Sunday, March 22, 2015

Springtime at The Pond: Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Image result for washington dc cherry blossom 2015
~There is still beauty in our world~

21 comments:

  1. Flowers in the spring are wonderful. Washington DC has a spectacular display of Cherry Blossom trees. And, here in Washington State, we are set to start our tulip festival in Mt. Vernon, north of Seattle. They grow fields and fields of tulips. Then in La Conner, WA, they grow daffodils. Bus loads of tourists will visit the flower fields during the month of April. In downtown Seattle, we can buy lovely bouquets of fresh flowers at Pike Place Market.

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  2. This year is going too fast. They already ran the famous Iditarod dog-sled race in Alaska. They had to move the start from Anchorage to Fairbanks this year because of low snow. The 100-mile race was won by the two Mackey brothers. I would love to be in Nome when the mushers come in at the finish.

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  3. What a gorgeous picture this is! It really makes me think of springtime. The sun came out yesterday and melted all the snow we got the day before. It's still cold, though.

    Bambu is still with us. He's still eating. I just don't know if it's enough. He sleeps between us and purrs like a demon, so he's still getting some pleasure out of life, I think. We'll see what this week brings.

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  4. Deer Eva, We Ponders love our Bambu. He's had a lot of pleasure in life with you and Joe loving on him.

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  5. Hello deer friends,

    Eva, I'm so sorry that Bambu is ill. Our pets are such a precious part of our lives! As I write this both Chance the cat and Kaiser, the neurotic mini schnauzer are close by. Hubby's working the late shift, and they are great company.

    I wrote a long comment last Sunday, and just didn't have the energy to post it. Now it is out of date! Eva, it did include a late "happy birthday!" and now it is even later. Sorry about that. I was happy to hear that you got the home you wanted!

    Surfie, I wanted to mention again, that our sons have the same birthday! However, mine is getting old as he is now 37! He really isn't old, but I sure feel that way! It's so nice to hear how much you LOVE your job! I wish I felt that way about mine, but I'm glad things are going so well for you.

    Wog and Froggy, I hope you two deers are doing well. Wog, you nailed it with your comment about Obama and Kerry! I just love Netanyahu and wish we had a president of his caliber!

    I've been busy the last few weeks trying to help my hubby's parents as they are really struggling to get by, even though they think they're doing fine. Sigh. They can no longer drive; in fact, FIL, can hardly walk and MIL has dementia. It's a long process, but our plan is to get someone to come in on week days and cook and clean for them. We just have to get all our ducks in a row, and present the idea as gently as possible.

    Phooey, did I read that you're all settled now, or was I imagining it?

    Haven't heard from EC in quite a while.

    Where is Gloria? It's not like her to be gone this long.

    Tomorrow is work, so I will say goodnight.

    May God bless all you deers!

    Love from Paget

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  6. Paget, your inlaws remind me of what's happening with Joe's parents too. We're lucky that his sister & brother in law live in the same house. They still get someone in 5 days a week to help my MIL wash and dress. The latest thing is that my MIL wakes up at night convinced she needs to go to the train station and go home. My FIL, annoyed that she wakes him up, just yells at her. That doesn't help. She tries to get out of bed and usually falls. Then everyone gets up and tries to get her back in bed. Once it took 4 hours because she refused to cooperate.

    Lord, but getting old isn't easy! The two of them are amazing because they're still here at age 95 and still together and living in their own home (although they don't always remember that). They are very resistant to help from others even if it's family. They, like your inlaws, also think they're just doing fine. Sigh. Hang in there.

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  7. Just a quick post to let Ponders know that we are still here. Froggy is laying down and watching something on TV. Divorce Court, I think. I am on my way out to get taxes done for free at Seattle Library.

    Hi Paget and Eva. Yes, there are a few Ponders we need to hear from. Is everyone okay?

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  8. I got taxes done. Took me three hours by the time I took bus back and forth, waited my turn etc. Then I got caught in downpour on way home. But, alas, by the time I arrived home, the sun popped out. I ready for afternoon nap. Can't complain about taxes. It was done for free, and I get a $30 refund. That will pay for next months bus pass.

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  9. Deer Froggies won't read this until after it's over, but the tornado sirens just went off. Tornados are popping up all over the city. It is absolutely crazy. I'll be OK because I have a safe room. My brother and sister have shelters, too. The weird thing is that the tornados are forming right on top of dense urban areas. They usually start on the outskirts of town. It's crazy!

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  10. Surfie, Froggy just saw on TV that there was a tornado in Tulsa, OK. I ran into the living room fast to see the pictures. Lots of lightening. Very scary! Surfie, let us know that you are okay.

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  11. Surfie, you got your post up ahead of me. Glad to hear that you are okay with the safe room. I remember hearing sirens in Denver. Really scary. Froggy and I and assortment of animals used to go sit in the basement for a while...with flashlights and water. The one time that a tornado came right through Denver, Froggy and I had driven to Colorado Springs to visit friends, and saw the tornado on TV. When we came home, there was some damage to places we knew. A roof shredded on restaurant, corners missing from houses, trees -big trees- uprooted. And hail damage too.

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  12. EC is still here, I read but it has been difficult to get on line, have had PC problems since Feb and with the DH getting injured on the eve of Thanksgiving in Lynchburg, Va, trying to get him home and all our stuff from the rig, then his surgery Christmas Eve ( no holidays here, got a tree up but the decorations never made it out of the boxes) and finally starting PT 3 times a week, which today was supposed to be his last, but the Dr said he needs more, don't know if he will be able to get back to work. Don't want to sound bitchie but it has been a crappy 4 months with no end in site, so didn't think I should spout off. Where is Phooey, I thought he was all moved and settled? My sister took care of my parents in their 'decline' because my brother and I are here in Florida, we were never forgiven for not being in Pa so our name is mud and I won't post the outcome of that mess.
    We spent a lot of time in OKC & Muskogee, Tulsa when hauling for Georgia pacific, love that state and so sorry to hear about the evil weather - Stay safe Surfie and family. Wog don't even mention taxes, yikes, my paper work is all over the dining room table, it is covered with medical this, that and every summary and bill ever, puke, at least we aren't on zerocare (yet). Between VA, Liberty, Helmslem, United health and our Dr it is absolute nuts. Surfie, I don't know how you stand taking care of the HR at your office, I think I would bean someone.
    OK guys, you wanted to know where I have been, to hell and just getting back, EC

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    1. EC...Oh My Goodness! Sorry you've had so many bad days. It wears on you after while. Guess you already know that. Well, you can always come here to vent. About the taxes...I get a big envelope, like 9 x 13 or something. I write on it with big, black marker. Taxes 2015. Then I list all the things I'm waiting for, like social security, job, stocks. Then when they come in the mail, I just stick 'em in the envelope and put a check on the list I made. It keeps everything together without getting too fancy.

      I'm going to check the news before I go to bed, and see how bad it is in OKC. I know the tornados were in Tulsa.

      Yes, Phooey and Miss Page got moved. Phooey said that he comes by Pond to read but is having trouble writing. So when he comes by again...WE LOVE YA PHOOEY...

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  13. Surfie, stay safe!! EC, I'm thinking about you!! Phooey, love you!!

    'Wog & Froggy, I really appreciate your being there through rain and shine :)

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  14. Hi Eva, Hi Ponders...Hi Deer Phoobers, if you drop by. Eva, thank you for the compliment. Froggy made The Pond as a place where friends could meet, and where friends would always be friendly to each other. Haven't heard from Surfie yet. But Oklahoma got a real beating from those tornados. Hope she is okay, and hope all her friends and family survived.

    I have a cute, I mean, really cute picture to post this weekend for next week. You'll love it.

    I, the Great ' WOG, seem to need a nap every day when I come home. Guess age catches up to ya sooner of later. I don't have grey hair yet, but I've been eating too much. I wanted to be thinner for summer. Or not.

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  15. The Great and Wonderful Wog, you and Froggie have succeeded in making this a place where friends can meet and feel at home. Thank you!

    EC, you and your hubs are in my prayers every day. I know you will hang in there and carry on, just like all of our deer family members keep on keeping on. Isn't it comforting to know that our family keeps each other in prayers every single day? And that we can talk about both our triumphs and tribulations in this special place? Love it!

    The storms yesterday took all the weather experts by surprise. It was pretty scary. My family, friends, and I are all safe & sound. We're at the end of March. Tornado season around here is just getting started. April and May are the big-time months for violent thunderstorms. Holding onto my hat and keeping tornado safety stuff handy! Never a dull moment around here.

    Meanwhile, my job is exploding (in a good way), I'm going to a baby shower for my sister's 1st grandbaby on Saturday. I'm obsessing over what to wear and have ZERO time to shop for something new. Plus, I HATE shopping for clothes. Buying the gift was easy. Getting myself together with clothes gives me a headache.

    Love you Deers!

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    1. WHEW! Great to hear from you Surfie. When the tornado sirens go off...just too much excitement for the Froggy and 'WOG. We do get earthquakes in Seattle though not any since we moved here. Again it's always good to be prepared...extra food in cans, water, flashlight, radio, cell phone, whistle, blanket.

      I'll let Froggy know that you are okay. She was asking about you.

      Hi Phooey. Take it easy. We are hear anytime you can come by. Froggy sends smoochies.

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    2. Good morning, Deers! How is everyone? Froggie, Wog, Gloria, Paget, Sir Phooey, Eva, EC (who am I forgetting?). Hope everyone is doing well and gives all a hello!

      Weather is beautiful today. Sunny, no wind, about 70 degrees. I'm getting my errands done then going to the baby shower. So happy for my sister that she will soon be a grandmother for the first time! My sister is over-the-moon happy. Sometimes, life is good.

      I need to talk about my job. Just ignore me if it bores you! My little family-owned business manufactures and repairs hydraulic cylinders, pumps, motors, valves. If you think about it, everything you use in life had a hydraulic something in the manufacture process. Cars, buses, trash trucks, manhole covers, billboards, light bulbs, paper towels, food packaging & delivery, lipstick. Seriously, everything.

      Our company has made the cut for top-tier consideration of a huge, international company to make us their go-to hydraulic manufacture/repair company in this region of the United States. If we are awarded this contract, our company will grow about 40% immediately. They are coming for a physical inspection of our facilities on April 8.

      Even with the oil & gas downturn, our company is still going gangbusters because our customer base is not tied to oil & gas. We are so busy right now ... I am trying to wrap my head around how to deal with my sector of the company if we get this contract. Nice problem to have!

      The things we are doing to prepare, the personalities, are fodder for writing about it. Seriously. I work in a reality TV show and love it. Well, love it most days!

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    3. Surfie, you are so lucky. Amazing to be part of a company that is growing so quickly. You will definitely not have time to write your book now. But someday...
      Froggy is sleeping in, so I am going to take a quick nap on sofa while it is still quiet. Don't know what kind of day we have in Seattle yet. I'll check back at The Pond this afternoon.

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  16. Incredible, Surfie! Who would have thunk it just a few years ago when you first moved back. What an amazing journey!!

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  17. Loved all the posts this week. Such amazing journeys for everyone. I have spent the last hour with my headphones on listening to favorite music on You Tube while I snap up a cute pic for our Pond Family for tomorrow...or tonight if you drop by late.

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