Along our road at dusk-- Hope, NJ, August 2022 I find it difficult to capture the magnificence of clouds in photographs, but saw this on our way home last night. My favorite 'light' of the day is the golden glow of dusk, and loved it reflected in these clouds. "To every good,
to every flicker of stars along the pine shadows; To every tussle with lucid dusk, To every moonlit pledge, to every turn made to outleap silvery pollen, I have desired to listen - to listen - to the ripening of seasons..." Obi Nwakanma
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In spite of the difficulties, stress and sometimes tragedies many of us experienced this past year, some unbelievably good things happened, too. Time spent with family, loved ones, and friends—whether in person or online—was a lifeline to joy. Maybe it took time apart to see how much we really need each other--different experiences, viewpoints, opinions, and everything... More than ever, I'm thankful for those who love us. Here are some other highlights: FEBRUARY As some of you know, on February 18th, Evan dislocated his knee several times that day after slipping on some ice that was hidden by snow. He has made incredible progress while still continuing in physical therapy. His knee continues to grow stronger and we're hopeful for a full recovery in 2022. Thank you for your prayers! MAY There's a swamp in our backyard and in May for the last several years Evan has seen turtle egg nests destroyed by scavengers (raccoons, etc.) We've never seen the turtles actually laying their eggs, but this year we did! (There are two laying eggs in the photo below.) Evan decided he was going try to save the eggs this year. We did some research, and he set about building a 'fortress' to protect them while they incubated. SEPTEMBER After spending several days getting their protection just right, Evan started calling himself a "turtle farmer"! We read that it takes around 80 days for the eggs to hatch, so around August 14th we started checking the nests several times a day. Evan saw our first hatchling while checking the farm on the evening of Sept. 11 during a torrential storm. We couldn't believe that one was hatching, let alone during the middle of a storm! The next day several more hatched, which is when these photos and videos were taken. Needless to say, we were thrilled. Evan's hard work really paid off! He has plans to continue the farm next year. NOVEMBER I was honored to be a bridesmaid in my good friend, Quazonia's wedding to Richard Scott in November. We met at church while I lived in Delaware back in the 1990s. It was just awesome to re-connect several days over the course of the month and be part of their special day! So happy for Quazonia and Richard! Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas week and celebration of Jesus' birth. May you experience the wonders of His love! "Our Year In Photos, Part 2" coming soon. :-)
Our pastor shared President Trump's proclamation during this morning's service. I say, "AMEN!"
Praying you and your family experience God's supernatural grace, peace, protection, and health during this difficult timeI have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.
In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33 AMPC After we took the winter cover off our air conditioner unit in May we noticed some wrens building a nest there. Soon Evan noticed a mama wren sitting on her eggs. A few weeks after that... the baby wrens arrived! We heard them peeping loudly, stronger every day, for a few weeks... And then a few days ago.... they flew the coop! Below are some images of a brave one making his way out of the nest. Fortunately, they were able to 'explore' on the grill. Then they hopped down into the bushes below the a/c unit. Later, they made their way over to the nearby tree... Shortly after this we heard them peeping over in the neighbor's yard. It was soooo quiet after they left. We pray they survived and are doing well now! Thank you for taking care of the wrens, Lord! :-) I didn't get any good close-ups of the babies, but here's a collage wren from Wren's Summer Song (2010). Unfortunately, now that the cold weather's here again, the mice have returned to our attic.
We use 'mouse cubes' to trap them, then release them back to the great outdoors... far away from our house! These babies were kept in a 'holding tank' until they dried off. Hopefully, mouse season will be over soon. |
WELCOME to my blog! This a collection of photos, art, poems, thoughts, and other stuff on my creative journey since 2010.
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