Monday, February 28, 2011

"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

Sunday, February 27, 2011

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

Saturday, February 26, 2011

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

Friday, February 25, 2011

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

Thursday, February 24, 2011

"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

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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....

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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

Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Sunday, February 20, 2011

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

Saturday, February 19, 2011

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
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

Friday, February 18, 2011

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

Thursday, February 17, 2011

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

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

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

Sunday, February 13, 2011

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

Saturday, February 12, 2011

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

Thursday, February 10, 2011

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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

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....
-
Blessings....Dee Dee

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

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

Sunday, February 6, 2011

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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

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)

Friday, February 4, 2011

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

Thursday, February 3, 2011

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