Empty Nesters

There was a period in my life where I was not well for a significant amount of time. While there's no need to rehash all of that, there is one important thing that came out of that time that was to change my life in a good way. Bruce bought me a digital camera.

He had the notion that the camera would help heal me, not so much in the physical sense, but more as a distraction and if I were distracted enough, I would get eventually become myself again. It worked. I used that little pocket Panasonic every single day, whether my body felt good or not. Over time, I thought more about taking photographs than I did about how I was feeling, and the rest is history.

While thinking of that initial camera, I remembered how much I loved it and what great photos I was able to get with it, long before people began using phones for taking photographs. It was what you called a "point and shoot" camera, and I did plenty of that. I began selling my photographs taken with  my "baby camera",  and while other photographers looked down on me for using it, I was too naive to know the difference. Apparently, it was somewhat revolutionary in the sense that it was not a DSLR, a term I had not even heard of at the time. In other words, it didn't cost a whole lot!

These days, people are lauded for the photographs they take with their phone, which is basically a "point and shoot" that does more than take pictures. Funny how times have changed.

Something that I remembered in the last few days is how it came to be that I no longer have that camera. Back then, Baxter liked to take walks, and Jonathan used to call me every day to make sure I was alright. One day, while doing both of those things, I somehow dropped it on Pershing, the next street over from ours. Not that I noticed it, of course, but when I got home, I realized it was not in my pocket. Unable to find it, you can imagine how sad I felt. Never one to invest in expensive equipment, it was not the monetary loss so much as the mental loss--my "medicine" was gone, perhaps because I was getting better. In any case, I've had other cameras since, but none as beloved as that first one.

Isn't that always the way? What comes first sets the standard for the future doesn't it? Baxter was our very first dog. After my mom died, I wanted no part of taking care of another living thing. And then along came Baxter. Nearly thirteen years later, we are finally "empty nesters". Just me and Bruce. And while I hesitated before taking this photograph of Baxter's last hour with us, I'm now glad I did because there is just so much love here that I want to remember it forever.

Whereas other photographers have no qualms about photographing people at their most vulnerable, that has never been my strong suit. This time I've made an exception because, in the future, when our hearts are not nearly as heavy, this will be part of the precious memories we have of our sweet Baxie.

Perhaps, after reading all of the above, you are wondering how the two subjects tie together and I can't blame you for that. After writing my last post I was a mess and couldn't bear to stay in the condo by myself. Aha...now you get it, right?

With my backpack carrying my camera and lens, I set off in search of, well, whatever came my way, somewhat like I did all those years ago. We finally had a weather break after days and days of wet, windy, and just plain miserable weather. I am not one to squander that kind of opportunity. Taking the bus down to Denman Street, from there I walked into Stanley Park and was rewarded nearly immediately.  About a dozen Robins were flitting about. Now for some folks seeing an American Robin is no big deal, but for a Central Floridian,  it is a treat as they only come through our area once a year.

Not far from there, I watched a Northern Flickr dig away in the soggy ground. Never have I been so close before, as the only pair I'd seen in Orlando were very high up in a tree at the cemetery.

I began walking on the seawall and couldn't help but think of what it looked like in this area only two weeks before with the huge waves that I later learned were from, what around here is called. a King Tide.

Walking along I began hearing some horn music, a term I use loosely because it was not very good. Where in the world could that be coming from? Here's where:

Continuing my walk I came to Third Beach where the shoreline was littered with shells probably due to the big wind storm on Sunday.

Standing near this seagull with a starfish in his mouth was, for lack of a better term, really something. Apparently they keep them in their mouth for a period of time before eating them, sucking out the juices. Nature at work...

It was right about then that Bruce called to check on me. As we were chatting I noticed another bird I'd never seen and told him I'd have to call him right back. By the time I'd gotten my camera out of my backpack, the two birds had flown away, however, before long, I came across them again navigating the big rocks while searching for food.

Once I was home I went in search of identification and learned that this is a Black Oystercatcher. I love seeing new birds, that's for sure! Alissa and Jon gave me a beautiful handmade journal that will be getting used to keep track of my bird sightings, lest I forget, and we all know how forgetful I am!

Because there was no reason to hurry home, I kept going, further than I'd ever been. The people in the photo below give you a notion as to the size of the cliffs.

Finally, around the bend, the Lionsgate bridge came into sight.

One of the container ships from English Bay on the way to Coal Harbor. Was it only six months ago that I'd never heard these names, let alone know what they signified?

By now you've learned that I have a bit of a bridge phobia, but for some reason, this bridge does not bother me. Seeing how huge the pilings are makes me all the less afraid.

It was not long after this that Matt and Tom called and we had a lovely Facetime chat. I was able to show them the scene below while I sat on a bench to talk.

Unbelievable that there are actually fluffy clouds in the sky, so please discount what I'd written earlier about how they never occur here. Not only did they call, but they sent flowers on Friday,

as did David and Michelle. Such a sweet surprise.

Once I sat down I realized I was getting a wee bit tired and the lunch hour had long past. Looking to cut through the park, I took this muddy path which reminded me that there is yet a lot of park to explore with my camera, hoping it will work that same healing magic.

The phone just rang and it was Urban Animal Hospital calling. The young woman said she just wanted to let me know that "we got Baxter back". I'm not sure how else she could have phrased it, however, sadly, there is no getting Baxter back. He will, however, never be forgotten.

yours truly,

Gail

Five or Six Documentaries Later...

and I'm done! Whew...that was some serious hand sewing, made so much easier because I plopped myself down in front of the television, after Googling "best documentaries on Netflix", and went to town. Beginning with The Overnighters, the film follows a Lutheran pastor who helps many of the men who went to North Dakota for work and found a housing shortage they did not anticipate. More moral questions than is immediately evident. Seriously good with a surprise ending. Life, a BBC nature program was next on my agenda, and did not disappoint.

As you know when watching Netflix, once you've watched one thing, they suggest others. I've found oftentimes this leads me in the right direction. Three episodes of Wild Alaska were fantastic, making me want to go there all the more while we are living on the West coast. Divided into seasons, and I mean actual seasons, it was tremendous. You know what? There was still more binding to sew! Bruce was on his way home from Dallas, and after spending an hour and a half chatting with Matt via Facetime from London, I figured I might ought to head out to the kitchen as I was all out of the leftovers that kept me going while he was traveling. By the time I'd watched one episode of South Pacific, another BBC production, I was finally finished.  Sewing and learning is a winning combination!

During my chat with Matt I asked him if he wanted to have a look at the pool. He declined, but I happen to know that Tom's Mum reads this blog and welcomes any super sunny photographs I include.

This one is for you Jane, in sometimes dreary England. The back door is no longer open as the temperature has risen to the high 80's, and even I was hot in the house.

A quilt is never completely finished in my book until it is washed and dried, particularly when using old fabrics, that although don't look a bit old, were musty when I was ironing it. I love a good crinkle.

One morning while I was till in the midst of the now called the "Rosemary" quilt, in honor of the woman who once owned the fabric, I rode my bike over to see "my" eagles. You know, the ones that only a few know about. Unlike the eaglets at Greenwood, this pair is not yet flying, but they are branching. Look closely and you will see Mom on the middle left branches, keeping her eye on the proceedings.

The fragrance of Magnolia blooms is filling the air...

And, look who got a haircut!!

He's looking a little old like his Mommy and Daddy. One more haircut from Tom, or as he is called, Shiny Paws, before we leave. I do so hope we won't have a hard time finding a groomer in Vancouver.

The other day when Pam came over, she gave me all sorts of gardening tips, as well as pulled some of my weeds, something she cannot resist! I now know how to deadhead the Snap Dragons, thanks to her.

They are doing a good job blooming now; can't wait to see what they do now that they have had their own proper grooming.

Speaking of Pam's gardening prowess, hers is made even more charming with this purple wall! Bonus butterfly my friends.

I'd actually been on my way to her house yesterday morning after a stop at the lake lot. For those who have not seen my darling bicycle before, here it is.

The lake was seriously low, as are most of them in town, which you will soon see. Anyway, after checking out our lake, I rode over to Pam's neighborhood, and was searching for the owls, when an old acquaintance stopped me and we began chatting during which time I realized my front tire was flat. As in all the way flat. Walking the bicycle home, I tidied myself up, and drove over to Retro City Bicycles on Ivanhoe for a new tube. Well, I did leave out the part where Bruce first checked it and eventually took the tire off. Rosemary rode along, and because I was half way there, I decided to go for it.

And what was I going for, pray tell? I'd saved the Lilly Pulitzer bag from my Christmas goodies, so, carrying Rosemary in that, I walked into the store on Park Avenue and spoke to a young woman. I have an unusual request....may I photograph this quilt in the store? Barely looking at it, she said fine. Perfect! I pulled it out of the bag, and before you know it, another older worker woman as well as two customers were oohing and aahing over it, asking me how much I would charge to make one for them? Quickly dispelling that kind of talk, I told them I was giving it away for the Jeremiah Project at our church. From their reaction, perhaps Ann can market it there when the time comes.

I did learn that some of the prints are some of the very oldest in the Lilly line, so that was interesting. Should you not know a thing about the Lilly story, click on the link above.

And now I am on to something else that I'll show you next week...

In the meantime, this morning, after learning from Candy about some Wood Duck babies on Lake Davis, while Bruce went to the gym, I went bird watching. The lake was as still as could be, with all the new green reflected like a mirror.

I only wish I didn't have that little branch in the foreground, but you take what you can get.

Not only are there Wood Duck babies, the Mallards have a brood as well. Adorable!

Walking around the lake, sometimes I walked right along the shore which normally is a bunch of feet higher. How's that for being technical? I'm not a huge squirrel lover, maybe a little more so now that they have quit hanging on my bird feeders, but this little guy looked kind of cute backlit from the rising sun.

Holy Cow....here they are...all thirteen of them...

When our rainfall is normal, all of this is covered by water. They would just run up on shore for a moment, running back out into the water the next. According to Candy they are less than a week old.

Wasn't that fun? Why, yes it was, except for one tiny thing.

Mrs. Peck should have been home, drinking her tea, eating breakfast, and doing what ever else needed doing because, rather than those things, she was out and about. And what is the problem with that, you ask? Driving home, I was at the corner of Ferncreek and Pershing, in other words, seriously close to home, when I saw an estate sale sign that triggered my brain back to reality. Two days earlier I told Pam I could not go to an estate sale because I was getting my teeth cleaned at 9. Guess what, my watch told me it was 8:49 AM!!! Good thing the dentist office is close! Calling me back to the room, I was chatting with Eileen, our hygenist, while looking out the glass doors noticing the adjacent wooded lot had been completely cleared of all life forms. Well, that can't be true, as I now know after watching all those nature documentaries, but you get the picture.

It was then that I spotted this advertisement featuring our sister CAROL!

What a shocker, and now Eileen has a good story to tell, doesn't she? By the way, you may remember Carol had the Whipple procedure last year, and while most of the time since, she's been remarkably well, there has been a bit of a set back in the past few weeks. Fortunately, she is back on the road to recovery. And no, my teeth are nothing like hers. That smile!!

I'm heading into the kitchen now as I need to prepare a cold appetizer to bring to a get together tonight with mostly folks we don't know. In other words, it is a church thing. Wish us luck!

your's truly,

Gail

Marching Orders

It seems as if there are others catching up with my fascination, as this piece points out: Obituaries are a thing now..

So, that one was good for a laugh, not so much with this one, sent to me by my friend Cheryl, recalling the funeral for our neighbor: Kids Shame Abusive Mom. I've waited a very long time to read one like that!

Yesterday's paper ran this obituary: I'll leave out the name, but underneath said name, it reads, "Mom, the Myth, the Legend." Naturally that caught my eye! The body goes on to say that she of course "was loved by many and had the heart of gold. She lived life just the way she wanted....on her own terms!" Pray tell, what does that mean? She ran traffic lights if she didn't feel like stopping?

Speaking of the deceased, it seems as if the older I get, the more I sound like my Mother. As a young person, this seemed an impossibility, but by golly it has come to pass, as in today's blog post title. If I heard that once from my Mom, I heard it a dozen times! Ask Bruce about others because they could probably fill a page!

You didn't think that Matthew would let his Mom worry about what to wear in the English weather now did you? Of course he wouldn't. After reading my previous post he, called Monday afternoon, giving me my marching orders: a quilted jacket and boots. Like a dummy I asked if quilted jackets were in style. Duh! Would he have told me to get one if they weren't? Looking online I found a multitude of choices answering that question pdq. Don't know what pdq means? Another one from my Mom--the lol of her generation, meaning pretty darn quick.

While chatting with him, Angela came over, ready to start the move. And so we did. Actually not quite that quick because I was working on the pool and couldn't stop immediately. Earlier in the day I rode down to Lake Conway, parking my bike at the Ferncreek boat ramp.

This is the same place I took my current best seller, the old VW van. Every single time someone buys it I'm happy because it seems to make them happy. I was so lucky to have come across it when I did, a few days after Christmas, because I have yet to see it again, despite regularly riding this route. The clouds, of course, are for Karen.

Loading up the Pilot after the pool work was accomplished, we drove the 2 1/2 miles to the new house, and what a house it is, filled with all manner of beautiful woodwork and doors. Oh my, those doors are nice; pocket doors, swinging doors, a dutch door, which for those who haven't heard that term, is a door cut through the middle so the top half can open and the bottom stay closed. We worked until nearly 7:30, finally stopping for a sandwich at the old house. Matt, Angela's husband, is unhappy about moving, not wanting to leave the neighborhood. It goes without saying I don't want them to leave either, after all, it is Baxter's vacation home!

Isn't he just the cutest? Unfortunately, Tanya, our groomer, did not cut his hair quite short enough around his eyes, which will too soon be practically covered! Then again, maybe it's because he is getting older, and you know how men get those crazy eyebrows!

Tuesday morning, beginning at 8:30 we started in again loading both the Pilot, and her Lexus, making multiple trips between the houses. I don't know what else to tell you about it except that we worked all day long until 5:30, when I said it was time for me to get back home. I know one thing I can say: it is a big house, four bedrooms and four baths, an upstairs and downstairs, and so many other rooms I practically kept losing my way. I finally hung a piece of art on the wall to mark the stairwell which I kept passing. That may sound crazy, but it is a bit of a spiral, with the opening upstairs looking almost like a room entrance!

I gave her that much time on Tuesday because Wednesday the palm trimmers were coming at 8:30 in the morning. Arriving promptly, they cleaned out the smaller palms,

removing all the seed pods we simply cannot get to. These all look much improved and more importantly, which by the way, I'm mostly seeing people say more important, which I know is off topic, but I wonder why that is. Anyway, the seed pods are all removed, along with the dead fronds.

The squirrels are not going to be one bit happy, however, I sure am; the seeds kept dropping in the pool, clogging up the cleaner. Ignore the next photo, it's for me to remember their name the next time I need them!

While they were working away, a lady I'd met at Winter Garden came to the house to pick out some images to use for canvases at her new office in Longwood. Apparently she lives out that way because when she came into the house she remarked that she always forgets how cute the neighborhoods are near downtown. :)

After everyone left I went to Nordstrom, which I know does not surprise you in the least. Although I don't have the jacket in hand just yet, they ordered one for me, as well as the boots which were not in stock in my size. Before Bruce left for his department meeting in the morning, I told him about the jacket, and he told me that cords were back in style. So, now I have two new pairs of cords as well. Actually I'm glad they are in style because I find them very comfortable indeed. Leaving the store the sky was pretty gloomy,

which would have been fine if not for the photo shoot scheduled for 5:30. Canceling it due to the rain, I did decide to meet the young woman at her house which is only blocks away. I brought along my hat to use as a prop. Actually it is for a senior picture, the latest trend amongst teenagers. Thinking it might be a good idea to do a few test shots on her covered front porch, she was game.

Oh to have skin like that! We're going to try again for Friday evening, hoping the weather will cooperate.

I bought the hat at Nordstrom Rack a while back, and I'm pretty much obsessed with hats at the moment. People look at me funny, but I don't mind. I also bought a straw fedora with a black ribbon. Previously I never looked at hats, but yesterday afternoon found me in the hat department trying on a bunch of cute ones. Perhaps it is the Downton Abbey influence? Which, by the way, we finished season three on Monday night, and are anxiously awaiting the next season. Don't be jealous DA fans, but it starts in the UK while we are there!

While helping Angela move the smaller things, one thing became so clear to me-- once we removed the wall art, the house, despite having all the big furnishings still in place, was pretty much a shell. It's hard to put into words, but if ever I saw the power of art, this was the time. In turn, this makes me happy that for some people, my photographs are affordable enough that they can bring some into their houses, helping to make it a home. :)

Marching orders for today: photograph something beautiful!

Links and More Links

Another post so soon Gail? Why yes another post indeed. Did you really think I would run out of things to say?

Links today my friends. Plenty of links because there are so many interesting and wonderful things going on every daily!

Sadly, I was at the market during the Jubilee event on Sunday, and I missed the concert because I'm a dummy when it comes to television and really did not know where to look. I did, however, check out photographs online and seeing this photograph of Kylie Minogue dressed as a Pearly Queen brought to mind the real thing. Remember when we saw the Pearly Kings on Columbia Road last summer?

Quintessentially British, the Pearly Kings and Queens are a charitable organization with roots dating back to the early 1900's. Had I not seen them with my own eyes I would have never got the reference. Now you know as well.

The New York Times did this little story on Bangs! I swear the writer must have read my blog from last year when I wrote that Monica called bangs the new Botox. Try as I might, I've never gone without bangs, in or out of style, because my hair is just so darn thick it is hard to style it any other way. For the moment, apparently I'm at the height of fashion, particularly with my penchant for having her cut the bangs much shorter than she would like.

And then there is this: A Room for London. Our man in London along with his adorable boyfriend are staying there as I type!! The provided link has a six minute video which is quite touching in a way. I particularly liked when one of the boat builders talks about his craft and respecting the materials. As is always the case, when Matthew does interesting things, I'm anxiously awaiting the photographs. Did you know he taught me quite a bit of what I know about photography? I didn't think you did, but I suspect you are not surprised.

Now here's a crazy picture for you:

What pray tell was I thinking? I WAS NOT THINKING--I was outside photographing the raindrops on the nandina berries:

Rain began to fall which saved me from an indoor flood! Came inside just in the nick of time.

Here is a before picture of Baxter taken while the sink was filling:

Some kind of shaggy right? The groomer was running late so she was here when I returned from playing bridge. I prepared my tuna sandwich and then thought, I'm going to see if the squirrels are staying off the townhouse bird feeder now that I've slathered the top with Vaseline. Opening the door, I saw one hanging upside down. Usually I kinda make a loud growl to make them jump off, but this time there would be no jumping. For once, I'm sparing you photographic evidence of what I thought was a dead squirrel; only injured as it turns out. When Vicky finished grooming Baxter she came inside and I told her about it. She's a very young woman with a very soft heart. Immediately she is saying things like "you must take said squirrel to the vet," and I know someone who does squirrel rescue, let me get my pet crate from the truck." I, on the other hand, was not very sympathetic, insisting we let nature take it's course. Insisting, she lifted the feeder and lo and behold the squirrel with nine lives scrambled off and up into the giant oak! He won't try that again, or so I hope.

Now look at our little doggie:

He always looks about five pounds lighter after grooming don't you think? After his annual veteranarian visit for shot tomorrow, he'll be get to go!

Riding my bike this morning I kept smelling something so fragrant in the air. Looking around I assumed it was from magnolia trees which are in high blossom right now.

In reality there were no magnolia trees around, so I still have no idea where the unexpected treat came from. Not only was the air fragrant but there were booms of thunder, rumblings from the sky, signaling imminent rain, which began falling not five minutes after my return. After months and months of sunny skies, three days of gloom are a bit hard to take. Enough already! I have no problem with daily rain, but please God, can we have it interspersed with some blue skies?

Better Late Then Never

I imagine you were expecting me to write this installment of Camera Crazy much earlier today and typically that is my pattern. Not so today as you've already discovered if you came looking for me earlier. Instead of writing, I spent almost the entire day reading a novel that I just could not put down. It was that good, or at least to my way of thinking. And really, why should I put it down? I'm all alone, unless you count Baxter, so instead of feeling sorry about that I went to New York in the middle to late 1800's. My friend Carol recommended, City of Promise by Beverly Swerling, a novelist I've had the misfortune not to have discovered until now. Talk about intrigue, ambition, greed, corruption, romance--it's all there in the early days of New York City. Read this novel!!! Or rather, devour it!

I convinced Bruce to stay home Friday night and so we did. Saturday, while he was visiting his Lakeland job I was vacuuming so as not to disturb his conference calls during the week. Until 3:00, the rest is a blur. After 3:00, I know just what we were doing. Last year on June 2, our friend Connie's 31 year old daughter was buried after committing suicide. Horrible, I know. The headstone was finally ready and friends and family gathered to commemorate the occasion. What a terrible choice of words, but other ones fail me at the moment, probably because the thought of it all is so darn disturbing. Connie asked if I might take some photographs which may sound weird. but I'm glad I was able to help in some way. Because I had my Olympus with the Pancake lens in my purse it was fairly unobtrusive.

That's Connie on the right and her former husband. Tragic.  Nonetheless, the family seemed to be holding up fairly well and we were glad to lend our moral support.

Now I remember what I did on Saturday morning--pick up some prints from Mr. Roger, however, the added prints proved to be unnecessary because the market was oh, so slow. Yes, it was hot, but not that hot and despite the 95 degree temperature, the humidity was so low it didn't feel THAT bad. Meanwhile, in London, Matt was braving the rain and cold to see the flotilla commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He got some really great shots that show the crowds lining every available surface despite the dreary weather.

Thinking about London, I came across this article about the mixed feelings the Brits have about Anish Kapor's Orbital. The article includes a very cool time lapsed photography segment on how it was assembled. You'll remember we visited the Olympic Park viewing area last summer when it was this size:

I'm sure I've said it before, however, it bears repeating--I CANNOT WAIT for the Olympics. I love the pageantry, the sports, and the stories, which are pretty much the main attraction. Although those venues looked pretty darn cool as well.

The other day Bruce was saying Baxter was getting on in years and of course I responded, no he's not. "Ask Siri" he said. So, I did and for once she was helpful, or as helpful as a robot can be. Anyway, turns out our little Baxter is 9 years old which may not sound too old but according to you know who, the life expectancy of a Yorkshire Terrier is between 12-15 years. Hmm.... Here he is as a little pup in my Mom's arms.

The occasion was her final birthday party. Seeing this photo for the first time in a long time, it's hard to believe she was dying of ovarian cancer. That crazy dark hair of hers,  which if things don't change any time soon, will be on my head at that age! Poor Lisa, I can't remember what was wrong with her hand.  And then there is this funny video Jonathan once took of Baxter as a youngster.  He used to love to walk on the curb, but no longer, he's such a lollygagger.

Because I've been riding my bike every morning instead of walking him, I decided to take him to the park today and oh my, the rose garden looked spectacular.

Every single plant just covered with gorgeous blooms as were the trellises.

Because the days are heating up so, I've been leaving the house around 7 and as it turns out, five miles takes me no time at all. I probably could do more, but Bruce cautioned me to take it a little easy, lest I lose any weight. I'll see how it goes. This morning on my ride a neighbor had these on their mailbox following a graduation party last evening.

I have no idea when Boone High School added blue to the mix, but there you go. They have. Not only Bruce, but all four of our sons graduated BHS. Maybe there were big graduation parties back then, but for some reason, I don't think so. Everything, it seems, is a very big deal these days.

Which makes this new graffiti I've found now around town in several places very curious indeed.

Maybe there is more to it than meets the eye, but really, how in the world can anyone be bored in this day and age, what with a million television channels, places to go, people to see?

Oh my gosh, that reminds me! Jonathan and Alissa went to some event in Austin this weekend where many of the young cast of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS were featured. There is photographic evidence of them meeting them! Vince, Landry, Becky, Grandma Saracen and more!!! Honestly, those children of mine are always doing the most remarkable things. It is such a pleasure living vicariously through your children, particularly when you are not putting pressure on them to do things, such as sports. We are some lucky, lucky, parents for sure.

I finally washed my hair tonight after swimming today so it must be attended to if I have any hope of taming it into the bob. Good night my dears and stay tuned tomorrow for a look at my Mother's Day gift which arrived in the post from London this afternoon. You're going to love it!