Yard work and other stuff .......

We've been busy with normal stuff. I spent several days raking the yard. I wanted to get up sticks, leaves, and pine cones before we cut the grass for the first time. Hubby got out on the mower this afternoon, so the grass cutting season has officially begun. I've fertilized and worked my garden squares. I hope I can plant lettuce and radishes soon. It's been so nice being able to get outside and work again. I've been walking to my Dad's house in the afternoon when I go to feed the cat and get the mail. It's just over a mile round trip, so it's a nice walk.

I've been reading every chance I get. I've read a few of the classics and several purely entertaining books. I've got almost 100 books on my Nook, so I've still got plenty to read.

Like many people, I've been closely following the news from Japan and Libya. My heart goes out to all the people who are affected by these tragedies. I have a lot of admiration for the Japanese people for the way they have conducted themselves during their whole ordeal.

I will close with a couple of pictures of Mollie Ann.



I want to go outside and play.




I know that ball is in here somewhere!

Do you remember ...........

the Mickey Mouse Club?

American Bandstand?

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and the Lone Ranger?

playing hopscotch on the sidewalk?

going barefoot?

playing softball in a field?

catching fireflies?

going to drive-in movies?

penny loafers?

riding your bike?

playing with paper dolls?

going to the store with a nickle and getting a hand full of candy?

the whole family playing Monopoly together?

cooling off in the creek on a hot summer afternoon?

making homemade ice cream?

picking wild flowers for your Mother?

dancing in the rain?

If you remember any of these, then like me you grew up in a time different from today. It was a time when children had simple, clean fun. They felt safe to roam the neighborhood and could play outside after dark. There was no stress - life was fun. Parents were obeyed (usually), and elders were respected. It was a good time to grow up.

What memories do you have of your childhood?

It's beginning to look like spring ..........

It was a long winter, but spring is finally on the way. Hooray!!!



The trees are beginning to bud



and spring flowers are blooming.

We made it through another long, cold, and snowy winter.

The Classics ..........

Years ago when I was in school, we had to read some of the classics in English Literature class. At the time, I wasn't able to enjoy the books since we had to dissect, analyze, and discuss them. I wasn't reading them for enjoyment, I was reading them because I had to. We only read a few of the classics. We were given brief summaries of the majority of them, and were made to memorize the titles and authors.

When I had time to read for pleasure, I would choose titles off the bestseller lists. My grandmother was a voracious reader and loved mysteries. I would sit with her on the screened-in porch on summer afternoons and read her Ellery Queen Mystery Magazines and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazines. From her I developed a love of mysteries and thrillers. Over the years I have continued to choose popular fiction, mysteries, and thrillers as my reading material.

While looking for books to download to my Nook, I came across a series of books that are collections of the classics. Most of the books contain 50 separate books which are of a certain genre or follow a certain theme. I have downloaded several of these books such as "50 Classic American Authors", "50 Classic Romances", and "50 Classic English Authors". These collections contain many of the books that I am familiar with by name and author, but that I have never read. It is my goal this year ro read a classic for each modern day book I read.

Have you read many of the classics? If so, did you enjoy them and which were your favorites.

Playing and cleaning ..........

I just realized I haven't posted in two weeks. My apologies. We've been busy playing with our toys and having fun. I've read several books on my Nook and Mollie Ann has spread her toys throughout the house.



Our weather has improved and it feels like spring is not far away. We actually had temperatures in the mid 70s the other day. The warmer weather has energized me and I've been doing some cleaning. It's so nice to be able to put sheets and quilts on the line to dry in the fresh breeze.




I've even gotten outside to work in the yard and garden a few times. Most things are still brown and dead looking, but if you look closely you can see some signs of new life.




Spring is on it's way.

Back home .......

I got back home late last night. My sister and I took a trip to High Point, North Carolina last week. My youngest nephew is a sophomore at High Point University. Last weekend was their winter family weekend event. My brother-in-law is a minister, so Sundays are his main workday and he was unable to attend. Sis asked if I'd go with her. She wanted to check out some of the many furniture outlets in High Point while we were there. We saw some nice furniture, but didn't buy anything. It was fun to look though.

The University provided lots of entertainment for the weekend. We went to a concert by Eddie From Ohio on Friday. I had never heard of them, but they put on a good show. The group is from Virginia and consists of four members (I don't know where Ohio in their name came from). Their music is part country, part folk.

Saturday afternoon we attended a beautiful choral concert put on by The University Singers, Chapel Choir, and Chamber Singers. My nephew sang with the Chamber Singers. He is a talented singer and will be singing with his group at Carnegie Hall in March.

On Saturday evening we attended a magic show put on by Ryan Oakes. We were sitting in the second row and had a good view of the stage and what he was doing, but were unable to determine how he did the tricks.

The weather was cold and damp most of the time. I took a few pictures yesterday before we left. High Point University is a fast growing school and has a beautiful campus.



The University Center




Nido R. Qubein School of Communication



Plato S Wilson School of Commerce (Notice the statues on the benches)



There are many water features surrounded by green areas through out the campus.



These 16 foot rocking chairs are called the Dream Big Chairs. They encourage the students to have big dreams and to set high goals.



Lifelike statues of famous people can be found on benches all over campus. Here Thomas Jefferson takes a break to read.



Mark Twain enjoys a pipe while relaxing



You can join Gandhi on his bench.

If you are ever in High Point, take a quick tour of the campus. You will be impressed.

Monster storm ..........

I've been watching the weather reports on TV. Seems like almost one third of the US is getting a huge snow or sleet storm. Winter just won't quit this year. Record snow fall, gale force winds, and dangerous ice is being predicted for various areas.

So how is my weather? We had sun today with temperatures in the 50s. Rain is predicted for tonight with temperatures in the mid 40s. Tomorrow, the temperature is suppose to get up near 70! How did we get so lucky? The only problem is that tomorrow the groundhog will probably see his shadow here in Southside Virginia. I'm hoping for an early spring, not six more weeks of winter.

Last Saturday was my birthday - my 64th. It was a very quiet and routine day. I had to remind Hubby that it was my birthday. He responded that he thought it was Sunday instead of Saturday. Sunday morning I got a card from him with a cash gift. It's a good thing I don't expect him to be a romantic. If I hadn't practically demanded a card, I wouldn't have gotten a thing. But in all fairness, I usually don't make a big fuss over his birthday.

If you're in the path of this storm, stay warm and safe. And remember, spring will get here - eventually.