Drinking Coffee

 

 

My grandmother always drank her coffee like this! I thought it was because it was too hot.

Do you remember older generations drinking from their saucer? Then today I came across this poem that made me feel there was symbolism to the coffee ritual. 

 

Drinking from My Saucer

by John Paul Moore

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now.

But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough.

But I’ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ’Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.

I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.

Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

D27 and D36 Send Postcards to RRP

 

 

Thanks for the postcards, D36 and D27! The last time we posted, the two eaglets were crossing paths on the Turkey River near Clermont, Iowa. D27 came back to the Decorah area in late November and has been looping around it ever since! She flew west to farm country, turned south to Spillville, cut back through Calmar, checked out a favorite river valley just south of the hatchery, and flew back to the Ten-Mile Creek area, where she remains as of this post.

Almost ready to nest?

If you've been following D27 for a while, you might have noticed that she's putting on fewer miles. While different eagles have different flight patterns, bald eagles in general tend to become more sedentary as they age. D27 will turn five this spring: old enough to attract a mate, establish a territory, and start a family of her own. We don't know whether she'll settle down - not every eagle or falcon starts a family as soon as they reach sexual maturity - but we're crossing our talons that her transmitter will remain active long enough for us to see where she nests.

D36 near Waterloo, Iowa

D36 followed his half-sister north as far as Postville. He stayed in the Postville area for several days before flying south to the Cedar River southeast of Waterloo. While this hasn't been a hugely popular spot with our eagles - D14 and D36 are the only two Decorah eagles we've spotted here - I've been told it is an excellent spot to see eagles. With winter finally here, I'm curious to see whether he remains in the area or takes the Cedar down to the Mississippi River. Followers might remember that he spent some time down near Columbus Junction last winter. This is an excellent location that sometimes seems as much water as earth, especially in the spring. But with Iowa weather forecast to be (relatively) warm in January, D36 might chose to remain where he is or even fly north toward Decorah if larger rivers and creeks stay open.

Flight 2022

Never Too Early to Start For The Next Year

 

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me

Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care

'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

but I had not finished the caps for their heads.

Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,

And the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I put down my needles to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash,

Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow

Reminded me how much I still had to go.

Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,

I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.

And though I was tired, my brain was a bit thick,

I knew in a moment, it must be Saint Nick.

But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,

For not a name I heard was what I had expected

"move, Ashford; move, Lopi; move, Addie and Clover

Move, Reynolds; move, Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over"

"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.

Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!

I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,

I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,

Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.

And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door

Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,

And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe

And his clothes were handknit from above to below.

A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,

and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,

A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.

The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,

And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,

And suddenly on one I spied a small label.

SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,

and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"

He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,

I learned how to knit when I was a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,

And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan,.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,

And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap

Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;

For the first time I thought I'd really get through.

He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks

While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,

That he was all finished by quarter to two.

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,

And over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon

"Next year start your knitting sometime around June.

Proverbs 22:6

 

Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids/grandkids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be.

God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident.

Raise them up to know the power they walk in as children of God.

Train them up in the authority of His Word.

Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control.

Empower them to know they can change the world.

Don’t teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that they can do something about it.

Every person in all of history has been placed in the time that they were in because of God’s sovereign plan.

He knew Daniel could handle the lions den. 

He knew David could handle Goliath.

He knew Esther could handle Haman.

He knew Peter could handle persecution.

He knows that your child can handle whatever challenge they face in their life. He created them specifically for it!

Don’t be scared for your children, but be honored that God chose YOU to parent the generation that is facing the biggest challenges of our lifetime.

Rise up to the challenge.

Raise Daniels, Davids, Esthers and Peters!

God isn’t scratching His head wondering what He’s going to do with this mess of a world.

He has an army He’s raising up to drive back the darkness and make Him known all over the earth.

Don’t let your fear steal the greatness God placed in them. I know it’s hard to imagine them as anything besides our sweet little babies, and we just want to protect them from anything that could ever be hard on them, but they were born for such a time as this.

~Alex Cravens

Thanksgiving

 Hard to believe the year is almost over.  The church I attend has a community dinner so I am picking up mom and we are going there.  I can not eat with her at her facility and I am not cooking for just the two of us so why not and she can visit with her friends.

My dad was the one all into the holidays, me not so much, they are so commercialized these days and the stores think as soon as Memorial day is over we need to jump on the Christmas band wagon.  I am just tired of all the pushing of holidays months before the actual day and all the begging for me to spend money with them.

I know the ladies at church cooking so am looking forward to the meal as it will be beyond yummy.

My dad never cared if he got much except his pecan pie. I remember one year we were in OKC when he was attending a school at the FAA Academy.  Dad actually let us go out to eat which was a treat when I was a kid.  He had the flu (not the stomach kind) and so he was not really hungry.  So we all ate and all dad wanted his piece of pecan pie.  I am sure grandma made him a pecan pie today so he can have his favorite.  I imagine the table spread in heaven with his family all there now but one step brother.  My step aunt joined them a month ago.

I hope you have a day of eating, memories and remember all the things we are privileged still to have in this country for now.

Postcards from D27 and D36

 Last we shared their travels, D36 was wandering East Central Minnesota and D27 had returned to Decorah.  D36 is currently vacationing in the Wanamingo, Minnesota area, while D27 is spending time near Spillville, Iowa along the Little Turkey River. D27 appears to be making a tour of the river bluffs and uplands. Although she’s tended to stay close to home during the winter, she would end up about six miles south of Eagle Valley if she followed the Turkey SSE to its meeting with the Mississippi River.

Both eagles are within sight of the Mississippi River. D36 can see Lake Pepin – a very popular spot for migrating and wintering eagles – while D27 can just see it as a thin line on the horizon. Where will they go next? This year has been a bit of an outlier, but if they follow last year’s pattern, both of them will probably spend Thanksgiving in the Decorah area. 

Soar high and be safe.

The Perfect Gift

 One of my good friends and I have 2 days between our birthday, so we always plan a special day and celebrate them together.  This year she found the perfect gift for me.  She went on a weekend trip to Arkansas and found this in a shop.  It is made of quilled paper and just beautiful.  She could not have found a better gift. How beautiful is this?

Asters

 I have never grown Asters before.  I bought a package of seeds and the green stuff came up and filled the planter and never bloomed.  Ok it was pretty but I will not buy them again, I wanted flowers.  All of a sudden around Labor Day I saw what looked like buds, is it really going to produce some flowers.  I have white, pink, and a few purple ones, and they have lasted all month. I did not realize they were late bloomers and they are very pretty. I take back that I wont buy them again because I will and just remember they are late bloomers.

This is so Me

 

Postcards from D27 and D36

From RRP:

Where are D27 and D36? We got a postcard from both of them earlier this week!

As you might recall, D27 left for Canada on July 16 - about the time that we were thinking she might be looking for a place to settle down! She's tended to migrate north between mid-to-late May and early June, although she's drifted later as she's aged. Still, her mid-July departure caught us by surprise! Whatever the reason - severe drought, reduced fishing opportunities, or a change of heart - she didn't stay in Canada very long. Between August 17 and August 29, she flew 653 miles south, arriving back in the Decorah area on August 31.

D36 is taking a more leisurely route south as he spends a little time in East Central Minnesota, about 80 miles or so northeast of the Twin Cities. This area is filled with trees, lakes, and rivers, including the Kettle River and St. Croix flyway, and is teeming with fish and small game. It's also near one of my favorite state parks, so I'm really hoping for a chance to look for him in early October!

It's a Boy

 9 boys and 2 girls for me this year.  I set #11 free yesterday.  I wonder if there will be more or I need to wait til next year.  It has been a wonderful journey with all of them and so sad to let them go.  The house feels empty every time I set one free.  

Round 3 #11

 

D36 taking a vacation

 

Where Did You Come From

 My Vinca has really grown despite almost being gone this past Winter.  I went out to feed the feral and birds this morning and hey what is this?  A white bloom, how did that happen.  It is pretty though.

Flowers Around the Yard

 This pack of marigolds really took off, I love the splash of color they provide. I know many don't like the smell, but i love them.  I am going to save the seeds and see if I can get them to grow next year in a bigger pot.

This is the 4th year for the Vinca plant. When I put it out this Spring it barely had a leaf on it but I thought let's see, well it is doing great but then it loves the heat.  Will it make it another year?

I only have one Naked Lady this year, not sure why, I had all the green leaves they filled the area, but just one pink flower this year, hmmmm.

Another Life Saved

 This morning I noticed when i got up #10 was black so figured soon it would pop out. Nope so here I go again helping this one out of it's shell.  I really thought it was a goner cos when i got part of the shell  off there was no movement, nothing.  As I was pulling the rest of the shell I noticed movement.  Ok quick get this baby out.  I  was surprised when it came out and grabbed on my hand for dear life.  I thought I had a mini butterfly and what was I going to do with it, it could not fly.  I know there is a place in town that would take it.  As I was looking up the address I see the wings have unfolded and voila it is a real butterfly afterall.

I have sure enjoyed this season of successfully having 10 butterflies.  Thank you Lord for allowing me to participate in the miracle of life.

Miracle

 I feel like I participated in a miracle this morning. Last night when I went to bed I noticed that #9 was turning black meaning it would soon be a butterfly.  This morning it was all black but nothing, it was not wet and soggy so no parasite but yet why was it still not out?  I figured it had died so left it until I let #8 go.  A couple hours as I was going to let #8 sit in the cage outside for a bit I noticed I saw a wing.  OK but still after a while nothing. I looked up online that it should be out in 15 minutes and if not I could help it out.  

I kind of freaked out a bit, what if I hurt it, all these questions going through my mind, but I asked God to help me.  I pulled the cocoon off the top of the cage and got a straight pin and started pulling the shell off. I felt movement and saw it wiggling around and pretty soon the wings were free. I pulled the shell of and set it upright and pretty soon it was climbing up the walls of the cage.  I put it in a cage by itself so I could let #8 out.  It is a boy and while it looked smaller and somewhat deformed I think it will be ok.

He will go out tomorrow morning.

#8

 #8 is a girl. I let her go this morning, took some coaxing.  A bittersweet day.  Hope you have a long life.

3 More on the Way

 Yesterday 2 and this morning 1 spun theirselves into the last stage of their journey.  Next week I hope I have 3 more Monarchs, will they be boys, girls, or both?  Look closely up to the top and see if you can find the 3.

Around the Yard

 My salvia is out of control, I already have a whiskey barrel full as well from this plant that I accidently pulled up.  This Vinca is on its 4th summer, I bring it in in the winter and thought last winter it was not going to make it but outside it is thriving and the first bloom.

I found this acorn squash plant on the almost gone shelf for $.50 at Menards, it had 2 leaves on it. I thought maybe I can save it, well it just needed some care and look at it now.  I got a package of asparagus to plant but only 1 is coming up that is ok you have to start somewhere.  My lavender died I think it got too much rain this Spring. 

And Then There Were 3

 How many more will I find?

Not Done Yet

 Since it is about to be brutal weather wise I went out to water my flowers.  Well look what I found. I noticed I had drowned a bee who I think will be ok cos I did not see him and as I was looking at the bee I saw one and then 2. I quickly looked over the rest of the milkweed and did not see anymore but with the first batch I kept finding them, so there may be more.

Here we go again.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

 My dad's fav song.  When I got the bulletin early in the week and saw we were singing it, I knew I would be blubbering like a baby.  I am Liturgist this week and sure enough we sing this right before I read the Bible verses.  

This morning before I went to church I could not find my tomcat.  He was sitting on his haunches chattering to a bird outside in the mulberry tree and it was a cardinal.  The male was flitting from branch to branch and talking back to the tom.  I sat there and watched them, the cardinal got close to the window and the tom just sat there talking to him. I know it was my dad telling me to just sing the song at the top of my lungs and he would be singing with me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgymGaMn5lg

It's Been A Year Already

 A year ago today I had to return you to God.  I know you are in kitty heaven and you have your buddy Harry back again. I hope Hermione is not being mean to you. I also know my dad is watching over all of you.  I miss you, the house is quiet and I don't have to clean off the counters so you don't knock things off on the floor and break them.

See you someday.

6 Boys, 1 Girl

 All 7 have emerged and become Monarchs.  If the sun remains out today I will set them outside around noon and let them out this afternoon, let them warm up in the sun.  I hate to let them go but it is time and they need to go populate the milkweed with more eggs.  It has been a fun 3 weeks taking care of them and now I must let them go.  Thank you God for giving me the chance to help this miracle of nature become a reality.  Until next year.

1st Butterfly

 This morning I got to watch this one emerge.  She has been exercising her wings and letting them dry.  Because it is to rain tomorrow I won't be able to release her til hopefully Thursday so I made up some nectar to feed her and will see if I can get some fruit as well.  I have 2 turning dark so there will be more soon I hope.

It is a girl no dots on her bottom wing.  And of course curiosity from the Tom. He knows she is in the cage but he also knows he will get in trouble if he knocks the cage down.

Watching the Decorah Eagle Nest

 As you may know Mom and DM2 built a new nest, N3, and it is out of sight and no camera.  Well looks like we won't ever be able to watch them at N3.  See below from Rapture Resource Project.  I have missed them so much and wonder about all the antics and head bonkings and wingersizing we missed.

We're getting a lot of questions about watching the Decorah Eagles in the 2021/2022 season. John talked about this during our interview with Iowa Public TV last night and I wanted to share it with the wider world.

Are we going to be able to watch the Decorah Eagles next season? It's gotten very complicated. The N3 nest tree (as many of you know from Robin's Day Trips) is dead. Even if the landowner was excited about streaming, we can't climb the tree to install cameras and we don't know how well we can see them from adjacent trees, or how long those trees will remain healthy.

Bald eagles tend to abandon nest trees once the crown has died back and stopped producing leaves, so we don't even know whether Mom and DM2 will stay. They could return to the hatchery and N2B or build a new nest in another tree. Eagle researcher Mark Stahlmaster didn't count eagle nests as abandoned until they went five years without use, which gives us hope for N2B. Here's a video that gave several of you hope for a new nest at N1. Mom looks lovely and neither of the eagles seem ready to rent out N2B! https://youtu.be/GKGPrrRszOs.

So: we were working on ways to stream N3 until we learned that the nest tree was dead. This new wrinkle has caused us to rethink our plans. We'll continue to watch the hatchery in person and remotely, and hope to know a little more about Mom and DM2's plans by early September. We'll share our observations with you. You can help us by sharing your observations via youtube, explore, facebook, and our website as we watch and wait to see what they do!

Exciting Times

 So this just happened I watched it. Nature is amazing.  So excited to have all 7 getting ready to become Monarchs.  Stay tuned for more pictures.

Here We Go

 I watched this one crawl up to the top last night and never came down to eat.  This afternoon I watched it spin the silk button it hangs from.  So we are getting ready in about a week for the butterflies to start appearing.  They have all slowed down the eating today.  

#2:

And Then There Were 7

 I keep finding caterpillars every time I go get milkweed leaves. They are going through them quickly and boy do they poop a lot.  They should be ready to chrysallis any day now.  I hope they all make it to be butterflies.

Caterpillars

 Finally after 2 years of no Monarch caterpillars I found 2 yesterday while watering.  I quickly got their cage, put milkweed in and they are happily munching along.  I have a very large patch this year and was beginning to think I would not have any again but I saw a male a couple weeks ago so there must have been a female near by as well.

I am hoping they will both become butterflies, stay tune for progress.

I keep finding caterpillars and I now have 6 waiting to turn into beautiful Monarchs.

Memorial Day Weekend

 

Grandma's Buttons

 Most of us around my age have a container with our grandmother's buttons in it.  Mine is a tin that is pretty ugly and whatever lid top was on it is now just a hole in the tin.  You have to take a screwdriver or a knife to pry the lid off of it. I still have a few buttons left but have used most of them on craft items that won't depart the house.

Last week this came in and I fell in love.  I never knew they made plastic hearts that held chocolates.  I should have snatched it up but I did not so if it is still there when I go to work I will.  I love this and would seal around the opening and hang it on my craft wall.

BTW:  this was never put out for sale so I grabbed it up and it is sitting on my dining room table to figure out how to seal and hang on the wall.

Tomatoes