090- A [dandy]LION sort of day...

Remember way back on March 1st when I declared it a LAMB day? Boy howdy, have we every had the mood-swings of March this month! We've had lovely spring days which encouraged my apricot tree to bloom and heavy snow days which battered those same little blossoms (which fortunately seem to still be hanging on! I'm hoping for more apricot-y goodness this summer.)

So today, being March 31st, I thought I'd try to determine what sort of day this is. I've decided that it is a [dandy] Lion sort of day! We have an overcast sky, melting snow, high of 50, some breezes and a few hardy little plants that are showing their happy faces in spite of the mood-swing weather! (And you know what? But the time I get to this point in Utah winters I pretty much mood-swing right along with the weather.)



I took a little walkie around my backyard and found other signs of imminent spring. My old-fashioned lacey lilacs are in bud... I can hardly wait!



These hardy little violets pop up in the grass all spring and summer. I just love them. It wasn't until I uploaded the photos that I realized that I also have a photo of a swine-ant (close relative of the swine-deer) climbing on one of the stems (I just can't like ants!)

089- Secrets in the Garden

I was feeling just a little bummed this morning when I looked outside and everything was covered in white. I've come back to winter! I try to do the *Pollyanna* thing and look for the good: we need the moisture AND I am very thankful for it. But I supposed I'd been lulled into the false notion that it would be spring in Utah (and I know better!) after two weeks in CA.

I was going to scrounge around in past photos and see what I could post that was not just snow, again!

But at 6:46pm when the sun was still quite high in the evening sky I saw that the light was beautiful and most of the snow was melted (but it is cold... 29.3, ish!) I took my new friend outside to introduce it to my garden. I loved the look of this daffodil and hyacinth... they look like they are having a confidential conversation about the world and its changing weather! (Or maybe about this odd woman snapping photos, who knows... I don't speak botanical!)

088- Happy Spring?

If I'd been on the ball this morning, instead of unpacking, I could've had a photo of daffodils in the sunshine... but no, not me! This is what I get instead! SNOW!

I've heard the saying, "If you don't like the weather... just wait 5 minutes!" It truly applies here in Springville!

087- Saturday Morning

Saturday morning... what kid didn't look forward to that? But instead of those Saturday morning cartoon that I used to watch (no Cartoon Net then!) the boys look forward to playing X-box. Their mama wisely has an X-box ban during the week so Saturday is a big day (but only after breakfast and teeth are brushed, boy, she is almost as mean a mom as I was!)

So this is my last Grammie-duties photo. When I finish here I will shut down my laptop, pack up the camera, put the finishing touches on the house and be off to the airport. I've had such a lovely visit with my boys. I am such a lucky Grammie!

086- My Boys

It is amazing how fast a week will go (even getting up at 6:15 every morning). I have enjoyed my time with the boys so much! This is an old tradition...

My first solo visit was with little almost-2 Tadhgy so his mommy and daddy could go away for their 6th anniversary. [Amazing fact... Caden was born 9 months later ;) ] It has continued on an almost yearly basis since then. Once I even went on the get-a-way weekend with them because Brock was still nursing.

But I must admit that I love these solo visits with my little boys. I revel in the one-ness that we have when their parents are gone. They are always so well behaved! [demonstrating their good home-training]


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, JB's Red Moss overlay (one more sad note... I only had my little Lumix camera in my marsupial pocket this day!! :o( )

I know that my days are numbered now that the boys are getting older and that these Grammie-duty visits will one day stop... but until then I will bask in the love of my grandsons!

(Red Moss is just one of the texture layers that I've captured on this visit and uploaded to flickr to share. You can get them here.)

085- Sir Isaac [fig]Newton

I know that technically this should have been yesterday's post, but you know what? When I get up with the boys at 6:15 I'm pretty worthless when it gets to be evening! So here, today... I present...

Sir Isaac [fig] Newton (did you notice that he bears a striking resemblance to my grandson Tadhg?)



The school presented a *wax museum* last night. Each of the 5th-8th students chose a character they wanted to represent and then wrote their own script. They gathered in various quads (each grade level in a different quad) then the visitors would approach and touch each *exhibit* which would come to life and give a short biography about themselves. I was amazed at the depth of preparation that these students (and costume-making parents; yes, Rebekah made Tadhg's costume... what a gal!!) went to.



I took 60 photos. I am always amazed at how appealing youth is! They were all so beautiful/handsome and brimming with promise.

084- Lone Poppy

I went on a long walk today while the boys were at school. There were ever so many things to take photos of... some good... some just deletes!

I took the *short cut* that goes from Yosemite Springs Parkway past one of the lakes and joins the road where Bek's house is. In the middle of the field was a lone poppy. (Of course we know that this time of year the Antelope Valley is thick with poppies!). I couldn't resist.

Poppies always make me smile and remember my growing up in No. CA and all of our years in the AV with acres and acres of poppies.

083- A Good Day

I have a theory... if you use up all your energy when you are young then you are tired when you get old. Camille tells me she thinks even if you *save* your energy you will still be tired when you get old. Maybe she's right...

She also asked me if taking care of the boys was like being a mom again; my answer is no... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I get to enjoy my little boys but I know I don't have to get up this early and do this much work for the next 10 years ;)!

But this was a good day. The boys have been very cooperative. They've gotten up on time (sort of) and we HAVE been out the door and to the bus stop with a few minutes to spare. I DID take my camera this day... so I could snap a photo of my little darlings getting onto the bus. I just love this Lomo action. It adds such depth to the photo.


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, (A2D)_Lomo

After school Brock and Caden both got their homework done speedy-quick and got to play with friends (Tadhg did too, but his friend was busy). Brock went to Q's house and Caden had M come over here (can you say Hillside Taxi?) I was inside and in comes M, "Grammie, Caden wants you to come and see what he is doing!" (I like that I am Grammie to everybody!) I found him up one of the beautiful pines that grow in abundance around here. I boosted M up and got several shots of my little monkey-boys up a tree. Doesn't M look like he belongs in this family with his red hair? (M's sister is a brunette like Caden... suppose there was a mix up? Nope, because Caden looks just like his Mama.)



The boys went to be on time and now Grammie has a few minutes to play with all the photos she took today and make a wonderful memory for years to come.

Yes... it was a very good day!

082- YLP Early Morning

There are some perks to getting up early in the morning; I caught the morning sun just coming up...

The boys have to be at the bus stop at 7:20 am (what genius thought that one up?) Of course, this morning that meant scrapping ice off the windshield before we could drive to the bus stop! Their bus stop is at the top of one of the hills and affords a wonderful vista of the park. I gazed down and saw the mists rising off the lakes.

Since my new camera is a little large for my marsupial pocket I had to run back home and grab my camera before I went on a photo explore.

One of the lakes is just down the hill from where Bek's house. I caught it just at the right time to get that ethereal light.


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, (A2D)_Lomo

The other thing that amazes me is the lupine bushes that grow here. A quick wikipedia search on lupine told me that there really is a such a species and this isn't just some mutant that grows here in YLP (Yosemite Lakes Park). I just love the look of them.

081- After the Storm...

Fritz said it would be like this!

Church was canceled due to snow on the pass between here and Oakhurst where the chapel is located so we really are having a very laid back Sunday.

Last night's storm continues today. The sun is playing hide-and-go-seek with the clouds. One minute it is sunny (but definitely not warm) and the next minute it is hailing! I've sneaked outside several times to catch some photos.

Years ago I went to a plant auction with Auntie P *down-below* (that is what we called it when we left Palmdale and traveled down to the LA basin). Towards the end of the auction they were practically giving away 100 count bags of King Alfred daffodil bulbs. I got one for the ridiculous price of $5! I planted all my flower beds could hold and sent the rest home with Bek the next time she came to visit. It is one of the few things that the deer and gophers will leave alone here in her rural community. It is so happy for me to see them when I come to visit in the spring. It is kind of like visiting an old friend!

This one is not the best specimen... there are some perfect ones... but I like this very weathered little fellow.


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames

And just to give you a small idea how much rain we got last night... when the electricity was out and there weren't ANY flashlights to be found (remember 3 boys live here... who knows where they are?) I got this photo of the lake in the front yard. I do love to visit here!


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames

080- Grammie Duties

*** When you live in the "hill-country" and there is a severe thunder and lightening storm... you lose electricity. THE END!

So here is yesterday's post now that the power is back on.

Even though I arrived on Monday today is the first official day of Grammie-duties. I love these times when it is just me and the kids. We have such a different visit than when their folks are here.

The mama & daddy are off on a much needed and deserved cruise.
Earlier in the week while walking to the mailbox I saw this beautiful group of granite rocks. I knew I would need to get a photo of the boys here.



Caden, sweet Caden just loves Super-girl the cat. She is such a patient soul. When she was a kitten Brock used to carry her around like a sack of potatoes.



And speaking of Super... here she is in all her whiskered afternoon glory!

079- Plum Blossoms

You should see the ground... it is scattered with pink *snow*... it is beautiful... it is spring.

078- New Companion

So the day I arrived in CA (you know, the same day I intercepted my camera...) I was like the little kid with new shoes, "Can I wear them home?" I took it into Costco and an elderly gentleman came up and asked, "Are you from around here?" I told him no, just visiting. He replied, "I thought that might be. We just got back from vacation and I took my camera ever where too!"

It was another beautiful spring day here today. We spent way too much of it inside with me doing a four color weave on Bek! But when I was all finished (3 hours later!!) We took a walk down to the mailbox and then stayed outside to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. I got some awesome photos of the kids (minus Caden, he got home from school sick and went straight to bed with an cold compress on his little head), Bek, Meow-Meow & Super Girl (the cats), flowers, trees, jumping on the tramp, swinging... well, you understand... I was burning up the pixels! (I LOVE DIGITAL) Do you suppose it could post all 365 photos in one day? Almost...


Rebekah & Tadhg


Brock

077- CA spring

I told Rebekah this morning that I feel just a bit like Dorothy when she is sucked out of black and white Kansas and thrown right into the middle of technicolor Oz!

This is the most beautiful time of year to visit the central valley in California. Everything is growing, green and lush. Sadly in a few weeks everything will start to die of thirst and turn brown and crispy.

My first offering of the day is my bokeh macro of this sweet little yellow wildflower. Although I could partially duplicate this look with my old camera my new 50mm lens is just the pip for this kind of shot! And I LOVE it! (Frankly it was the desire to be able to take these kinds of shots that pushed me over the edge to get a dSLR camera...)


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerGrids-9, NRJ_SAND_BRUSHES1

The next photo is of a gnarled oak. I've always love the look of this tree and I think I like it best naked! I knew just what I wanted this to look like when I looked through the view finder, but the image needed a little creative help to get it to this state. I wish I could remember where I saw the information that a camera doesn't detect as much color variance as the human eye. But thanks to photoshop and some good editing and actions I can get really close to what the eyes see. (This one was shot with the EFS 18-55mm lens. I also got a 75-300mm lens; making three in all.)


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerGrids-9, (A2D)_Lomo

076- Changing of the Guard

So here is my big reveal... My *for-real* big reveal... my little Lumix camera will be able to stop smoking from so much use. Can you believe that this little camera is responsible for all of my photos heretofore? (Until yesterday that is...)



Yesterday, on my way to the airport, I stopped at the UPS hub in Orem to intercept my brandy-spankin'-new Canon Rebel XS 10.1 MP package of dSLR awesomeness!!! I've been saving my dollars and finally took the plunge! Eons ago I had a film SLR camera and loved it. But this is just sexy-black-awesome-digital-goodness. (Do you get the feeling I think this is awesome? Yup... I do!)


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerGrids-9, NRJ_TEA_OVER

I took yesterday's sunset photos and, well... about 30 more with my new toy. Then today Bek and I took a wildflower photo explore... but I thing those must wait for tomorrow. Today is Canon's day to shine.

Another bit of wonderfulness from yesterday... I'm a great auntie again! Yea! Joe and Jen now have baby Jace... he was born yesterday. Mom, Dad, & baby Jace are all doing well (Mama's probably quite sore... Jace was to big to come out the conventional way... silly baby!)

075- California Sunset

I am in the Golden State for the next two weeks! I've come to visit with my daughter and her family for a few days and then stay on for a week and do *Grammie Duties* while *the parents* get to run away on a Mexican Rivera cruise. I enjoy coming to visit with these boys (I was going to say little boys, but they are growing up fast!... now 12, 9, & 7). I was here 11 months ago and did the same duty; we had a great time. There is just a well know fact that grandkids and grandparents love to be together!

As we pulled into *the park* (the informal name for where they live just outside Yosemite) there was a glorious sunset with a gnarled oak tree just waiting to be photographed! Yup, that's me- marsupial-pocket-girl! But I'm going to have to get a bigger pocket... tune in tomorrow for more information.

074- Dried Flower Tree

I saw this tree while on a walk with my sister on Friday. Anybody have any ideas what kind of tree it is? It had all of these cool little dried flowers all over it. I just loved the way it looked against our cold blue sky.

073- Alien

I sat down to my old-lady-can't-see-up-close-make-up-mirror and was putting on my only make-up (mascara. see... that's a real money-saver to have sensitive skin!) and saw this un-earthy glow around my pupil! EEeee-EEeee-EEeee... (Hear Psycho music!)



I knew no one would believe that I'd been taken over by those aliens from Stephenie Meyer's book if I didn't get photographic proof!! Do you suppose I am safe on the streets with all the humans around! Questionable... definitely questionable!


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerGrids-9, OVERLAYS- photo texture 2, JB's brick smoke-stack

072- Baby Crocus

Today my sweet sister called me from the road (by Nephi, that's about an hour away) and I said what'cha doing up this way? Coming to see you she replied! Hmmm... that one totally flew by me. She assures me we talked about it earlier in the week... (Yes, I DO remember the phone conversation, just not that part. Oh, sad story... I wish I could blame it on age, but I've always been this way!!) Anyway, they came for the express purpose of bringing me a shamrock plant (hmmm... so why isn't that the POTD?? This post isn't shaping up too well is it?)

OK, should I start over? Yes...

Today I was visiting with my sister and her husband at my nephew's (their son's) house. In his front yard are the sweetest little crocus I've ever seen. They were seriously about the size of a dime! Compare it to the size of the blade of grass! They were popping up in the grass; there were white with a purple tinge, yellow and then this yellow with the purple tinge. Just beautiful! I'm sitting here smiling just thinking about them!

071- In Reflection

Several months ago I was driving in downtown Provo and saw a sight I KNEW I was going to have to capture on film. So this week I found myself in the same neighborhood BUT THIS TIME I had my camera!

The Provo Tabernacle is situated on the corner of First South and University Ave. It was built in the last 1800's. It is a beautiful specimen of older architecture. But the interesting thing is that on the opposite corner of the same block is this giant black glass building (I think it might be a NuSkin building, but I don't know for sure.)

I was captured by the reflection of this stately old building in the mirror effect of the modern one. I feel there is an analogy in this image. We are progressing, learning, growing, becoming more "sophisticated" but we must never forget the Rock on which we are planted, strong and immovable, our Saviour Jesus Christ. And if we forget, we will become distorted, just as this reflection is.

070- Primrose

Oohh, oohh... I find myself in such a fix today! I have so many awesome photos that I want to use! But I'm going to pace myself because they are all very unrelated. But what a wonderful fix to be in!

As I left the Temple today I noticed that many of the bedraggled-from-winter-snows primroses (and fewer pansies) were starting to perk up. I just love the angle on this little beauty.

We had only a partial cloud cover today but it is still cold. Most of Provo and Orem don't even have any snow left, but here in our neck of the woods we have a full covering on all the yards. Who knows what the weather will bring tomorrow.

069- Blue Skies Again

I just want you to know that if you look up March in the dictionary the definition says--

*** CHANGEABLE WEATHER... MOTHER NATURE HAS SEVERE MOOD SWINGS!



We ended up with about 8" of new snow... some local areas got as much as 2 feet. But today we have blue skies and that is a happy thing. Grammie can't like the black skies from yesterday!

068/365 Update

Remember the post from, ummm, yeah, 6 hours ago? with the green grass in the background and the lilac bud?

This is what it looked like 6 hours later! Scheesh!

068- My Favorite Lilac

With the change to daylight savings time we are having some very dark mornings. We are situated right at the base of the east mountains so it takes a while for the sun to rise here to begin with... but add to that our "daylight savings" and we really have it dark. This morning we also have a heavy cloud cover so it was really, REALLY dark. It almost makes me feel like I've been plunged back into the middle of January. (And this morning that isn't a happy thought!)

I needed some reminder that it is in fact March and that winter is almost over and the dark days are coming to an end. When I opened the blinds in the family room (which is in a half-depth basement) I could look right out and there were lilac buds to give me heart and encouragement. (OK, so why does that make me cry?) I needed that *tender mercy* from the Lord to remind me that, yes, the sun does come out again!



So I got my trusty little Lumix camera and went out to document this sign of hope and renewal. I left the nursery tag on my lilac bushes when I planted them 4 years ago. I stretched it out to remind myself what it was and found this:



Lilacs probably are my favorite flower for oh-so-many reasons! Lilacs always take me back to Mom's little house and the love and safety I remember there. (I talk more about that here.) I look forward to warm spring days and smelling the heady sent of lilacs wafting in the windows.

067- Rose Colored Glasses

I have a tendency to look at the world through *rose-colored glasses* (I'm a glass half-full-kinda-girl). But I didn't need them for this beautiful view out my bedroom window. The sun was going down in all its splendor and the resultant pink glow lit up the eastern sky and mountains. I love this late evening light. There is just a Godly quality about it that feeds my soul.

Truly, God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy.





This is the view from the front of my house ...(You didn't really think I could pass up a shot of the actual sunset did you?)

066- A Slice of Vintage

Yesterday on my trip to and from Manti I saw so many things that I wanted to take photos of and I thought, "I'll stop at my leisure on the way home." Little did I know that there would be a snow storm and I wouldn't even see most of those interesting things again!

But I did see this wonderful vintage Texaco sign (I wish I could remember what town it was in!). It reminded me of the signs I used to see growing up (hmmm... 50 years ago! yikes, how can that be??) Luckily I got to this one before the storm totally moved in.



And those photos of the herd of sheep with lots of black sheep and the shoe tree... well, I guess they will just have to wait for another day and another trip!

065- Time and all Eternity

What a beautiful day! What a happy day! What a special day for Sandie and Matthew... I am so pleased for them. Today they were married for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. What a marvelous blessing to be able to be with our loved ones, not just for now, but for eternity.


JSprague-TW-BrownSolid, AASPN_DistressedToolSet5, JSprague_grungeFrame1, FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive

My day started with happy news. I saw Diane and her little grand daughters walking from her sister's house past mine on her way to her house... being ever vigilant with my camera I ran out to get photos of this darling group. The happy news was that their friend from So. California was going to be there with his mongol Nikon 200 cameras (yes, 2 of them, and wonderful assorted professional equipment, drool...) and I was off the hook as *official photographer*... deep sigh!!!



A gentleman commented on how lovely Sandie looked in her wedding ensemble. I was just tickled at how beautiful she was and how happy both of them looked. What a lovely idea. (Every week Sandie told be she could hardly wait to wear her coat). I am so pleased.



Even though I wasn't the *offical photographer* I did get my share of shots and composed this one. (Hey, I got 59 shot... just a smidge)



My happy neighbors... I love this family so much. I really identify with the all female home that they live in... so much like my growing up.



Lastly, Diane and girls wanted to make sure that no one had to make the 1.5+ hour drive home hungry so they prepared these lovely boxed lunches. I ate the contents, but I'm saving the box!





Happy day... happy snowy-honeymoon Sandie and Matthew. I just know you're waiting anxiously for my post (snicker...)

064- Surprise!

Can I just say... this is what I love about living here? I feel like I've been transported back to being a girl growing up in Greenville, CA. The weather is so unpredictable... and I love it!

I know that this isn't a perk to many people but I love surprises.

I woke up this morning and as frequently happens, I woke up with a headache (I just can't like that!!!) I noticed through the blinds and curtains (yes, both... remember the light induced headaches?) that it was abnormally bright but it wasn't until I went into the kitchen to make my daily oatmeal (don't talk to me until I've had my oatmeal!) and opened the kitchen blinds that I realize that the blinding brightness was reflecting off 2-3" of new snow!

See what I mean... Tuesday- warm, windy and 68 degrees, Wednesday- blowing a gale, dirt everywhere, coldish, maybe 45-50 degrees, Thursday- sunny, bright, snow, 45 degrees... I wonder what surprise tomorrow will bring?