Happy Easter, Happy Spring~

A field of Bradford Pear trees as the sun came up~

~ Happy Easter to those of you who Believe ~

"Easter, also called Pasch, or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday celebrating the

 resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having

occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.

 It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of 

fasting, prayer, and penance"

Remember to double click on the first image, to view a larger slideshow presentation after                                                                you have read the narratives~

I will be linking up with Judith for:

www.lavendercottagegardening.com

Mosaic Monday

&

Stewart for:

   http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/

Wild Bird Wednesday

Bradford Pear trees, so beautiful during the Spring blossom time, but now I understand that they have become invasive and that is not a good thing~

    I visited Henry's Ark a wildlife preserve and photographed the Peacocks and Peahen this                                                                                  past week~

My Siberian Squill is always one of the first flowers to show under the trees and close to the ground~

Early nesting and rearing of young ones duty for the little Chickadee pair in my neighbor's backyard~

Weeping Cherry Trees at Cave Hill Cemetery~

Eveas, the Praying Mantis

Our Winter visitor was with us 3 months as of yesterday, March 24.  He has begun to fade and I cannot imagine he will survive much longer.  I have really grown to enjoy him and the way he follows me with his eyes and he also knows my voice.  My husband thought that I should maybe order one as a pet, but their life span being so short, and my getting attached, I would rather not.  If one comes to Tingsgrove again some cold Winter's day, I would welcome it, as it has been a fascinating journey nonetheless~

*** Update...I find it almost symbolic somehow, that our Christmas Eve visitor has perished this day on Easter Eve~

One of my dear blogging friends Sallie (FullTime-Life) said in the comments below..

The update on Eveas reminded me of a favorite quote that you probably know already: "The Butterfly counts not months but moments and has time enough." 
 Rabindranath Tagore

 

I like that!

The Eastern Meadowlarks have returned~

Starview...Who Knew, and Mother's Day Greetings~

It is absolutely glorious everywhere you look these days.  The white Dogwoods are some of my favorites.  

Below are images that I cherish of my mother and one with the two of us.  She has been gone for 22 years and I still miss her and love her forever.

~Happy Mother's Days to all mothers~

Remember to double click on the first image, to view a larger slide show presentation after you have read the narratives~

I will be linking up with Judith for:

www.lavendercottagegardening.com

Mosaic Monday

&

Stewart for:

   http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/

Wild Bird Wednesday

We lost so much this past Winter in our front yard, especially.  In the 34 years of living here, I do not ever remember this kind of thing happening.  It took a toll on trees, and even coniferous bushes.  I have worked myself into the ground all week, lopping off dead branches, digging up roots and planting new growth, where the old ones passed.   While at the nursery, I selected not only new trees and bushes, but some hanging baskets. 

Wildflowers along the country lane~

Last week was our Kentucky Derby, which is my only sports activity, other than when the grands play games.  The twins had a little Derby at their school and each made their own race horse.  I happened to arrive one afternoon, when my grandson Kerrick and classmates were practicing~

My three daughters, Hillary, Brittany and Ashleigh.  

They are such a huge blessing in my life~

We live in the heart of horse country~

My pupcubs look like they are in jail, but honestly they are not ;)  We had our first snake and I had to coral them while I got rid of it.  It got away...which means it will show up again and be much larger~

I was driving down the lane the other day and spotted a cat with a collar and bell on.  I am thinking it may not catch much, but then again~

My friend Sandy invited me to go to Starview Greenhouse and Nursery last week.  That was kind of interesting in that another friend mentioned it too.  We have lived in this county since 1978, and I had never even heard of it, even though it has been here for over 50 years.  It is not even 10 miles from home...goodness was I in for a treat.  They have a huge greenhouse for perennials, one for annuals, one for sun loving plants and another for shade.  Then there is the outside for standing trees and shrubs, not to mention several rooms of gift shops.  Well I was delighted and have gone back twice~ 

Very well camouflaged Red-tailed Hawk~

The Forget-Me-Nots were gifted to me as seeds some 12 years ago and now they have become naturalized on the land here~

Happy, happy when Swallows return and the Tree Swallows are always such a treat~

More from the greenhouses~

A beautiful Eastern Meadowlark~

Yellow-rumped Warbler~

I got a bunch of the Caladiums, so gorgeous~