Not Standard Issue

My husband came home from the firehouse sporting a new hat.

He said the boys at the firehouse went and had it made for him.

It is supposed to be a floppy hat like Andy Griffith wore in an episode of his show back in the 1960s. The one where he is giving Barney a rough time and wears a floppy hat and a polka dotted tie, and has one of his pant legs stuck down in his boot.

I made him go outside and let me take a picture of him in it.

This is not standard issue, of course. This was an April 1 joke.

Pileated Woodpecker

Give All A Chance

My local Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 9 about the budget for fiscal year 2014-2015. The year starts July 1.

They are not advertising any kind of a tax increase on the local real estate or personal property rates. Under state law, that means there won't be a tax increase because once the rate has been advertised, the supervisors can't raise it. They could lower it, but not raise it.

It always angers me when they have these public hearings on a flat rate. Why? Because people who want services, who would pay more for them, have no opportunity to be heard. Oh sure, they could go to the public hearing and have their say, but what is the point? They aren't going to actually be HEARD by these gentlemen, four of whom are Republicans. These men are following the party wishes, not necessarily the wishes of the people.

I know this because there are groups of people who want to see better schools, better libraries, a better Botetourt. They have created groups on Facebook. These people unfortunately don't understand the process and think that they can go before the supervisors next week and ask for money for schools. But it is too late. They aren't going to get anything. The budget has already been hammered out behind closed doors, and you, Botetourt resident, will not have had a say in it.

I don't necessarily want to pay more in taxes - I have been sick for months, I have bills like everyone else - but I would like the opportunity to say that I want to see improvements and think that I might be listened to and heard. What if someone comes up with a truly compelling argument for paying for something that would necessitate a tax increase? What if, for example, I won the lottery and I went to the public hearing and said, I will open a facility here but you must provide $550,000 in incentives, and I will provide 1,500 jobs. The supervisors wouldn't be able to raise the money, not through a tax increase, anyway. They have tied their own hands.

It is the lack of opportunity that I am lambasting, not the actual raising of taxes. The supervisors are taking the easy way out. They don't want their party supporters coming to the meeting and chewing them out for even thinking of raising the rates.

However, they don't have to raise the rate, they could just advertise it for a penny more and then leave it the same. That would give people who want more services at least the appearance of an opportunity to be heard. But they don't do that because they want things to be easy. They are going to limp along for the next two years until the land reassessment values are in, and then they will adjust the tax rates and blame it on the change in land values.

They have no vision. My local representatives can't see beyond the next tax bill. They need to be planning for 10 and 20 years from now, not tomorrow. It is their job to listen to the people, ALL of the people, not only the ones in their party. When they ignore 45 percent of the county, they are not truly doing their job. They certainly aren't acting as statesmen. They are lesser men than those who have gone before them.

What I am talking about is a fine line. I am not talking about raising taxes per se, I am talking about process and the rights of the public to have a say in the vision of the county. The path the supervisors have chosen is not what I consider democracy. Advertising a higher rate, even if they have no intention of lowering it, would be more in keeping with my idea of democracy. At least it would give the appearance of being a true representative democracy. Otherwise, they should hold a public hearing earlier in the process, before minds are made up, in order to determine what it is people want.

Instead what we have going on here is despot rule, and they might as well be little lords a'leapin' over the manors, ensuring their serfs are happy. The rest of the county be damned.

Sunday Stealing: Humpty Dumpty

From Sunday Stealing

The 20Q Meme

1. When you buy a greetings card are the words or the picture more important to you?

A. The words.

2. What's your favorite kind of cake?

A. I could go with some devil's chocolate cake with chocolate icing right now. But only because I haven't had one in ages. I'm not supposed to be eating chocolate.

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?

A. I usually buy gifts. I am not that crafty.

4. You are chosen to have lunch with the President. The condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask?

A. Are you proud of whatever will be your legacy and why?

5. Which do you dislike most: pop-up ads or spam email?

A. I dislike them equally.

6. What was the best party you've ever been to?

A. I can't think of a favorite. Well, I liked the 50th birthday party my husband gave me last year as a surprise, but by most people's standards it wasn't a "best" party, I imagine. No drinking or anything like that. Just a nice little pizza party in the middle of the day with some of my friends and family.

7. Which is worse, being in a place that is too loud, or too quiet?

A. Too loud is much worse. I much prefer the quiet.

8. You are offered an envelope that you know contains $50. You are then told that you may either keep it or exchange it for another envelope that may contain $500 or may be empty. Do you keep the first envelope, or do you take your chances with the second?

A. I go for the second.

9. Do you wish cellphone etiquette was a required class upon purchasing one?

A. I think that is a most excellent idea.

10. What's the most messed up food combination that you've had that was actually good?

A. I thought pineapple on pizza would taste horrid but it's actually pretty good.

11. What's one of your most random pet peeves (something that annoys you)?

A. People who talk on their cell phones while they are standing in line. Honestly, you are not that important.

12. When is the last time you had home cooking?

A. Last night. We eat at home most of the time. We only go out about once a week or less.

13. If you could be a fictional character from a book who would you choose?

A. Nancy Drew. Stephanie Plum. Hermione. I can't decide. But wouldn't it be nice to live in such an ephemeral world.

14. If you could be in a television sit-com, which would you choose?

A. The Big Bang Theory. I have a sneaking suspicion I would fit in with that bunch quite well.

15. If you could be any animal or creature for one day, what would it be?

A. A Pterodactylus, just so I could prove to certain groups that it existed.

16. What's your favorite girl's name?

A. Susan. Haven't we been here before? Susan Pumpernickel.

17. What's your favorite boy's name?

A. James. Not only is that my husband's name, it was also the name of my favorite invisible friend when I was a child.

18. What's your supermarket of choice?

A. I shop at Kroger, mostly because it is close.

19. If you were to attend a costume party tonight, what or whom would you go as?

A. Humpty Dumpty.

20. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies?

A. Chocolate covered raisins.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Too Close (2011)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.


1) This song is about a friendship that turned romantic ... and it doesn't end happily. Have you ever crossed that line with a friend? If so, how did it work out?

A. I can't say that I have. My husband and I were romantic friends right from the start. My other friends are just friends.
2) When he was a kid, this week's singer, Alex Clare, listened to his dad's Stevie Wonder records. When you were in 7th/8th grades, what music were you into?

A. I listened to the Top 40 Countdown with Casey Kasem every week. I would have been listening to the likes of Captain and Tennille, the Doobie Brothers, Elton John, the Eagles, The Bee Gees, and John Denver.

3) "Too Close" has been featured on the TV show, The Vampire Diaries. Do you enjoy shows/books/movies about the supernatural?

A. I liked Buffy the Vampire Slayer but the new crop of similar shows have not interested me. I like magical realism in books these days, I suppose, which can have a bit of the supernatural but not in a creepy way.

4) Some of Alex Clare's tour dates were sponsored by Bud Light. Do you like beer?

A. No. I haven't had a beer in over 30 years.

5) Mr. Clare trained to be a chef, just in case the music thing didn't work out. Are you a good cook?

A. I am passable. I like to bake better than, say, create something wonderful with a chicken. I make good fudge. I would love to learn how to work with chocolate.

6) Crazy Sam (author of this meme) is forever running out of mayo because she slathers it on her sandwiches. What is currently on your grocery list?

A. Fat Free Fig Newtons and protein powder.

7) Where are you most likely to find spare change -- between the sofa cushions, in your jeans as you toss them into the washer, or under the floor mat of your car?

A. In the bottom of my purse.
8) How did you spend your Friday night -- working late, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying a quiet night at home?

A. I watched a little TV and went to bed. So I guess that would be a quiet night at home.

9) Do you use Pinterest?

A. No.

Thursday Thirteen

I'm a little brain dead regarding Thursday Thirteen today, so I am going to offer up 13 items from my Facebook page.

1. "You can't rely on how you look to sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul." - Lupita Nyongo. (I was not familiar with this woman, but she is an actress and director.)

2. Nonfiction Book Review: Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local - and Helped Save An American Town, by Beth Macy. This book will be published in July and is written by a friend of mine. She and I attended Hollins College (now Hollins University) at the same time, though she was in the master's program while I was still working on my bachelors. Beth went on to write for The Roanoke Times and is one of their top award-winning journalists. You can learn more about her and read her blog here. Buy her book!

3. NPR has a old story on pawpaws. That's a local fruit that I used to eat as a child but haven't seen since I was probably 12 years old. There was a pawpaw tree on my father's farm but I think he cut it down. Some of my friends are discussing the fruit and what it tastes like. I really don't recall.

4. A quote from The Guardian: "One would think a government that has inflicted such suffering on those with the least resources to resist, without even turning the economy around, would have been at risk of political suicide. Instead, the basic logic of austerity has been accepted by almost everyone. Why?" The story is here.

5. I learned that a friend passed away and was saddened by this knowledge. Ethel lived a nice long life and did much with her time here on earth, including mentoring me a little bit. She will be missed.

6. "It’s official! After a 16-year absence, Christine McVie will be re-joining Fleetwood Mac band mates Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks as they launch the On With The Show Tour. The tour will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Target Center and the reunited band will perform 34 shows in 33 cities across North America.

Visit the official Fleetwood Mac website for a full list of dates and on sale details - http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/news/205763"

I love Fleetwood Mac! This is great news.


7. A story about a bad publishing company that is going around swiping people's theses and publishing them as book, and keeping all the profits.

8. "Don't underestimate me. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, & notice more than you realize." - lessonslearnedinlife.com

9. "I'm a little rusty on the New Testament, but where in the Bible does it mention craft stores?" - Daily Kos

10. "To stem abuses, the first target shouldn't be those avaricious infants in nutrition programs but tycoons in their subsidized Airstreams." Brilliant! - Beth Macy, quoting this story from The New York Times.

11. "Cold, cold, cold! Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Highs today reach the mid 50s." - WDBJ7

12. "Please don't pick up your phone if I call while you're driving. I want you to get there safely and I don't want you to kill anyone. I'll wait." - Debi Kelly Van Cleave. Her blog is here. She doesn't write a lot but her work is very good.

13. This story is on many of my friends' comments and has made the national news. It's about a little 8-year-old girl who is a bit of a tomboy and was asked by a local private Christian school (and I use that term loosely) to leave because she wasn't acting girly enough.


Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 337th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.  
 

Where Are You, Spring?

We had snow yesterday, with several inches on the ground before it suddenly warmed up and melted some of it. I refuse to post any more snow photos, though I took some. Maybe I will post them on a 100 degree day in August.

As for now, I am ignoring winter and posting these lovely flower photos that I took on Monday!

Going Nuts

This little squirrel seems to have made it through the winter okay. Definitely not starving!

The black and white photo is a little different from the first, I took the shots one right after another through the back door window. I like the last shot the best, I think.

Ready for Spring

I spied this in Fincastle at Breckinridge Elementary School. My sentiments, exactly!

Women Do Not Whistle

From Sunday Stealing

The 17 Meme

1. Do you know triplets?

A. No. However, my friend Tanya over at Around Roanoke has twins.

2. Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook?

A. I haven't seen either film in quite some time. Either one would be a nice diversion.

3. Have you ever eaten Indian food?

A. I've eaten deer, squirrel, rabbit, wild berries, and water cress. I'm pretty sure the Native Americans who lived in my area before the Europeans took it by force ate such foods.

4. What’s the name of your favorite restaurant?

A. Shakers, which is a local restaurant, is a great place for baked spaghetti, ribs, and similar items. Coach & Four, another locally owned restaurant, has great seafood and steak. I love them both and can't choose between them.

5. Who’s your favorite person in the world?

A. That would be my hard-working husband, light of my life and owner of my heart. But to be fair I love many people and feel strongly about all of them.

6. Would you rather live in a rural area or in the suburbs?

A. I have lived in a rural area most of my life, and prefer it. With luck I will never have to find out what it's like to live anywhere else.

7. Can you whistle?

A. Yes. Here's a funny story. One day I was in Kmart and I was whistling in the sporting goods aisle. A sales woman came rushing around the corner, looking all around. She saw that I was whistling, frowned, and said, "Oh, you're whistling. I thought you were a man." Then she turned on her heel and headed back to whatever she was doing. I did not know until then that women did not whistle.

8. Do you sleep with a nightlight?

A. We have motion lights that turn on when we get out of bed. They are located in the bathroom, the hallway, and the kitchen, too. We are getting older and falling is not conducive to good health.

9. Do you eat breakfast every morning?

A. Usually. This morning I had Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal. It has brown rice, corn, buckwheat and sorghum in it. I eat it plain, sometimes put milk in it, sometimes add cinnamon, sometimes brown sugar, sometimes berries. Weight Watchers gives it a lot of points, though. WW does not seem to be fond of grains of any kind in the diet.

10. Do you take any pills or medication daily?

A. Loads. Six prescription pills, a probiotic, and vitamins.
  
11. How many times have you been to the hospital as a patient?

A. About a dozen.

12. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo?

A. Yes, it is a great movie. One of my favorite animations.

13. Where do you buy your jeans?

A. JC Pennys.

14. What’s the last compliment you got?

A. Someone told me on Friday that I was very smart.

15. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning?

A. Not every morning but frequently enough to say "yes" to this question, since "usually" is somewhat subjective.

16. What flavor tea do you enjoy?

A. I like regular ol' Lipton, which is orange pekoe, green tea, ginger tea, some herbal teas, Irish breakfast tea, English breakfast tea - so long as it is decaf I generally like it. I quite drinking things with caffeine in them about eight years ago.
   
17. What social media sites do you use?

A. I blog, and I use Facebook. I have Twitter and LinkedIn accounts but do not frequent them. I have never understood Twitter and what makes it so great.
 

I Would Wear Black

Saturday 9: Copacabana

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.  (Go Barry Manilow! Woot!)

1) This song refers to the merengue and the cha-cha. Are you a good dancer?

A. Here name was Lola, she was a show girl . . . oh wait, you asked a question. I am not a good dancer. I can't dance at all, really. I look like Elaine on Seinfield, truth be known.

2) Dances like the merengue and cha-cha are featured on Dancing with the Stars. Are you a loyal DWTS viewer?

A. I have never seen the show. This should not surprise regular readers, who by now are well aware that I spend little time with the tube.

3) The Copa girl in the song, Lola, wears yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there. If we were going to the clubs tonight, what would you wear? 

A. Black. I would wear black. Black pants, black shirt, black jacket, black shoes. Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace. Maybe pearl buttons on the jacket, except I don't own anything like that. But we're pretending, so what the heck.

4) The real Copacabana nightclub was on East 60th Street in New York. It was used as a setting for the movie Goodfellas. Do you have a favorite mobster movie?

A. Nope. That was easy. Next question? 

5) Our featured artist, Barry Manilow, has unfortunately spent a great deal of this young century in the hospital -- broken nose, face lift, chest pains and two hip surgeries. Tell us about your most recent trip to the doctor, ER, or dentist.

A. Most recently I saw my family doctor for yet another consultation about my constant and chronic abdominal pain, fatigue, and bleeding ulcers, none of which apparently are related in the minds of the gods who call themselves doctors. She did four vials of blood work, all of which came back okay or within "high normal" ranges on some things, which was better than it had been, and really badly on one thing that was worse than it has ever been. So improvement, yay. Worsening stuff, boo.

6) Manilow told US Magazine that he enjoys nude sunbathing. Have you ever skinny dipped or sunbathed au naturel?

A. I can't say that I have, no. I keep private things private.

7) Before he became famous as a performer, Manilow was a very successful jingle writer. "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there …" and "You deserve a break today at McDonald's …" were his. Tell us about a TV commercial you saw recently.

A. I think that Dish commercial about "the hopper" is the most annoying thing ever produced. I like the Chevy commercial that has the bull in it, mostly because we raise cows. We don't like Chevys, though, in this household.

8) The Manilow faithful are known as Fanilows and proudly wear Barry hoodies, wristwatches and even dog tags. Do you have any clothes that feature a recording artist?

A. Nope. Next question.

9) In 2005, Manilow refused to respond when Larry King inquired about his sexuality. Do you think it's rude for interviewers to ask personal questions? Or is it something a performer should expect because it goes with the job?

A. I think it says something about us as a society that we find such information titillating and think an interviewer isn't doing his/her job if the questions aren't asked. I believe in privacy and the bedroom is one area where no one, and I mean no one, has any business when it involves consenting adults. We are a bunch of sick puppies in this country, drooling all over the rug hoping for a taste of dirt. So yes, it is rude. In today's world, it should be expected, but that doesn't mean anyone has to answer the question.

Early Signs of Spring

Daffodils coming up



Iris on the rise.



Woodpeckers knocking on the door.

Thursday Thirteen

The United Nations has declared today International Happiness Day. Happiness is a fundamental human pursuit, the pundits say.

I'm not sure everyone defines happiness the same way. For some people it might be lack of stress. For others it's a euphoria. For me, it's contentment, I suppose, which generally happens in a state of mindfulness of the present.

Anyway, I thought I'd list 13 things that make me feel what I consider to be my personal "happy."

My sweetie, who was
not pleased at having
his photo taken.

1. Spending time with my husband. He's a busy guy what with being a Battalion Chief in the fire department, running a farm, and installing septic tanks. I value our time together.

2. Writing. Nothing sets me on fire like good research, interviews, and writing up a story that I feel invested in.

3. Reading. Good books carry me to other worlds, introduce me to different people, and give me things to think about.

4. Exercising. I think exercise of some sort is important for happiness, though the actual doing of it may not make me happy. However, I practice tai chi and find that to be extremely comforting. It destresses, lowers my blood pressure, and brings me into the moment.

This bike is for sale. I bought a new one.

5. Time with friends. I enjoy getting out and being with people occasionally. Being introverted, I do quite well at home alone, but sometimes I want to bounce ideas off another, or just enjoy someone else's thoughts for a change.

6. Working. I do not do well with idle time, so I prefer to be doing something. I am thinking of taking up knitting in the very near future. I used to knit when I was a child but I have forgotten how. I am hoping it will come back to me.

7. I love listening to music. I like female singers like Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow (her earlier work more so than what she produces now), Adele, Pink, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benetar, and yes, even Celine Dion. I grew up on country music (Loretta Lynn) but switched over to pop when I was 12, and never looked back. Hearing these songs makes my spirit soar.

CountryDew rockin' out
in her younger days.

8. Playing music. I play guitar and I enjoy sitting down and strumming a tune now and then. Sometimes it is the best way to force out the blues - sing them out with all your heart. "I could just sit around makin' music all day long. As long as I'm makin' music, I know I can't do nobody wrong." Anybody remember that one?

9. Walking through the woods and on the farm. We have a lovely place, and especially this time of year, before the snakes are out, it's a joy to stroll the woods and look for anemones, may flowers, and other pretties that you won't find at any other time.

Irises from last year. They aren't up
here yet.

Haytime in 2011.

10. Taking photos. I enjoy recording our life here on the farm and posting pretty pictures. Which leads me to ...

11. Blogging. Yes, this activity does bring me a little joy. It is a good outlet for me and I've made some nice friends through it.

12. Watching the deer and the cows. I have no pets because I am so allergic to them, but I do enjoy the view out the window. On any given day I might see deer, bunnies, squirrels, various birds, a skunk, a fox, a coyote, or even a bear! It makes me feel peaceful to watch them.

Out the window last summer.

13. Making a difference. Through my work with the newspaper, I have enlightened thousands of people about the world around them. I have contributed to the community by offering suggestions, putting folks together so they can help one another, raising money, etc. I used to volunteer with a historic preservation group and I found that very satisfying. I also served on my local library board and I found that extremely gratifying. I think it is important to be a part of your community.

 Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 336th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.  

For Sale

This is a recumbent exercise bike. I just replaced it with an elliptical bike, so would like to move this along to someone else. The monitoring part has been knocked loose and is affixed with tape but it works fine.

It is heavy and you would need to come and get it, so local inquiries only, please. I'm asking $50 but would consider other offers.

I did use it some but not a lot; I preferred walking to riding.

Cows in Snow

Newborn

I looked out the front door Friday night just at dusk and saw we had a new baby calf.

The pictures didn't turn out well because it was so dark and I was shooting from a good distance away with a zoom. None of my cameras work well in that kind of light.

 

I didn't get closer because I did not want to disturb the momma cow while she was cleaning up the little one and working to get it on its feet. It took a few tries but it finally managed to stand up and find her milk.

 

She hid the calf until today; I saw it with the herd not long ago. Very small baby.

Books: Forests of the Night

Forests of the Night
By James W. Hall
Copyright 2005
Audiobook read by Laural Merlington
Abridged

This is a new author for me. In this story, Charlotte Monroe is a Florida police officer with an uncanny ability to read faces. The FBI wants her to teach others how to do this.

One day after work, she finds Jacob Panther, a man on the FBI's most wanted list, in her living room. Things unravel for her from there, as her daughter, Gracie (who hears voices), decides to join Panther. Charlotte and her husband, Parker, head to the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee country to find out what is going on.

The book is a mystery - who is doing the killing - as well as a look at how ancient history affects the present. This audio reading was an abridged version, and the story felt a little titled to me, not always flowing. Some things seemed a stretch. I couldn't decide if it was the story line or me being inattentive.

The book's amazon ratings are all over the place, though. I think this is one of those books you pick up when you don't have something else to read.
 

Sparkles Like Cracked Ice

From Sunday Stealing


Q. Do you have another window or tab open? If so, what are they for?

A. Yes. I have two email providers on separate tabs, as well as Facebook.
Q. Do you like to cook/bake?

A. I wouldn't call it my most favorite thing but I do okay at it. Occasionally I like to attempt something creative.

Q. What are you currently listening to? 

A. The sound of silence, although my house is never completely silent. Clocks tick, air purifiers whirr, and cows low.

Q. How long have you lived in the house you live in?

A. Twenty-seven years.

Q. Are you tired?

A. I started a new medication on Friday and it seems to making me feel a little sleepy and loopy.

Q. Do you pick your words carefully, or just tend to blurt everything out?

A. I hope I pick my words carefully. Someone once told me that I don't say much, but when I do speak it is generally a good idea to listen.
Q. Are you nice to everyone?

A. I certainly try to be.

Q. Have you ever tripped in public?

A. I imagine so, though nothing comes immediately to mind.

Q. Are you a morning person or a night person?

A. I think I'm a middle-of-the-day person.

Q. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

A. It certainly helps if you forget. If you forget you don't need to forgive because you don't remember.

Q. Is there something that’s recently shocked you?

A. I am always shocked by the mean-spirited comments I see on the Internet. Can't we all just get along?

Q. Which is harder: walking away from somebody you love or coming back? 

A. I have no idea. I would think the former might be the more difficult choice.

Q. What were you doing at midnight last night?

A. Sleeping.

Q. What color are your eyes?

A. They are hazel with sparkles like cracked ice in them. They tend to reflect whatever color I am wearing.

Surviving on Desert Cactus

 Saturday 9: Unicorn (Click the link to join the meme.)

"The Unicorn" was selected because Monday is St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here. (It's an Irish band with an Irish tune.)

1) This song was recorded by The Irish Rovers. While it's said that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish, can you honestly claim Irish heritage?

A. Yes, I can. My father's side of the family came from Ireland. They immigrated over here in the 1800s. Many settled in the area where I live now, as well as West Virginia.

2) According to the 2000 Census, Massachusetts is the state with the largest percentage of residents of Irish descent. Have you ever been to The Bay State?

A. I have not been to Massachusetts. I have been to New York. That's as far north as I have gone.

3) Other than St. Patrick, what is Ireland famous for?

A. Potato famine, leprechauns, Celtic druids, green clovers, and whiskey (not whisky).

4) St. Patrick's Day is celebrated the world over. They even watch marching bands and wave Irish flags on St. Patrick's Day in Moscow. Does your town have a St. Patrick's Day parade? 

A. The nearest city has a big parade. I have never been. It's usually cold and far too windy for my tastes.

5) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?

A. If I do it will be by accident.

6) Have you ever had green beer?

A. Can't say that I have.

7) Have you ever ordered a Shamrock Shake at McDonald's?

A. I don't eat at McDonalds unless I have been surviving on desert cactus for four weeks and there are none left in the immediate vicinity and McDonalds is the only eatery within 10 miles.

8) A four-leaf clover is considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm? 

A. Nope.

9) Speaking of Lucky Charms, they are magically delicious.  What brand of cereal is in your kitchen right now?

A. Cheerios.

 

A Hawk

I took these photos on March 5. I spied the hawk out my window, as in the first shot. We still had snow on the ground. I slipped outside, managed a shot or two, and the bird flew a little further away.

 

When I downloaded them I was disappointed that the close-up was blurred.