Realizing I haven't posted for a while, I began looking through my photos for inspiration. Our life tends to follow the same pattern each day and the sameness doesn't seem worthy of posting.
Same old, same old can be boring but there is great comfort in that for me. I do admit the last couple of years have been a challenge for me and no doubt all of us. Now with the world situation growing more tense daily rituals are even more important to me to keep my sanity.
Traveling during retirement has always been a dream for us. We have had four major trips cancelled during these times. Without sounding like a spoiled child, I will stop beating that drum.
Over Valentine's Day we were able to take another trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Yes, I know my last couple of posts have been about there. But this is our "go to" spot for now. The above photo shows a very large oak with large clusters of mistletoe. Trees during the winter months are so interesting showing off their silhoulettes against the blue sky. Milstletoe is hemi-parasitic with most large trees able to survive having it on its limbs.
Back at home we have been cleaning up after our January 3rd snow storm. We unfortunately have lost 3 large arborvitae trees. Thinking we would need to hire someone to remove the 35-40 ft trees left us thinking we would wait until our tree guys weren't quite as busy. These trees were leaning almost to the ground, so we felt we could take care of them. So over the last week Grayden has taken them down and we had our wonderful trashman take them away. I sure do miss their presence!
One morning while lacing my shoes for a walk, I spotted out the window a very large bird on our fence!
We often see turkey vultures flying, but not this close to our home. Though he's not the prettiest bird in the kingdom, we would all not be happy without these very interesting birds. Seeing him sent me on a search to learn more about him. I learned they really don't have a song, but will hiss if threatened! Their V patterned flight is quite noteworthy as they soar on thermals in search of carrion. I noticed no evidence as to why he chose our fence that morning. It's always exciting to see what critters pass our way, but I must admit this was quite a surprise!
It's hard for me not to mention the people of Ukraine. I'm praying that peace will come soon. Please remember the people of eastern Europe in your prayers.
I am sad to say storms wrecked havoc here too, in just one week we had three, literally back to back over 5 days, not a chance to draw breath in between toe 80 and 90 mph winds. It was terrifying. On the Needles winds went up to 122 mph.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you lost your trees. How your garden and house look is now forever changed. A new landscape beckons.
You are wise to be staying home. I'm hearing of people bringing back more than memories and souvenirs from their holidays.
Stay safe, praying with you, my friend, Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, I don't think I have ever experienced 122 mph winds. How horrible! I'm so glad you are okay after such events. Our snowfall in January was like no other. Particularly damaging to conifers and dogwoods. VDOT, our department of transportation, is projecting 27,000 dump trucks of tree debris will be removed from local roadways! Take care of yourself, my friend. xoxo
DeleteSo sorry about your beautiful Arbor Vitaes. That storm did way too much damage. Glad to see your post. You look so lovely in Williamsburg. Spring is coming. Soon you'll be sharing your spring flowers and things will feel more normal again. Yes, praying for the Ukrainian people.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vee. Hopefully as Spring approaches all of our lives will be more normal, the least being Ukrainians.
DeleteOhh...sorry about your arborvitae. That vulture is an interesting looking bird! Glad you could enjoy Williamsburg again. Our go to spot the last couple years has been Coeur d'alene in Idaho.
ReplyDeleteOur view is quite different without our arborvitae, but just like all changes in life we will adjust. I'm not familiar with Coeur d'alene, Ellen. I must check it out.
DeleteMartha Ellen, so good of Grayden to tackle the tree situation that you have. I am wondering why they are leaning close to the ground. That was so nice of your trash man to haul them away. That was an interesting sight to see the vulture on the fence. One time I saw two across the street feasting on a squirrel. They usually come around when there is something for them to eat haha. Your walk around the lake sounds lovely. The water looks so peaceful. You're right, sometimes there is great comfort in our same 'ole routines. Change is hard on me and not always pleasant. Hopefully, you will be back to traveling again when the weather gets warmer. I loved seeing your smiling face today, Martha Ellen.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, the arborvitae were sent to the ground with very heavy snow that occurred January 3rd. This snow storm took down so many trees in our area. Thank you for stopping by today, my friend.
DeleteThat was a powerful winter storm especially for your area. Too bad about the trees I can feel spring coming with little hints here and there. That Turkey vulture would intrigue me but I wouldn’t want to have it hanging around!
ReplyDeleteThis situation with Russia and the Ukraine is very disturbing. Praying this ends quickly.
I've lived in Virginia my whole life and have never experienced a snow storm like this one. The weight of the heavy wet snow really was too much for the conifers especially, Liz. We haven't seen the turkey vulture that close again, it must have had dinner nearby. The world certainly needs a lot prayers, doesn't it? I too, pray the problems ends soon.
DeleteThere is something to be said for sameness. Comfort. Routine. That is what makes the special times special! I don't think I'd ever tire of Colonial Williamsburg, and I think it's wonderful that you live close enough to visit often.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am praying for the people of Ukraine, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Cheryl, I knew you would be praying, my friend.
DeleteColonial Williamsburg has been so wonderful for us to visit. It's only a couple hours away and calls us to visit often these days. It never gets old for us!
I love Williamsburg. When I worked for a PBS station we were at a conference that included a behind-the-scenes visit to see how some of their research is done and things pulled together. It was fascinating but I would be just as fascinated if we had more time to wander in the wonderful buildings. We did-- but not enough!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I couldn't begin to count the number of times we've visited Williamsburg. It is a wonderful place to spend time. The Foundation is a great organization that keeps it revelavant. When you can, I hope you can visit again.
DeleteMy maternal grandparents were both immigrants from Ukraine, so another war there has been very heartbreaking to see. I've been praying for peace.
ReplyDeleteI've never saw a turkey vulture in person so I found your photo and facts very interesting.
I know the sadness of cancelling trips during the pandemic--we had two big family trips planned that we cancelled, but it looks like conditions are improving for the summer so we may take a lot of local trips which can also be fun.
So sad to hear your lost your pretty trees. We planted the same here but they did not do well in our crazy freeze weather and we had to remove them.
Pat, I'm sure your heart must be breaking for Ukraine. Your ties there must make this particularly troubling.
DeleteI'm so sorry you have had to cancel trips. We are hoping that we can travel again before we get too old to enjoy ourselves. Take care of yourself.
Here in the UK we too have experienced some bad storms recently and many trees have come down, always sad to see.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ukraine is very much in the news and in my thoughts ... saying a prayer for the people and praying for peace.
All the best Jan
Jan, we were sorry to hear of the bad storms in the UK. Our storms came in the way of very heavy snow.
DeleteThe news of Ukraine seems to get more troubling by the minute. Praying that we will get good news soon.
I love Colonial Williamsburg and especially seeing the gardens laid out for planting. I never tire of it there. Love seeing photos you share of your visits. That turkey vulture must have given you a jolt when you first saw him. They are wonderful for us around here and the slash area where they love getting the varmints and I don't mind that. A friend of mine couldn't go near her tree in back yard as one had a nest there and every time she came out it would swoop down at her. Wonderful picture of you Martha Ellen with such a sweet smile. Every day we rise and get moving is worth posting about, I think. Good you and Grayden were able to tackle getting those arborvitaes out as it was a chore, I am sure. Happy Week end to you! Betsy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Betsy for your kind comments. My postings have been few and far between these days as I don't seem to have my heart in writing mode. You and I are both very fortunate to be able to visit so many wonderful places so near us! Your friend's experience with vultures must have been quite disconcerting! I do love all of nature, but sometimes prefer to view it from afar! Happy weekend to you as well.
DeleteI always look forward to your posts. Mine haven't been as much these past few months either. Fortunate we are as the beach in one direction and mountains in the other. Virginia is a pretty state for sure and look forward to seeing more of your travels too.
DeleteI love that you are able to find beauty and worth in the ordinary. We are surrounded by it -- we only need the eyes to behold it. Thank you for sharing, Martha Ellen.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind words, Marigold. There is great beauty that surrounds us all. I do pray my eyes will always see what lies before me.
DeleteLovely to see you in your post Martha Ellen :) We are also in the same routine, and get out for walks like you and Grayden, more now that the weather is improving. I am also looking forward to getting down to Williamsburg. We met up for lunch with family there, and we have missed that. Mistletoe is so interesting how it grows in the trees isn’t it? We have quite a few in our area I’ve noticed. Sorry to hear about your arborvitae trees. Having lost two of our largest ones, I understand your feeling. As for the turkey vultures, I have always had a great respect for them, any vulture really, and think they look magnificent in flight. Also they are nature’s clean-up crew and in that way they take care of us. The Ukrainian people are rarely out of my thoughts. I hope this dreadful war will end for them soon. It’s astounding that they are having to deal with all of this, but it’s good to hear that there are many who are rallying around them. In that I have hope and pray for peace. Take good care of yourself, visiting you is always a joy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by, Denise. I'm sorry you have lost arborvitae trees. I remember planting these when they were only 3 ft. tall. Having planted most everything in our yard it almost feels like losing a member of the family. You are so right that the vultures are the clean up crew. Every living thing certainly has a purpose. We've seen so much kindness extended to the Ukrainians and I know we all will continue to do what we can to help these folks. We are so fortunate to have our homes and our very lives safe from harm. You take care as well, my friend.
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