A New Bunny in the Neighborhood

I'd been feeling kinda sad.  For several years a local wild rabbit would hang out at the base of the fir tree in my front yard.












This would happen on a sporadic basis and weeks could go by between visits.  However, it's been a very long time since the last appearance and I figured one of two things had happened.  One - the rabbit had died of old age.  Two - the rabbit made a meal for a local coyote.

Today I was pleasantly surprised to see another rabbit has found the comfort and safety of my fir tree.

I know this is a different rabbit because it's smaller than the first rabbit.  Plus, the first rabbit only hung out on the side of the trunk closest to the house.  It never napped on the outward facing side. 

I'm sad that the original rabbit has gone missing.  I'm glad that the 'tradition' continues.

Papillon

Two Amusing Books

I have been in love with the movie, Mrs. Miniver, for years.  I always cry during the rose competition scenes and I'd bet it's not the part you're thinking about.

In any case, several years ago I learned that the movie is based on a series of columns by Jan Struther that were later gathered into a book.  A couple of weeks ago, I located the book on Amazon and bought it.  I love it.  It is charming and entertaining and amusing. 

I do love when authors can make their writing seem both effortless and elegant.  Example:  when talking with a relative about swans, Mrs. Miniver says, "...Conceited brutes.  They always look as though they'd just been reading their own fan mail."  Sigh.  I do so wish I could write as well.

Another book I bought at the same time is amusing in a totally different way.  It's The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Child.  It was first published in 1828.  It is a hoot and a half to read.  Some of the stuff could still be done today.  Other stuff, maybe not so much.

Among other things I need to find out what pearlash is.  It's mentioned in several recipes as an ingredient.

Here's a recipe for Wedding Cake. 

"Good common wedding cake may be made thus:  Four pounds of flour, three pounds of butter, three pounds of sugar, four pounds of currants, two pounds of raisins, twenty-four eggs, half a pint of brandy, or lemon-brand, one ounce of mace, and three nutmegs.  A little molasses makes it dark-colored, which is desirable.  Half a pound of citron improves it; but it is not necessary.  To be baked two hours and a half, or three hours."

OMG.  Plus, can you imagine beating all this together without the use of an industrial strength mixer?

Off to amuse myself with more helpful hints from 1828 on how to run a happy and healthy household.

Papillon

An Interesting Factoid

I've been reading a book of anecdotes about American Presidents.  (George Washington to Ronald Reagan)

An interesting factoid - the phrase 'In God We Trust' was put on American coins beginning in 1864.  Theodore Roosevelt tried to have the phrase removed.  He said it was unconstitutional and sacrilegious.

Ya gotta like the man.

Papillon

While in San Antonio for my mom's funeral, I did take some time to do some 'tourist' activities after the funeral and reception were over.

On Friday evening, my older sister, BIL and I went down to the Riverwalk.  We had a nice boat ride followed by dinner.

On Saturday afternoon, my younger sister and I went to the Witte Museum (pronounce witt-ee).  They had several interesting exhibits.  They had a VERY informative exhibit on Darwin.  Among other things, I didn't realize that he didn't start publishing his findings until 20 years after his voyage on the Beagle. 

We also saw a fun exhibit.  Every year (I think) San Antonio puts on a Fiesta with a Royal Court.  The members of the court have very elaborate costumes.  Here are some examples:

The museum was also doing some outdoor activities to celebrate the opening of the new wing dedicated to Texas Heritage.  One of the performers was Kevin Kirkpatrick who is a trick roper.  Here are some photos of him in action.  They look kinda tame, but he did some fairly complicated tricks that I was not able to capture on my camera.

It was a nice ending to a sad weekend.

Papillon

My Mom's Funeral

We buried my mom this past Friday.  It was a sad event, but we had lovely weather in San Antonio.  Hot but with a nice breeze. 

Here's a photo of the flowers and her urn and a flag in honor of her military service (WAC's in WWII).








We were originally told that she didn't qualify for a rifle salute.  So we were surprised when a van pulled up and some men with rifles got out.  It turns out they're volunteers and were happy to give my mom a 21-gun salute.  We thank them.

The minister gave a very nice service.  We thank him as well.

Papillon

Administrative Assistants' Day

Last week was Administrative Assistants Day.  Or perhaps Administrative Professionals' Day.  In any case, I got a lovely arrangement of lilies from my boss.  (Sorry, boss, I didn't get a photo of it!)

I also got a very cute potted plant called a Godetia from other coworkers.  I had never heard of it before, but it's currently sitting on my front porch and is blooming like crazy.  I do have a photo of that.









Papillon

Easter Week Ups & Downs

Earlier this week, we had snow.  SNOW! 

A front went through on Monday.  It brought in clouds and the possibility of rain.  Hooray!  We're still in a drought and any moisture is welcome. 

Tuesday morning I got up and looked out the window.  It was snowing.  Say what?  I'd say I got about 1/2 to 1 inch at my house.  Heavy, wet snow.  I was hoping that work would allow us to come in on a delayed basis.  No such luck.

Fortunately the snow ended around mid-morning.  By afternoon, the temperature had warmed up enough that most of the snow had melted by the time I got home.

On Wednesday the temperature warmed up a bit more and the rest of the snow melted.  Things have continued to warm up since then and it's been rather lovely.  Not too hot, not too cold.

This morning (Good Friday) I saw my own Easter bunny (sort of - a Good Friday bunny?).  No eggs.  No candy.  But the cutest little bunny hopped into my yard.  He (she?) didn't look full-grown.  More of a teenage bunny.  (Unfortunately, my camera was in the car and there was no way that rabbit was going to let me get my camera and take his/her photo.)  It did allow me to watch while it gave its face a morning wash.  Cute as can be.  After a while, it hopped off to who knows where.  A fun way to start the morning.

Papillon