The Stately Rhododendron

After most of the azaleas have gone by, the rhododendrons take the stage.  While both are classified under the name rhododendron, the azaleas have smaller leaves and the blooms are individual instead of forming a blossom cluster.  The leaves of the rhododendron are larger and more leathery.

Rhododendrons are found in many countries throughout the world, and used extensively in landscaping.  There are many species of rhododendron in varying sizes and colors.  

This is one that we've had for many years, and actually it is two plants. They are hardy plants that will provide years of beautiful blossoms.

Ups and Downs

This end up

Fragile easily broken

Handle with care

Insurance

There is none

Upside down

Inside out

Outside in

Shattered

Tattered

Ripped and torn

Hangs in shreds

In the wind

Bruised and shaken

And then

It stirs

Revived still alive

Rises again

The skies clear

The sun shines

Luck smiles

Once again

Life is good

Posted for One Shot Wednesday

Quote of the Week

The dead should not rule the living - Thomas Jefferson 

Photo credit: Cliff1066

There is a difference between following time-honored family traditions, and continuing to do a task the same way "my father and grandfather did", when changing with the times can make the task easier, more efficient or more cost effective. 

This quote is open to other interpretations.  Please feel free to share yours in the comment section.

It's Pool Time

She lies in the summer sun along side the pool, a romantic novel shading her face.  The cool water sparkles like a thousand diamonds.  Her radio is playing fun summer tunes.  Every 15 minutes comes the public service announcement, "Time to turn so you don't burn".  At this she rises and slowly descends into the water.

This was posted for Friday Flash 55.

All's Well That Ends Well"

Ever had a day like this?

It was a typical Tuesday morning at the Y.  After class, I walked out with my friend, Allie, and when we get to my car (actually hubby's car - yes I'm still driving it), she points at the car.  "There's something on your car."  I look, not expecting anything out of the ordinary, and see the front bumper with some vertical black streaks - it still didn't register.  I say "probably just dirt and some bird poop."  

"Hey, there's a note under your wiper" (which is usually an advertisement or someone looking to convert sinners).  It read "Someone hit your car...I didn't get the plate #."  

When I looked at the car again, this is what I saw.

Sad face!  Hey, I was just punched in the nose.

Although I didn't know it at the time, the lady who had the misfortune of backing into the car, was inside at the front desk trying to figure out how to find me.  By the time she came back out to get the license number, I'd already left.

Sometimes you get lucky though, and things aren't as bad as they seem at first.  Here is the after picture.

I'm so happy I can smile again!

Since we were all relieved that the injuries sustained were so easily mended, the fellow most responsible for the repairs (hubby's buddy, Ronnie) wrote this little ditty, obviously influenced by Little Miss Muffet.

Little Miss Linda

Had a little Bender

She hated the new curves and sway

When along came a mender

Who straightened her fender

Now she’s smiling away!

As a result of the little "bender", I met a nice young woman who treated me to lunch as an apology for hitting the car.  Accidents do happen, and all's well that ends well.