I wasn't truthful...

here they are!

the start of the window boxes...

clematis...

last night's party - a few of the ladies there

the 'old lady' and her farmer husband

I have a reputation (especially with my mean older brother) of talking too much. And I think of nothings that would be fun to put down. The highest motivating factor is that I should be cleaning for b.s. here tonight. And I did some. But I'd rather let my fingers type a bit.

The babies are here. The five little ones on the front door. Dad and mom house finch are diligently meeting their every need. There's something comforting about watching nature tend to their young. They just seem to know what to do. So far the 'mess' is staying within the confines of their little nest. I'm guessing next week might be not so tidy. They'll get their feathers ruffled a bit tonight when people walk in through that door. They'll just have to hunker down a bit.

We also have a nest in the gutter. Those babies have been born as big-ugly-black dad and mom bird are taking worms down to them.

I sure love working out in the garden. So much that I realized I hadn't watered the houseplants in too long. I'd rather be outside now. Especially when there's a house to clean. My vegetable garden is planted. Now we hope for a gentle rain so I'm not hauling hoses all the time.

New rule here. If I have to repeat myself 3 times to get a darling child moving to take care of a responsibility and they fail... well... 1/2 hour of work to do at my beck and call. Two unnamed children had to do some labor last night. I think this might be effective! Some of my other options were not working.

We celebrated a 40th birthday last night! She doesn't look a day over 39 does she?

My dad is fishing these days. It is ominously quiet in my e-mail inbox. I miss hearing little things that come to his mind. And since he's gone, mom is coming to visit tomorrow! Happy day.

This state lost a true pillar yesterday. It brings a feeling of thankfulness for a faithful life. But it also behooves those of us younger to do what we should be so that there's still strength on the outer walls. I don't know what it is to be a pillar. But if I can even hold up a weary hand, at least that's something.