Just because...

I stumbled across this video and love it!  Maybe you will too?

Master of Tides -Lindsey Sterling

For the lovers of music, mermaids or pirates!

;-)  -Marci

A Weekend of Independence

This year I had to undergo two surgeries six weeks apart.  {sad face}  There was only one weekend between the two procedures where I was released from limitations.  Labor Day Weekend.  We decided to make the most of it and get away!  {happy face}

 

 

You might remember how I love Jason Pritchett's music, so I looked at his tour schedule.  He was performing only three hours away from us in his hometown of Independence, Missouri!  The hotel room was booked and bags were packed.  We learned quite a bit about Independence in the process.  Did you know the Santa Fe Trail, California Trail AND the Oregon Trail all began in Independence, Missouri? 

 

 

 

The Santa-Cali-Gon Festival is in celebration of this fun bit of trivia and happens to be on Labor Day Weekend!  Harry Truman was from Independence.  His library and museum are located there.  Oh, and it's home to The Big Biscuit, who happens to have the best motto I have ever read in my life!

 

 

 

 

Big Biscuits are Better. 

Yes!  Yes, they are!

 

Downtown Independence is lovely with a grand old courthouse.  Saturday, we enjoyed the street fair portion of SantiCaliGon.  There was too much to see, really.  I'm not sure we made it to all the booths.  It's hard to say how many blocks of vendors there were?  Some were in long tents while others lined the streets.  We purchased a couple of bracelets for me and a wallet for Handsome Husband.  Big spenders, huh?  Any kind of food vendor you can possibly imagine has a presence at SantiCaliGon.  We chose lemonade and coconut shrimp.  Both were delicious!

 

 

 

 

Sadly, after having surgery, I tire very easily, so we checked into our hotel.  Handsome Husband caught up on football while I took a nap.  At sundown, we headed back downtown for concerts!

 

First up was Damien Gunn and The Magnificent Bang Bangs.  This was a very entertaining band and we had a great time!  Then...

 

Jason Pritchett!!

 

 

 

 

He led with "Life Comes at You Fast".  I sang every single word that is on his CD as loudly as I possibly could!  It's what I do!  ;-) 

 

Sunday we hiked the very pretty Blue Springs Lake for just a bit and then headed for home.

  

 

 

 

It was a nice little trip!  Handsome Husband would like to make SantiCaliGon an annual trek for us.  I completely agree!

What have you been up to?

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Baby Robins

 The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.
 

If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page   

 

 

 

These hungry little guys are Baby Robins.  Anytime the breeze rocks their nest, they hope it's Momma bringing a snack and open their mouths!

This nest is in our immature Redbud Tree, so I was able to snap some photos without disturbing them.

Don't you love the fluffy baby down on their little heads?!  It always makes me think of Albert Einstein!  ;-)  The one on the right has wilder 'hair' than the one on the left.  LOL!

 

 The second baby can barely be seen in this shot.  Just a bit of beak!

And now for some blogging music...  We saw this band in concert recently and they put on a great show.  It's sort of a blend of Country and Southern Rock.  'Definitely loud!  ;-)  This is Damien Gunn and The Magnificent Bang Bangs singing American Made.

What's happening in your back yard?

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Black Swallowtail

 The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.

 

If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page  

 

 

I'm not completely sure which swallowtail this beauty is.  Please feel free to correct me if this is not a Black Swallowtail.  ;-)  I will be grateful for the feedback.  My best guess is Black Swallowtail, but the black form of Tiger Swallowtails frequently throw me off my game!  ;-)
 

During this shoot, I actually captured two butterflies in the same frame...  More than once!!  I was so excited when they were downloaded.  Do you see the second butterfly in the photo above?
 

I love that in this shot one butterfly has landed and the other is approaching.
 

'Not quite in focus, but anyone who attempts nature photography will appreciate my excitement that the frame holds TWO butterflies IN FLIGHT!  Be still, my beating heart!  ;-)
 

 
I hope you get to enjoy the peaceful sound of wings that gently flutter by and then pause.

 

 

It's been a while since I posted music.  We had the chance to see Dan and Shay in concert when they were in Little Rock with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton.  This song makes me smile.  From the Ground Up.

 

 

 

 

What's happening in your back yard?

 

 ;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Hummer 2016

 The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.

 

If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page

 

 

 

 

These photos were taken by my Handsome Husband!  Great shots, huh?

The lovely visitor is a female Ruby Throated Hummingbird.  Isn't she stunning?

 



 

 They spend their summers in our area, but flit away for the winter.  It's always exciting to see the first hummer each Spring when they return!

And now for a bit of blogging music.  Walker Hayes.  Beautiful.

What's happening in your back yard?

;-)  -Marci

Book Review: Where Lilacs Still Bloom

by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

 

PHOTO SOURCE

 

A Partial Synopsis from Jane Kirkpatrick:  One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through. German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.

 

My thoughts:  For the most part, this is a lovely book about daily life in a garden.  It's really not very glamorous when you are out there weeding, mulching and watering.  Ask any gardener!  ;-)  The book is based on the life of Hulda Klager, quite an accomplished hybridizer with apples, daffodils and lilacs.  The book brings to light her struggles with family and neighbors which she seems to have met with humility and kindness.  This little read also showcases her achievements.  What a long and remarkable life Hulda led!

 

I swiped a couple of photos from the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens website.

 

 

PHOTO SOURCE

 

PHOTO SOURCE

 

You're welcome!  ;-)  It is located in Woodland, Washington.  I would LOVE to see it!

 

Here's a bit of blogging music for you. 

 

Always Stay Humble and Kind.  Tim McGraw.

 

 

 

 

What have you been reading?

 

;-)  -Marci

Music & Words Award

It's been a while since I posted anything about music, so this nomination is a complete surprise!  My sweet bloggin' buddy Holli @ Holli's Hoots and Hollers just made my day!

 

Here's how it works. 

 

1.) Link back to the person who nominated you.
2.) Answer the questions with words AND music.
3.) Pass the award on to 5 bloggers who inspire
     you with their posts about music. Be sure to
     notify them about the award.
4.) Tag your post with #MWA for Music & Words
     Award so we can all find you down the line.
5.) Quote these 5 steps and display the award icon
     in your post and also on your sidebar if you wish

THE Q & A:

Q1: What does music mean to you?

My first thought is Mom.  My mother is a very talented musician.  She was playing piano way before I was born both by reading music and "by ear".  When I was in elementary school, she picked up guitar.  These days she also plays mandolin.  She encouraged me to sing.  At vocal competitions, she would play piano for me.  I took piano lessons throughout elementary school and just recently purchased a piano after years of not playing.  Now, I know I will never be a concerto whatever-ist, but every time I sit down to play, there is a big cheesy grin across my face!  ;-)

 

 

"Hello, Dolly" is a song from my competition days with Mom playing piano beside me.

Q2: What is your first music-related memory?

Before elementary school, my parents bought several Disney soundtracks and I played them over and over and over.   It had to be before I could read, because the albums were always in the wrong cover!  It frustrated me to get Cinderella music when I really wanted Jungle Book!  ;-)  My family had one of those long console TVs with a built in stereo and turntable.  To this day, I can sing most classic Disney songs and, of course, still love them!

 

Q3: What was the first album you purchased yourself?
Gosh!  I don't really remember purchasing my first album.   As the youngest child of six I had access to some pretty amazing stuff.  My older siblings loved Elvis, The, Beatles, Bobby Vinton and The Supremes.  Daddy was a big fan of country music.  His albums included Johnny Cash and Glenn Campbell.  (We watched Hee Haw most Saturday nights.)  My mother enjoyed all those options along with classical music.  I remember loving Captain and Tenille, so that might be a good guess for my first purchase.



Any Elvis song makes me think of my sisters.



What was the latest music you purchased?

(No online streaming or free downloads, I’m talking about cash here!) 

Jason Pritchett's Independence Cowboy.

 

 

I am pretty smitten with Jason Pritchett!  I grew up riding horses and competing in rodeos.  Jason was a bull rider and now is a country music singer.  Be still my heart!!

Q5: Which song did you listen to last?

(No cheating, come out with the dirty pleasures!)

I was just at the gym.  It was Andy Grammer's Good to be Alive

Awesome song for ending a workout!  ;-)  Speaking of the gym, would any of you be interested in a series of posts about my fitness routine and nutrition plan?

Since I consider myself more of a crafty, sewing gardener, nominating others to participate feels a bit tricky! 

Here goes: 

Heidi @ Heidi's Wanderings
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Pat @ Corn in My Coffee Pot
Pam @ Pam's Party & Practical Tips
Millie @ 2 Crochet Hooks

 ;-)  -Marci 

More, please!

Oh, my goodness!  It is so exciting to hear lyrics about rodeos in Country Music again!

 

Jason Pritchett - Independence Cowboy

 

 

This is the second time I've posted a song by Jason.  Click HERE for the first one.

 

Yep, I definitely want more of this kind of music!  What songs are you playing these days?

 

;-)  -Marci

A New Chris Ledoux?

My family is into rodeos.  I grew up riding horses and competing.  Chris Ledoux was favorite singer.  It's been a while since country music featured a "real" cowboy.  This morning while driving into work, I was radio hopping and heard the very tail end of this song.  As soon as I got to my office, I was searching like CRAZY trying to find it.

 

Jason Pritchett - Good Show

 

 

 

 

Oh, my word!  *LOVE*  this song!  Do you?

 

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Hummingbird 2015

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.

 

If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page

 

You probably recognize this little one as a hummingbird.  They seldom sit to eat.  I'm so glad the camera was close by when this one was being still.

 

'Lovely little thing, isn't it?  If you would like to see a couple more hummingbird photos from a previous summer, click HERE!

 

And now for a little bloggin' music.  I Am Light by India Arie

 

 

So, what's happening in your back yard?

 

;-)  -Marci

 

 



Garden Guest: Robin Eggs

 The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.  If you would like to see more, click HERE to visit my Gardening Page. 

 

 

Have you ever heard something described as Robin's Egg Blue?  Well, these are robin eggs!  Four of them.  The nest is built in Mahonia bushes right outside a bedroom window.  The Mahonia berries are described as Robin's Egg Blue, and I would say they are pretty close!  ;-)

 

 

 Can you see the white window ledge and the nest?  The nest is just to the side of the window.  We can watch the parents coming and going from inside our house, but they are too far to the right to photograph them from inside.  When the parents were away from the nest, Handsome Husband set up a ladder and I quickly snapped a photo.

I've actually written about another bird in these very bushes before.  Click HERE if you would like to see it.

Now for some blogging music.  I gotta go with Fleetwood Mac since we just saw them in concert.  Here is The Chain.

What's happening in your back yard?

;-)  -Marci

Fun Times at The Rock

Last weekend, we went skipping down to Little Rock.  It's about a three hour drive for us if we don't stop along the way, BUT there's a wonderful little BBQ place in Ozark that we MUST visit any time we are that direction!  It's called Rivertowne.  Mmmmmm...  'Seriously good food!

 

Here's a link to their menu:  Rivertown BBQ  I recommend everything!  ;-)

 

 We were at The Rock for the Fleetwood Mac concert.  They were GREAT!  It was just them and they played  for about three hours.  Mick's drum solo lasted something like ten minutes, which was the only time Lindsey left the stage.  Can you imagine playing guitar for three hours straight?!  WOW!  I bet his fingers were tired. 

 

 

'Not a great photo, but if you squint and tilt your head to the right, you can see them from left to right, Christine on keyboard, John on bass, right next to Stevie, Mick on drums and then Lindsey and his amazing lead guitar.

 

On our way home we stopped AGAIN at Rivertowne BBQ!  I know, right?  ;-)  I have never ordered something I didn't like.  Seriously!  The entire menu is delicious.

 

How was your weekend?

 

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Cedar Waxwing

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

 

This stunning beauty is a Cedar Waxwing.  I love how the tips of their tails look like they were dipped in a tiny bit of yellow paint!

 

These lovely birds stop by for a week or two as they migrate.

 

This tree is their favorite.  It's a Western Soapberry.  They also love the Mahonia bushes which have berries this time of year, too.

As soon as the berries are gone though, so are the Cedar Waxwings.

And for a little blogging music, have you heard of Sawyer Fredericks and Noelle Bybee?  They are contestants on The Voice this year.  I love this duet!

What's happening in your back yard?

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guests: Roadrunner

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.
 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

 

 

While I'd love for you to think the Old Lodge Trail is in my back yard, it's actually a couple of hours away at Mount Magazine State Park where we had a little weekend getaway in February!

 

 

We spent a lot of time on our balcony, just Enjoying The View.  While looking at Petit Jean River Valley this handsome fellow came strolling up the sidewalk!  A roadrunner!   

I went racing for the camera!  There was really no need to hurry though.  You can probably tell he was completely relaxed, looking around for a snack.

My photos aren't that great as they were all taken from our balcony.  'Not sure how far it was.

 

(Side note, I don't know if this bird is male or female.)

 

It's kind of funny how he walked up the sidewalk, then went down the trail.  Not long after he left, we went on our ATV Tour.

 

How about some blogging music?  Handsome Husband and I both are into Ed Sheeran right now and we love this song.  I will definitely love my husband until we're seventy!  ;-)

 

 

So, what's happening in your backyard?

 

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Tiger or maybe Giant Swallowtail?

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a new series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

OK, so there is a much better photo of a Tiger Swallowtail HERE.  These photos are pretty blurred, even after editing.

I'm not sure if this is a Tiger or a Giant Swallowtail even though I've cruised several sites trying to figure out the difference by appearance.  The blue gray plant in the background is Rue.  It's a host plant for Giant Swallowtails.



 

This butterfly was almost completely black.

 

Tiger Swallowtails are usually more yellow and actually hold still while you try to photograph them.  ;-)  This one was moving frantically throughout the Rue.  'Sorry.  The pictures are pretty awful, but if there are any butterfly experts reading this, please give your opinion.  Tiger or Giant?  What makes you think so?  My vote is for Giant, but...

 

Have you heard Your Daddy's Boots by Dustin Lynch?  My favorite line is "Barbed wire tough, Cowboy cool"  I'd like to know when Dustin met my daddy!  ;-)

 

 

 

So, what's happening in your back yard?

 

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Lady Admiral

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 
 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

 

This petite beauty is a Lady Admiral Butterfly.

 

If you would like to attract a specific butterfly or moth, remember to find their host plant and add them to your landscape.  For example, a host plant for Lady Admirals is false nettle.  Don't forget that baby butterflies are caterpillars.  Avoid pesticides.

 

Now for some blogging music!

 

Since I am so not a Size 2, I love this song!  Megan Trainor, All About That Bass.

 

 

What's happening in your back yard? 

 

;-)  -Marci