"I Stood In Amazement"

 Discovery's final launch

into space was this past Thursday, February 27, 2011,

 at the Kennedy Space Center here in Florida.

Weeks leading up to this special day, my

grandchildren, home schooled by their mother, 

 were learning all sorts of

wonderful things about space and astronauts.

Frequent visitors to the library,

a favorite  librarian, knowing of the planned field trip,

had readied twenty five books on space and

America's space program.

She had also selected an  IMAX movie on astronaut training.

Fully prepared and quite ready for the whole affair, 

the family outing was without disappointment, and the launch

went off as scheduled.

-

"What was it like to see the Shuttle go up into space, Lily?"

"Well, the ground shook, there was a really bright light,

and lots of smoke.  I watched  until it went into

outer space and I stood in amazement." 

"Such a big word for a little girl, I thought......"

-

Enjoying the moments.....

Blessings......DeeDee

Transformed....

Found.....one tiny little Rose bud

in the garden,

that I transformed into something

interesting and unusually lovely.

As I played with the photo program,

and altered the original appearance

of this little Rose, it occured to me

that is how it is with our

Christian walk with God.

As we study His Word and seek

His will for our lives, He changes

us....not all at once, it is a process.

Through prayer, and God's

tweaking, we become what it

is He wants us to be....Our hope is to be

transformed into His likeness.

Transformed: to change in structure,

appearance or character. To be

something different, modify or reform.

-

Still on the journey, accepting His tweakings.....Dee Dee

Planting Plumerias In The Garden

Plumeria blooms grow in clusters.....

This has been a really pretty day,
one that began with my energy
level at it's peak.
A good thing, because
here in Florida,
the oak trees are shedding their
leaves.  The Mister and I  raked and gathered,
much of early morning.
In a few days, we'll have new
leaf growth covering all the branches,
showing real signs of spring.
  Today we planted a new
Plumeria plant....promising
gorgeous white blooms.
The one shown here  in the pot, is
several years old.  Odd, the nature
of this Hawaiian native. The photos are
from prior years.
The same plant is now in "stick figure form"
.....still dormant.
In a few weeks it will begin showing signs
of life.
 Today, we broke
off limbs of the plant shown here,
and simply planted  them in the ground.
No roots, no special care...but, they will grow.
As they begin showing signs of life,
 and producing leaves,
I'll snap a few pics and show
their progress here on my blog.

Think on this......
-
God's Great Power

When God heralds the springtime

and greens all the grasses,

Puts green leaves on bare boughs,

Grows bright flowers en masse,

Hides the darkness of Winter

Behind sunny skies,

We'll see God's great power.

~ Loise Pinkerton Fritz

-
I'll be mindful of these words as I watch
the Plumeria grow.
-

Have a blessed weekend.....Dee Dee

Pauly's Art....And My Tweaking

When grandson Paul was a small child,

elementary school age, he painted this little

sailboat and dingy in art class.

He gave it to his grandfather and I as a gift, and we

have cherished it all these many years.

I took liberty with the painting

this evening, copied it to my hard-drive,

and made a few clicks

with the photo program.

I really like how it turned out and

have a strong feeling he's going to be pleased.

Maybe place it in the baby's nursery? 

Enjoying all the moments......Dee Dee

"Fabulous Fashion Shopping Spree"

*Ponder this....

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good,

but that God will make us good because He loves us." ~C S Lewis

Around the corner from my nail tech

is TJ Maxx!!  I'll be the first to admit
I love a bargain, so after
my nail appointment today,
I treated  myself to a
 "fabulous fashion shopping spree." 

I found one great  little turquoise top by Talbot....
with soft  pleats at the neck-line.....$5.99

and one fabulous scarf with delicate tassels...  $7.99.
That's all I purchased for smashing
new additions to my spring wardrobe.

Was I humming a merry tune while

taking these photos?
 Most definitely!
It takes so little to please this woman.
Blessings....Dee Dee

Enhanced

The Marina

Along The Causeway

-

We live in a very scenic area, here on the Gulf Coast.

Never lacking for subject matter, photography has

been something I've enjoyed for quite some time.

The digital camera, it seems, changed my life in many

ways.  It is one thing to see beauty, and quite another to

to capture it for posterity. 

I have found in recent times, a remarkable

capability of altering what is beautiful, into

something quite fantastic.

Photos seen here, were taken at the village marina,  and along

the causeway leading out to Honeymoon Island, Florida.

Learning to use my new photo program,

I am now familiar with  an old word, that has new meaning to me.

Enhancement: To increase or improve; upgrade,

betterment; tweak; step up.

I'm really enjoying what I can do with some

simple alterations. Perhaps they are not so much a

betterment, I'm just pleased to think them nicely enhanced.

Have a blessed day.....Dee Dee
double click on photos....

More Camellias.....

I hope your not tiring of them....

for you've seen them before on my blog.

"CAMELLIAS"

We have one  Camellia bush in our garden,

still producing.

Sharing them with you again today,

and wishing you a  blessed week.....Dee Dee

Our Sunday Afternoon

We have a new park in our little town,

thanks to one Mr. C. Weaver.

After church, we popped by the

deli,  purchased sandwiches,

chips and drinks and headed out,

looking for relaxation and adventure.

We found the place, having a lovely spot

with a picnic table located in what seemed like

a bird sanctuary.  No doubt

 spring has come indeed and at last.

Birds were everywhere in the park, busy

about what it is birds do this time of year.

We watched a flurry of activities...bikers,

walkers, dogs, children and parents,

all enjoying the day, each in his own way.

It seems Mr. Weaver also donated waterfront

property,  and attached to it, a long long pier allowing

for the citizenry to stroll over the water, and

perhaps fish for food, should one desire to do so.

We made the long trek out, smiled and

greeted fellow travelers, watched as

parents, children and serious fishermen

tried their luck.

We then drove over the causeway, noting

that many others had the

same idea this beautiful warm day.

The white sailboats bobbing in the turquoise water,

  caught my attention....I took several photos,

and felt fortunate later that one was spot on.

White wasn't the only color for sailing,

we  saw bright and colorful crafts.

Although the traffic was heavy and slow, we eventually made

our way to the beach, most anxious to see the

Gulf.  It had been such a long while, it seemed.

Making our way through the sand

 and the sea grasses not surprisingly, we joined 

several hundred others, with the same intention as ours.

This, all on our Sunday afternoon.

Have a blessed week......Dee Dee

Signs Of Spring In The Garden

The garden was alive with all sorts of birds

and critters this morning.  It is a gorgeous day,

one that makes you feel good, like you could

conquer the world.  Well, at least good for

doing a few outdoor chores.

A good day to dig a hole,

and set out that  new Rose plant. 

Somehow this time of year,

outdoor work seems more like fun.

Have you noticed that

I had company this morning? 

The "Mourning Doves"

 were curious.

 I was watching them

and they were watching me,

as a large shadow walked across the garden.

I looked up in time to see a large hawk

circling above. I thought of the little doves

and wondered  the hawks intentions.

"Find your breakfast elsewhere, I

thought to myself."

My camera captured some tiny

leaves sprouting on the neighbor's

grapefruit tree than hangs over our fence.

Hmmm....lots of different signs of spring

in the garden.

Have a blessed day.....Dee Dee

Lovin' The Silver Strawberry Fork

My Victoria magazine came in the mail today.

Spring In Bloom, our favorite shopping sources

for the garden....a featured article I will enjoy

reading.  That, and the whole magazine....cover

to cover.

"How can one help shivering with delight when one's

hot fingers close around the stem of a live flower, cool

from the shade and stiff with newborn vigor."~Colette

-

I took notice the instructions for seeing Online

older Victoria magazines, with some of the best and most

favorite of Victoria's readers.  They can be found

at http://www.victoriamag.com/

I poked around there for a while, lovin the

antique silver, especially the "strawberry fork."

You can see the photos here, why I found

them lovely to look at. Now on a mission,

I was off to the little antique shop down in

the village.  I found a silver ladle, but no

strawberry forks....I will keep looking. Afterall,

we live not far from Plant City, Florida....strawberry

capital of the world....well, maybe not the world

but we do have strawberries often.

Ah,  the weekend is here again,

think happy thoughts!

Blessings......Dee Dee

Cheesecake Desert

Tantalizing and decidedly delicious,

made for the man of the house,

served with a nice coffee and

greatly appreciated.

There, said all in one breath.

I suppose it's how God made

woman....it's the little things of

life that make our hearts happy.

It's serving desert to our loved ones,

and listening, after the first bite,

for their approval.

Sigh.....

Enjoying the moments.....Dee Dee

Garden Images Early Spring

Late fall, I planted all sorts of winter flowers

in our large pots.  Due to the mild winter, they

have really done well, and now, with an

early spring, they are even prettier.

I am so amazed at all the natural beauty

in our garden, I continually post on

my favorite subject..... flower gardening.

I'm enjoying this time of year, for it

won't be too long now, before we have

that dreaded  Florida heat.

-

But then, I'm reminded of this quote

made by a friar priest long ago.....

It is always springtine in the heart that loves God.

-

Have a blessed day.....Dee Dee

Laundry Day And Lovin' It

This has been one of those days when

I would say

"It is well with my soul......"

A beautiful sunny day, temps

in the mid 70s...the perfect day

to hang the laundry outside

on my little clothesline.

I've mentioned before, how doing this

 just makes my heart happy.

Hard for some to understand this,

until you see where the clothesline is.

(notice on right side of photo)

The morning chore, is a labor of love,

from the top of my head to the tip

of my toes.....I love it!

  Why, I can feel the

warm sunshine on my face, listen

to the birds socializing and often

I hear bells coming from the

Catholic church.

So when I think of laundry,

I have a whole different attitude

these days.

I'm posting early today...the 

Mister and I are going to the movie...

"The King's Speech."

Can't wait!
-

Have a beautiful day!
Blessings.......Dee Dee 

A Bumper Crop Of Red Camellias

That pretty ole Camellia bush

 has produced

a "bumper crop"

 of magnificent blooms,

 right here around

 Valentine's Day.

I've been doing a lot of  

clipping

and gathered

a bundle

of Camellia ladened branches

to give away.

She loved them,

 and compared them to

 Peonies.

I agreed

with her

my

young

daughter.

I wish

for 

some

way

to give you

 all

a

great big beautiful

Camellia

bouquet.

-

When you take a flower

in your hand

and

really look at it,

it's your world

for

the

moment.

~O'Keefe

-

I wish for you

an abundance of beautiful

 Blessings

.....Dee Dee

My Valentine....

From my Valentine...White Potted Tulips

-

I bless God for the choice I have made.  My

admiration of his character increases daily.

He is all that is good and kind....he was

made perfectly to love....my beloved.

-

Happy Valentine's Day!

.....Dee Dee

A Place For Storytelling.....

Lots of plants in our garden are getting little buds,
signaling spring is  around the corner.

The Mister has been busy trimming and cleaning

up....a big job and I do mean a big job.

We have giant White Bird of Paradise, and

a variety of Palms in our garden and they

are "out of control!"

This morning, the sun was shining and the

air was just the right cool. To examine all his hard work,

I walked back between the fence and the

tall tropical palms.

Immediately,  I began having

the sensations remembered from

childhood.  Everything towering over me

left me feeling small, almost invisible to

the rest of the world. Here was a hiding place,

a secret place to play and a happy beautiful place.

Perhaps a place for storytelling with the grandchildren.

"Once upon a time there was a girl named Alice."

-

Enjoying the moments.....Dee Dee

Roses At The Park

They're Knockout Roses, and I found them in

Safety Harbor, a little coastal village.

Here in Florida we're  having winter,

although somewhat mild,
 and certain things are

blooming, adding lovely color

to the landscaping.

I took the photos with the Mister's

camera and made a few
tweaks with a photo program.
Not a lot of change, kind of subtle.
They are beautiful.

I don't know....

A Rose, is a Rose, is a Rose.....

whether a Knockout Rose or otherwise.

-

A flash of dew, a bee or two,

A breeze

A caper in the trees,

And I'm a rose!

~Emily Dickinson

-

Have a blessed day....Dee Dee

Valentine Love Is In The Air

I've been working on Valentines

to send to so many of the special people

in my life.  We tell them often our

love for them, but it's really nice

to put the words down on

beautiful Valentine cards.

This year I made a few, shown here,

 to take to nursing homes folks.

This will bring smiles to a few faces

and warm my heart to see them.

Have a blessed day....Dee Dee

Discovery and Winter Relief

SAUGERTIES BED AND BREAKFAST

In the majestic Catskill mountains, a waterfront estate

in New York's Hudson Valley.

Imagine my surprise when I happened upon this

beautiful place.  It is amazing what one

 can find on this remarkable Internet.

What got my attention first,

at Saugerties Bed and Breakfast ...

"The Chateau Room"

.....experience the magic of a French castle.

"Wouldn't that be just fine, I thought to myself."

And then....I remembered all my friends and family

in the north in the throws of one blizzard after another.

Think of this beautiful place...and it will take you away

for just a moment.

....the peaceful Esopus creek where swans and

blue heron and the bald eagle glide by.

Sound nice?

Take a look for yourself....

http://www.saugertiesbedandbreakfast.com/

-

Blessings....Dee Dee

Petunias

One of the most attractive things about flowers

is their beautiful reserve.~Thoreau

The Birth Of The Flower

God spoke! and from the arid scene

Sprang rich and verdant bowers.

Till all the earth was soft with green...

He smiled; and there were flowers.

~Mary McNeil Fenollos

-

They were for Christmas, but the

Petunias are still blooming and showing off

in the large pot placed by the

front door.  They are thriving in the cooler weather.

Today I snipped a few and brought

them indoors, found them irresistable

to the camera lens.  A few moments

of Photoshop magic and they became

a work of art.

Enjoying the moments...all of them....Dee Dee

His Favorite Color Is Orange.....

......and he loves elephants. 

He got a great big one for his third birthday.... today.

-

Thanking God especially for Isaac, our little grandson.

Blessings....Dee Dee

Gone Sailing.......

Last weekend we took advantage of a sunny cool

day, allowing for exploring, walking and photography.

Two of my favorites images, seemingly tell a story....

An abandoned bicycle and a small sailboat

moored close by in Tampa Bay.
Gone sailing? Perhaps....

Enjoy your weekend dear family and friends.....

Blessings....Dee Dee
(Images by dee dee... enhanced by Photoshop)

Seasonal Contradiction....

Welcomed spring blooms paying tribute to

the garden, yet truly a seasonal contradiction.

I suppose it's a womanly thing, for flowers

are distinctively elegant and we enjoy

them inside and outside our homes,

throughout the year.

These lovely Freesia flowers, growing  from single bulbs,

fill the room with a distinctively sweet fragrance.

-

Staying focused on good thoughts...

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Bougainvillea

Big and rowdy, loud and lovely this sprawling woody vine is

wonderfully colorful wherever it is grown.  It is seen all over

my part of the country, usually draped over an arbor or

beautifully growing over a fence.  Believe it or not, it is blooming

now, in the middle of winter.

An evergreen plant, they

drop their leaves for a brief period in the winter....the

leaves are heart shaped. 

Earlier in the week, I posted about visiting a small coastal village.

While exploring  older sections, we saw streets lined with 

 bungalow homes, having  well established  tropical plants.

It was here my camera captured some very beautiful images. 

The Bougainvillea shown here, dotted with bits of Spanish Moss,

was one of my favorites.

For my family, friends...and sweet bloggy friends,

 living with all the snow,

I hope this showing of color will brighten your spirits.

-

Blessings....DeeDee

Poetic Discovery

A Winter Poem

-

once a snowflake fell

on my brow and i loved

it so much and i kissed

it and it was happy

 and called its cousins
 and brothers and a web

of snow engulfed me then

i reached to love them all

and i squeezed them 
 and they became

a spring rain
and i stood perfectly still
and was a flower.

-

~Nikki Giovanni