of Planet Ollie-wood
13. TishBlack at Crazy Working Mom
14. Christine at Quiet Paths
15. Geraldine at My Poetic Paths
and to all my other regulars … please feel free to ’snag the award’ if you wish and pass it along too … following the rules (or not). I appreciate you all very much and believe in sharing the joy! Methinks you’ll enjoy the brief video below too ;–)
Lost Generation
A Video Worth Watching … You’ll be glad you did!
It’s quite cleverly conceived & created ;–)
Thought for Today
“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent!” Norman Augustine
Mellow Yellow Monday is at Small Reflections this week.
This is my 2nd Macro Monday
but I’ve lost count on Today’s Flowers.
After Rain Showers
Photos taken with my Nikon D60
using a Tamron 28-300 lens & collaged with PSE6
Click for others participating in …
Macro Monday and Today’s Flowers.
Thought for Today
“If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.” Audra Foveo
This week’s theme is bridge(s) …
This ‘apparent stairway’ leads to a 2nd bridge across the same stream on the grounds of the Mabel Dodge House in Taos, New Mexico seen spanned by a flatter wooden structure (in similarly various forms) at Sacred Ruminations in another Photo Hunt this weekend. The ‘original photo’ at the top was snapped with my Casio Exlim ‘point & shoot’ while attending the 2007 Writers Retreat during the summer. Below are 9 variations using filters in Photoshop Elements …
Original Snapshot
3-D Transform
Accented Edges
Smudge Stick
Ink Outlines
Ink Outlines & Find Edges
Fresco Filter
Glowing Edges
Poster Edges
Posterize
Click images to ‘embiggen’ for better viewing. Which do YOU like best & why?
This is my 3rd effort at Creative Photography (my 1st is at Small Reflections). Click for others participating in Creative Photography and Photo Hunt this week.
Thought for Today
“A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” Eudora Welty
Variable skies
as the sun sets over the
ocean … different days.
Click for another Haiku Sky Watch Friday at Sacred Ruminations
and for others participating
in Sky Watch, Looking at the Sky on Fridays & Haiku Friday this week.
and for others participating
in Sky Watch, Looking at the Sky on Fridays & Haiku Friday this week.
Thought for Today
“There are some days when I think I’m going to die from an overdoes of satisfaction.” Salvador Dali
Photos taken on a walk around my neighborhood
and collaged with PSE6 by me
Click for others participating in Ruby Tuesday.
Thought for Today
“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence." Eric Fromm
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