Spring is coming

Toby, Truffles and I are enjoying this beautiful day sitting on our deck. The deck is a post winter mess but there are signs of spring. 

Pansies still going of course. 

Mahonia is almost done blooming. 

Oxalis has long been a favorite. Mamaw Brown had them lining the walkway at her house. I got these from my mom's house so I think these may be descendants from those. 

As kids we used to pick them and chew the stems. I remember them tasting like lemon. 

Even a little azalea was trying out the warmth. 

Stocking up on Brody time

Cary and Brody are staying with Jan and Tommy while waiting to tie up loose ends before moving. I've been enjoying spending time with them. The lake is a popular destination. 

He loads up his wagon with rocks to throw off the pier. I even got to fling a few. 

He took my concrete pig for a ride on Saturday. 

On Monday he helped Uncle Ed fill the big green bucket with sticks for a fire. 

Zoo day

When Jan texted me this morning saying "would you like to go to the zoo with us?", I didn't hesitate. What time should I be ready was all I said. 

We are trying to squeeze in every opportunity with Brody before he moves to Indiana. Also check out little sister under construction!!

Looking at Pumpkin, the orangutan 

Tiger

He made sure I new this was a FAKE alligator. 

Flamingos

I even saw a gopher turtle like the ones who live at Anna's cabin. 

Zebras

The Pygmy hippo was in mud heaven. 

Brody and I loved the Red River hogs. 

I was honored that Brody picked me to ride the carousel with him. 

Here is the old swimming area in Livingston lake. I have a few memories of going there before integration shut all public pools down in 1963. 

This was a big fountain you could swim to and stand inside under the flow. 

Selfie on the train.  

The tunnel. 

A redbud on the route. Great day !!

Accidental tourists

Well...we accidentally went to Vicksburg. It was a beautiful day and Mary Grace and I were together discussing the new screen porch they want to add this year. Looking for inspiration and a nice patio for lunch, she suggested Vicksburg. She had discovered a cute place during her CNA training there. So off we went when Ryan got done at work. 

Martin's Midtown did not disappoint. 

Look at those houses in the background. 

What a pretty day it was. 

Stopped to see the river. Got a kick out of this sign in the men's room. I made Ryan go back and take a pic after he told us about it. 

He had to hurry so no one would think he was creepy taking photos in the restroom. 

We quickly drove through the military park and were amazed at how much work had been done lately. 

Everything was so clean and beautiful. 

Always one of my favorite spots. 

Ryan didn't get to read all the plaques so they need to come back when they have more time. 

Images

A few weird images. 

What can I say?

Ivy came over and checked her adulthood at the door 

Picked this little guy up in an antique shop. 

I love him. He got mixed reviews. I thought he looked like Rumplestiltskin sitting among my old spools. 

Drove up to this scene at MG's garage. Seems like a bit of overkill with the big blade. 

Day 3

Our final meal. Anna needs to make this place a bed and breakfast. 

Margaret transferred her headband to her hat as we headed out to squeeze one more adventure out of the day. 

Found another branch for the birthday girl. 

Another ride in the magic vehicle took us here. 

A constantly running artesian well. It smelled like sulfur / eggs. Peww

An old table attacked by woodpeckers. 

Big stand of bamboo. 

We clambered down a hill to a sandbar. 

Wild turkeys beat us there. 

It was so pretty there. 

After this we bid adieu and headed home. 

Day 2

I'm back at my post on the back porch. No one else is up and all is quiet. The quiet has been as much of a character in this weekend story as any of us. There are absolutely no sounds except those of nature. Another main character in this saga is the cabin. Here are a few shots I didn't get until yesterday. 

Front

Bev and my cousin Karen will love this old door. 

Screen door to the "new" section of the house. 

Got a kick out of this tub. Amazingly good shower 

A little bird thought so too. Margaret even entertained a little green lizard while she was there. 

Included this for Sophie. 

Bloody Mary's at the fine arts table. 

Anna planned a thoughtful ceremony to welcome Candy into the third phase of her womanhood - wise, old age. She called the ceremony a Croning. 

Here is her altar of special things and people. 

We toasted Candy and spoke about each of our connections to her. Afterwards, we blew bubbles. 

Next was another ride with Anna driving. 

I had been wanting to get a look at this tiny cemetery. 

This was quite different. 

Never have seen anything like it. 

On our return we were greeted by Jack the dog. He signaled the arrival of Anna's mom. 

We were so pleased to see she came wearing her goddess headband!!!

Jack is her constant companion. So sweet. 

Night closing in again. 

Screen porching it. Fabulous dip (no pic), thanks Margaret. Who also wanted it duly noted that she wore her headdress longer than anyone even though she WAS the youngest here. She receives the goddess extroidinare award I guess. 

Bonfire and music. 

Finished the evening with another great meal from Anna. 

One thing I forgot to show was the gopher turtle hole. 

They are very endangered and the Higts are helping in conservation efforts. They are hibernating now. There are several dens on the land that they have relocated to keep them safe. Locals like to eat them!?!  They grow to more that a foot in diameter and live to be up to 80 years old. The one that lives here is named Apple.