strange weather, beautiful blooms, critters, and coyotes

Is it just me or have you noticed that the weather around the world has been a bit erratic?  I know that hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami, earthquakes, lava flows, floods, etc. happen... and have happened throughout history,  but do they seem to be happening a lot more?

I do believe in Climate Change... and I expect this is all a part of that, but with the earth warming and the seas rising, I worry (no, not worry exactly... but am concerned) that things may be happening faster than people seem to realize or care to admit. 

We went from almost 80 degrees to in the low 20's recently... and although probably not that unusual - seems like a small warning sign saying the weather is 'in flux' (not sure that's the right word, but it fits my feeling).

Anyway, on to happier things...

Amaryllis with 4 blooms on each stalk

Thought you might like to see our amaryllis in total bloom. It has 4 large flowers on each stalk. Really pretty! And so far, the cats haven't even noticed it. Of course it's not usually in the center of our kitchen... but the light was better here for the pic.

The weather here has been cold, damp, and downright nasty. Perfect for sitting by the fireplace with a good book.  Since I use that area for my pottery too... it's a great time to underglaze my little critters.  

seal 

puffin

These are on the shelf ready for the first firing...

Oh.. and a heads up! DH and I just chased a very large coyote out of our backyard! He was after one of the feral cats. Don't think he caught him... at least we hope not. DH went out with one of those 'screaming canisters' and I ran out banging pots together. He ran. Must have jumped the 6 foot fence...

We've had a few coyotes around the neighborhood. They usually run when you make noise. I've never worried too much about them, but some areas (Frisco, TX) have had people attacked lately... really odd that they would do that. 

As always - Have a wonderful week and thanks for reading! I plan to go make a bacon cheeseburger meatloaf for supper tonight... something I saw on one of the cooking shows and thought the boys would like. Will let you know how it turns out. 

the possiblity of dreams... and other things

My son recently texted me about how he believes that dreams are sometimes prophetic - or if not prophetic... at least a form of guidance. I tend to agree. Now not all dreams have this tendency. Some are simple re-enactments of what's going on in your life, whether it's real life drama, worries, TV shows, etc.   And some of these are jumbled up nonsense. But.... I have had dreams that helped me solve a problem or make sense out of something that never did before. 

And I think that when I dream of family that has passed, it's a form of visitation. Whether or not this is because my mind wishes it to be so is of no importance - I enjoy the visit - whatever the reason.

I'm re-reading a book I read a long time ago called "Minding the Body, Mending the Mind" by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. (Personally I think it should have been called, "Minding the Mind, Mending the Body".  But it talks about something called Psycho-neuroimmunology or PNI.  I don't intend to explain what this is... but I take it to be the study of how the mind affects the body - in this case the immune system. It seems to confirm the belief that 'attitude' is extremely important in how our body functions. In many ways we already know this, but this research into the subject tries to explain why this is so. 

Many will just call this "psycho-babble" - but I find it fascinating and it confirms things I believe, but cannot explain.  Crazy? Maybe - but happy crazy. 

I have always believed that my mind knows exactly what my body should do... and it knows how to mend itself... if everything is working correctly and we have the courage to trust this knowledge.  That's one of the reasons I always give my body time to recoup on it's own when sick... and not involve a doctor unless certain criteria are met (fever over 103 F, 2 weeks with no improvement, etc.) This has always worked for me for the most part. But I do realize it may not work for everyone nor may not work for me as my body ages and things no longer work as well as they used to.

But it's an interesting read.

Also just finished my new little clay critters. If you can't tell what they are, there's a seal, a chicken, and a little puffin lying on his back with his feet in the air.  They are in the process of drying... and will be under-glazed later this week. As you can see, the chicken and puffin are already almost dried, but the seal is still wet clay. The grey clay (cinco blanco) will whiten upon drying. 

clay critters

Streetlight Update!  Yesterday a crew came out and worked on our streetlight most of the day. I have to say it looked like some sort of electrical problem as they dug a fairly good sized hole in the area. So I feel a little better about them taking so long to replace a light bulb - as apparently that wasn't the prob. Just wish someone would have told us up front in the beginning. But hey! we're not in the dark anymore!


Oh, and I have to say that sometimes this digital world we live in  (online messages to the city and also to doctors and their billing services in particular) is more efficient than the old way (calling by phone and/or trying to reach them by mail). It's been DH and my experience lately that we get answers back faster by sending a text message than any other method of communication. Have any of you noticed this?  We've been a bit slow to connect up digitally with our doctors, etc. But once done, we can go online and send questions, messages, etc. - and believe it or not sometimes get an answer the same day. 

Thanks for reading! And know that I appreciate your comments!

and the beat goes on...

Jack with Mardi Gras beads

Listened and watched the news about Mardi Gras in New Orleans last night. Apparently it was cold, but sunny  - so turned out fairly nice for the merry-makers.  My cousin said she'd gone to the parades earlier in the week, but stayed home Mardi Gras Day... too cold.

We never missed Mardi Gras when I was growing up. Mom and Dad took us to the parades and although we avoided the downtown area (a bit too crowded for kids - with people drinking and acting wild), we did shout the "throw me something, mister!" at the costumed people on the floats and were rewarded with tons of beads and junk!  These were usually *day parades*. As far as I can remember we only attended one night parade and the crazy people tossing fiery torches high into the air as they marched discouraged my mom from ever taking us again.

When we were in college, we attended in groups... usually roping ourselves together in the crowded downtown area.  It was fun... no incidents that I recall.  Lots of great music, food, and drink!  And some really crazy costumes! By that time, Mom and Dad had joined a Mardi Gras Club and were on their own float... dressed up and throwing Mardi Gras beads to the masses.

And today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  So it goes...

Nothing else today to report.  Still playing around with my little clay critters. Here's a few more pics:

orange kitty - under-glazed but not fired

sleepy kitty (a work in progress...)

Have a wonderful rest of the week!