Author Archives: Debbie

International Sheltie Day

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Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have. ~William Arthur Ward, American motivational writer

There once was a day so grand
It was honored all over the land.
With a Sheltie or two
You’ll never be blue
And love you’ll always command.

Note: Poetry form is Limerick (which I haven’t written in ages!). Today, June 1, is International Sheltie Day. The Monk insisted we recognize the occasion this year — he’s demanding good treats and extra belly scratches.

Cleaning Paws … Still

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I am an immaculate housekeeper. I’m clean, but the house is a mess. ~Phyllis Diller, American stand-up comedian, actress, author, and more.

I Monkey here.

Mama seems to think this blog is hers, but I’m here to remind you — it’s all about me. Or at least it should be.

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Ladybug (Ladybird)

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Let your imagination… fly like the lady-bird, “north, south, and east, and west,” but take care that it always comes home to rest. ~Robert Southey (1774–1843), English poet

Once there was a ladybug
A-sittin’ on a tree
Chomping on her dinner
Never minding me.

Ladybugs eat insects
And are considered “good”
So I let her feast unbothered
As she likely hoped I would.

But why are males and females
Called “lady”bugs, I croak?
They’re named for Our Lady, Mary,
In art, wearing a red cloak.

Note: This is some sort of rhyming verse, as best as I can tell. I’m open to learning more, if anybody wants to educate me!

Mother’s Day 2025

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Mother, have you ever thought, dear,
That some day our lives must part,
And the fated one must linger—
Linger here with broken heart?
~W. Dayton Wegefarth (1885–1973), American writer

When my neighbor moved in next door, she transplanted some luscious phlox to the fence line in our backyards.

But apparently, phlox doesn’t recognize a barrier, and it’s spread onto my side of the fence. Not that I’m complaining!

I think it’s delightful how this plant is sharing its beauty with both of us.

In fact, I like to think of it as my late mom’s doing. She tried, but never could get phlox to grow when she was on earth; now that she’s in Heaven, I’ll just bet she’s smiling!

Note: Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!

 

Storm Cleanup Time

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For the man sound in body and serene of mind there is no such thing as bad weather; every sky has its beauty, and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously. ~George Gissing (English novelist), “Winter,” The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft, 1903

It’s been kind of a rough spring here thus far.

We’ve run the gamut: high winds, thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and even tornadoes share the docket with practically perfect sunshine and calm. And the temperatures? If nothing else, Illinois in spring is erratic, ranging from the 40s to the 70s by day and the 20s to 50-ish by night.

But you’d like to see pictures, wouldn’t you? Okay, here goes:

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Greening and Pinking

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To this day, color is an enormous delight to me. It means experience, adventure of all kinds. ~Harry Behn, American screenwriter

When

You walk

With a dog

Outside in Spring,

You can’t help but see

That the world around us

Is greening and turning pink,

As new life bursts into color,

Trees shed their spent flowers, and sidewalks

Become magical pathways of beauty.

Note: Poetry form is Etheree.

Silent (Easter) Sunday

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The return of springtime always brings with it naturally a revival of the sweetest hopes and deepest joys of human nature. The heart of man in springtime is naturally joyous; all nature rejoices around him, and he cannot but participate in the general anthem of thanksgiving, and unite his voice with the universal pæan of praise. ~W. J. Colville, English medium, lecturer, author, 1886

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Happy Easter! Can you stand five more photos of Spring? I’ve turned off comments so you can enjoy without having to work too hard!

Looking for Spring 2025

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The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke, American author, educator, and clergyman

I can’t speak for everyone, but it seems to me that Central Illinois is weather-weary.

Tired of gray days and cold temperatures. Bored by day after day of rain and thunderstorms. Frustrated at the capriciousness of Mother Nature.

Still, on the one pretty day we’ve had since, oh, I don’t know, February or so, the Monk and I managed to get outdoors and look for signs that Spring is on the horizon.

Take a look at what we found!

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Monkey Makes A Mistake

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Every mistake must be paid for, rarely by the person who committed it. ~Jacques Deval, French playwright, screenwriter, and film director

I Monkey here.

Mama says confession is good for the soul. I don’t know about that, but if I can teach another pup NOT to do what I’ve done, then maybe confession is all right.

Don’t thank me — I’m generous like that (or at least, I’m trying to be, it being Lent and all!)

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What’s Up, Buttercup?

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No man has a heart pure enough to interpret the freshness of flowers. ~Auguste Rodin, French sculptor

A

Pretty

Yellow gold

Bulb was blooming

Beneath a large tree

Waiting to be admired

By me and Monk on our walk.

After appreciating it

And checking my plant app for ID,

I learned its name is Winter Aconite.

 

Native to Europe’s woodlands and meadows,

Part of the buttercup family,

One of Spring’s earliest bloomers,

Winter Aconite attracts

Pollinators, but is

Poisonous to man

And pets, so look,

But don’t touch

It at

All!

Note: Poetry form is Double Etheree.