Monthly Archives: May 2016

Happy Memorial Day from the Dogs!

May 31, 2016

Dogs are always a part of our holiday gatherings. We have fun times and lots of laughs because of it. As you can see, Phoebe wears a cap well.

But mostly we have dogs at our family gatherings because, well, they are part of our family. All of these photos are taken at my brother’s home. And not one of them is his dog. Here Baxter solicits a belly rub.

His dog Dakota passed on a few months ago and we miss him still.

Even wet dogs are welcome with us. Coco provided lots of extra fun and amusement.

Happy Memorial Day!

Until We Meet Again

May 26, 2016Thoughts On LifeFamily, Friendship, Lifecindyhazelett

Today was the end of an era for me. My best friend from college was laid to rest. This forces the issue of mortality in my mind. Becky and I were friends for 35 years. On one hand 35 years is quite a while. On the other hand I did not have her in my life for nearly long enough. In another 35 years I will be close to 90 years old. I guess it just points out that we need to make the most of our times together.

And Becky and I did have some most awesome times! The picture above is from our trip to Maine, most of which was spent in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We hiked, we ate ice cream and lobster, we shopped, camped, went to the beach, and hiked some more. We discovered on this trip that I can make a 180 degree turn in a full size pickup when I see an ice cream stand! Totally worth it. Becky laughed about that for years.

This picture is from our hike to the summit of Gorham Mountain. We were quite proud. Although this trip is one of the highlights of our adventures, there were so many more.

Our group of college friends had annual Christmas parties, even as families grew. Becky spent many, many weekends with me when we were both single. Through all the years and life changes we always kept in contact. At some points more often than others. It was always as if no time had passed when we got together again.

I’m sure that will be the case when some day in the distant future we are hanging out together again. Becky will live on as a part of me. Just like a quote I saw somewhere. Death ends a life, not a relationship. Until we meet again my friend.

Spring Comes

May 19, 2016GardensFlowers, Gardens, Springcindyhazelett

Gorgeous coral colored azalea! This bush grows beside our house which was built in 1830. The bush itself is quite old judging from the size at the base of the trunk. I have never seen another azalea that is quite this color. We can’t wait for it to bloom when spring comes.

A profusion of bleeding hearts, or Dicentra, grow at our side door. The foliage is ferny and the flowers do indeed look like hearts. They are a pretty little plant.

And these were Mother’s Day gifts. The petunia from my daughter is a beautiful color. And the begonia is from her boyfriend. How special is that?! Pretty great. I look forward to moving them outside when it warms up. The weather is slow to warm up this year. These two plants will definitely brighten things up, physically, and in my mind’s eye whenever I think of the givers.

Scents of Spring

May 16, 2016GardensFlowers, Gifts, Springcindyhazelett

The scents of Spring wake up the senses. Lilacs waft through the air and remind me of childhood days. We had one growing outside our kitchen window and the fragrance can still transport me back in time. It also makes me think of my Mother’s lilac perfume.

The viburnum has a scent so glorious that it is the sole reason I planted it. One day I was at the library and noticed a most pleasing smell. I looked around the base of the bushes until I found an identifying tag. Viburnum. I obtained my own bush soon after.

Lily-of-the-valley grow beside our door. I am blessed with its scent each time I go in or out of the house.

These are some of the plants that I would grow for scent alone. Their fragrance can calm my mind and make me focus, blocking out all else. These are gifts of nature.

Duncan-A Good Dog

May 11, 2016Uncategorizedcindyhazelett

And today, three years later, the words still hold true. I guess it’s true, a good dog really never does die.

Sanctuary Acres

Duncan has been gone from me for two years today. It is the second anniversary of his passing. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. He was my reliable companion and I could take him anywhere.

This was not always the case. In his earlier years I used to refer to him as the sheltie from hell. But he grew into his epitaph-A Good Dog. As a young dog he never stopped. He was in constant motion. He wore me down to the point that by late evening I had to crate him or leash him to the coffee table leg so I knew where he was. Otherwise he was chewing, taking things or finding some other way to get into trouble. And he just wore me out by that time of day. I tried to put him in the attached garage for a short time so…

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More Flowers!

May 9, 2016Country Life, GardensBlessings, Flowers, Springcindyhazelett

These primulas came up in our yard this year. We don’t know where they came from but they are a wonderful gift. Once they are done blooming I will transplant them into one of the flowerbeds so we can mow that area again.

These white violets also grow in our yard. They come up every year and I love to see them. The flowers disappear before it is time to mow. How considerate they are.

This trillium grows in our pine grove. Each year it adds another bloom. I would love to divide it but fear it would not flower if I did. I have heard they are very particular. Their trumpets surely are a thing of splendor and beauty.

Spring Time Flowers

May 3, 2016GardensFlowers, Gardens, Springcindyhazelett

Yay, it’s time for garden photos again! These are blooms on my flowering almond tree. They are a welcome sight as they are among the first blooms of the season.

The service berry trees are early bloomers too. If each of those blossoms turns into fruit we will have glorious service berry pies again. Oh happy day!

The dogwood always brings a smile to my face. It just seems to announce “Happy Spring!”

And the ever faithful tulip. Planted by a former owner of our home, but an ever present bloomer.

And the lung wort flowers are ever an early surprise. These plants are all gifts of the season and harbingers of what is to come. Happy spring!