the day the doves returned.

having washed my first mug 

{my first for there was another - later}

which held precious liquid life,

i glanced out the window toward our back property..

a lone stellar blue jay, hungrily noshing at the area

my hubs spilled bird seed the other day.

i'm not a fan of jays.

they're loud... rude... bullish...

and squawk like nails on a chalk board.

i don't think kind thoughts of those winged beasts 

except for their coloring : intense blue

against black. that, i love.

but later today the doves returned,

not being seen since november.

over a dozen as i counted.

junco's have also returned.

they're darling wee things

and get along quite well with the doves.

i welcomed them, both species.

notice i did not welcome the jay.

wink.

lots of puttery type to-do's today.

sorted through my closet and put articles

aside to donate to a thrifty place.

a gal a few doors up the road owns

such a place in a nearby town.

into the sack they go..

and up to her cabin

when the sack is full.

she's a sweetie.

near every morning,

and sometimes in inclement weather

we see her walking up the road

with her trusted canine coming up the rear.

his name is hercules.

he's a precious lug of an old pooch

who adores the ground his 'mama' walks.

early supper today as the hubs had business

this afternoon 30 miles north 

then will stay in town for wednesday night service.

we spend loads of time together breathing the same

air so once in a while it's nice to be alone and complete

a few tasks on my own. he appreciates time

alone as well so i do try to make that happen.

then we end up missing one another

and chat about our respective days.

in january i picked up a book at another 

'little library' in our village, not my 'little library.'

A Delayed Life by Dita Kraus

the powerful memoir of 

the librarian of auschwitz

474 pages and i could only read a few chapters

or sometimes a few pages here and there as 

there were projects and to-do's to do which

take up more time than expected. sometimes.

and to be honest... there are portions

of the book which are difficult to absorb,

as you can well imagine based on the title.

regardless, i'm here to say it's a most excellent

memoir and i highly recommend taking the time

to read it. i also recommend you have a hot cup of your

favorite beverage at your side. and a tissue or ten,

for if you've a heart you'll also have a tear.

"I like canceled plans and empty bookstores.

I like rainy days and quiet coffee shops.

I like messy beds and overworn pajamas.

I like the small joys that a simple life brings."

~cottage whimsy~

i agree with all that. except.

i don't like a messy bed.

*

sometimes the light hits right

and i must simply snap a picture

to be reminded of the beauty residing

in my life.. in my home.

ever thankful.

much is happening in my life at present,

some of which i'll not go into for it's private

and i haven't received approval to share.

other things are as follows:

* a dear friend is marrying and i'm in the wedding

as matron of honor. i'm so very happy for her and her

wonderful fiancé. how thoughtful God is in bringing

two people together in their 60's. precious are His ways.

* this last weekend we celebrated the bride with

a bridal blessing brunch. the turnout was terrific,

the food yummy and the gifts so incredibly thoughtful.

* the wedding is in March. we're praying for NO snow.

March is known as a big snow month in these parts.

i've heard of a 'rain dance.' 

is there a 'no snow dance' as well?

if so, this old gal will dance!

* also in March is a women's brunch at which

i'll be speaking on the subject of contentment.

as the date draws near i look forward to how

God speaks to my heart and leads me in

preparation. if you've a mind to pray, please do.

for me - and for the women in attendance.

*

it's lighter later these days.

nearly 6pm as i complete this blog post

and the light is just beginning to wane.

i'll flip the porch light on for the hubs,

will make a snack and sit down to read

a few chapters of the next book on my list.

until next time,

.sherry.