I'm Back...Again

 Hi friends,

Wow it is already spring again. We did have a winter this year, complete with six inches of snow. Whoo! Now it is time to start getting the garden ready again. I have some store-bought parsley plants. Why, you may ask. Don't you have seed? Yes, I do, but it takes so long for them to germinate and I don't have a good indoor place to get them started. Plus, I've not had much luck getting them to survive, much less grow when starting from seed. I did seed start some lemon squash (light bulb shaped yellow squash), round zucchini and some cukes. Ready, Set, GO!

So, where have I been since last fall? I've been right here, just not writing. For a while it seemed like I had a lot to say and current events to write on, but then things picked up speed and changed at such a pace that I could not keep up and stay up to date. I figured if I couldn't do it justice, I wouldn't write.

There were also some real life issues going on. Hubby had surgery in November and there was a bit care-taking involved. He recovered quickly and he's fine now, so I guess I did okay. I also discovered that I have cataracts. Oh joy! I had noticed a deterioration in my distance vision over the course of a year, which was significant. Coupled with needing an in-person driver's license renewal, it was a stressful time for me. In January, I got an eye exam, diagnosis, some glasses and I passed the eye test. One less thing to worry about. Now the decision I face is when to have the cataract surgery and what type of lenses to choose.

As you can see, I have had a bit more on my mind that writing about what is on my mind regarding the state of the world. Hopefully, I can put together a round up of what I think are key elements of the past year. As much to document for myself as to share with the entire world...ha!

In the meantime, may I once again recommend Jeff Childer's Coffee and Covid substack to keep you informed and entertained.

Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.

A Fall Outing

Hello Friends,

What's my excuse for my extended absence? Maybe I got lazy. Maybe there is just so much happening around the world at breakneck speed, I couldn't choose a topic and get it researched before it was no longer relevant as "news".  At any rate, I'm back...at least for now.

We did take an afternoon "day-trip" to soak in some of nature's beauty and enjoy some peace from the wild world we are living in.

I know, pics or it didn't happen. It happened!

There we were, perched on a big rock overlooking the Dan River in Moratock Park. This is in beautiful Danbury, NC. It was warm with a gentle breeze and we sat and watched the water burbling around the rocks and the fallen leaves float gently down the river.

After we made our way up the hill to allow another family some time on the rock, we met a brother and sister who were just hanging out at the shelter enjoying the lovely fall day. We spent a few minutes chatting with them. It turned out they had lived around there all their lives, and told a few of those "back in the day" stories.

We then drove up to Hanging Rock park. but it was particularly crowded since it was Saturday. We started on one of the shorter trails, but turned back because it was getting too late in the day (having gotten a late start to begin with), and some of my muscles were complaining.

I hope y'all get a chance to get some fresh air and sunshine while the days are still nice, although today is 49° and raining.

Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.

Sweet Sixteen

Hello Friends,

This is a big milestone for my often-neglected, but now revived blog. Roses to Rainbows is celebrating it's 16th year in the blogosphere on September 20.

Where have the years gone? It seems like just yesterday I had hopes and dreams of sharing my thoughts and ideas all around the globe. Did I succeed?

Well, yes and no. I have had visitors from far and wide grace the virtual doors of my humble abode. I have shared my thoughts, tips & tricks, helpful hints, and pictures of my cats. I have written fiction and poetry, participated in many blogging challenges, and at times expressed my opinion on various topics.

Have I become an overnight sensation after 16 years? Nope! 

Is that okay? Yep! 

Why, you ask, would I keep plugging away, albeit randomly at times, for 16 years? That is a really good question, and when I look at people whose blogs have had a regular audience who interacts with them, sometimes on a daily basis, for longer that I've been "online", it does make me wonder why as well. 

I have often quoted Cyril Connolly, "Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self", and have come to consider that I am the epitome of that quote. Maybe another way of putting it is this line from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "To thine own self be true".

Having said all this, if I help or encourage one person, that is a bonus. If I entertain someone with my stories or brighten their day with my pictures, I'll take it. These moments are the real wins, so if it pleases you to leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you. My door is always open, the coffee is hot, the wine is chilled and every so often, I even dust.

Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.

Gone Too Soon: RIP Charlie Kirk

 Hello Friends,

This one's for Charlie! 

It has been less than a week since the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a Christian, a husband, a father, a patriot and a conservative. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Charlie championed free speech and open debate, regardless the topic or who wanted to have their voice heard. He listened and respectfully gave this thoughts, often in the form of a question. He was calm in the face of the hysterical. He countered illogical remarks with common sense and reason. He brought knowledge and wisdom to all who would listen. He unapologetically spoke about his faith, and family values. Many of his appearances were on college campuses, which sadly is where his life was taken.

He was also politically active in trying to reach America's youth. He campaigned for Donald Trump going back to 2016, and his organization, Turning Point USA is said to have been instrumental in the election of President Trump in 2024. 

The internet is awash in news clips, interviews, people opining on details and minutia, and articles, pictures and prayers offered in memorial. Also, many have been left wondering WHY? Why did this happen?

We are all sharing the same shock and grief. I had paused here at the computer for a moment Wednesday, saw this post and barely left until dinner needed to be prepared.

Charlie Kirk has been SHOT at an event at Utah Valley University.

His condition is unknown. Please stop what you're doing and PRAY for him

Oh No!! Immediately I switched to X to try and get more information. I prayed, as did millions of others around the country and perhaps around the world. Prayers continue for his family as they face the darkest time in their lives. This was indeed a dark day for our country as well. 

Why was Charlie assassinated? Everyone has an opinion, but if you want to know what I think, then reread the first two paragraphs. Charlie Kirk was murdered because of who he was as a human being. He was good, and evil can't stand good.

To the shooter, know that Charlie's work will continue. His army will multiply. To those who were celebrating this tragedy, you are disgusting human beings who lack compassion and human decency.

May God bless Charlie's family and God bless America!

Fabulous Fungi

Hello Friends,

We were walking in the park one day...and much to our surprise we spotted an old, but still very much alive, oak tree. Surrounding the base of the tree were the most brilliant orange mushrooms I'd ever seen. 

Can you guess what they might be called? If you guessed Jack-O-Lantern mushroom, you would be correct. They were quite the sight popping out from around the tree, in various stages of fungus life. You can read more about Jack-O-Lantern mushrooms here. 

Do take their advice, and if you forage for mushrooms, please leave these alone. In spite of their beauty, they will, apparently, make you quite sick.

Nature certainly is lovely, isn't it?

Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.