Saturday, April 24, 2021

KELLY'S MOTHER IS IN THE HOSPITAL

For as long as I can remember Saturday mornings have always been my favorite time of the week.  And this morning was no exception.  For Pheebs and I, our travels today took us to a section of the Maitland Trail running through a bush lot.  With our weather finally decent again what a treat it was walking quietly along a forest path bordered by a carpet of Spring wildflowers.  Mornings air was still with only an occasional scampering Squirrel rustling through last October's Autumn leaves.  Had I had a chair I would have liked to just sit awhile there in the forest savoring all the magic in the air around me.  It was a special Saturday morning and one which I will tuck safely away in my memory for cloudy days ahead.

 HEADING OFF ON A FOREST TRAIL
 LAST YEAR I COULD REMEMBER THE NAME OF THESE PLANTS BUT THIS YEAR....NOT SO MUCH
 TRILLIUM
 HEADING BACK ALONG THE TRAIL TO THE JEEP
From the Maitland Trail area we were back into the Jeep and headed about a mile west to a favorite spot of mine where I have taken many photos over the last bunch of years.  The winding country road passes between two small lakes/ponds and it is here where we always stop and take ourselves for a country road walk.  Lots of interesting smells for Pheebs and always a sprinkling of enjoyable photos for me.  As soon as I stepped out of the Jeep I was surprised at all the sounds of nature around us.  Red-Wing Blackbirds in the trees along the road.  I could hear the distinctive sounds of a couple Northern Flickers as well as what sounded like a brigade of Pileated Woodpeckers beating on trees with their sledgehammer beaks.  Canada Geese honking and several other distant sounds I could not identify.  The faint fwapping of a helicopter blade told me there were male Grouse nearby beating their wings in hopes of attracting a Spring bride.  Yes, it was a special Saturday morning alright and I so much appreciated that in these troubled times.

 THIS LOCATION IS AT THE CONJUNCTION OF LITTLE LAKES ROAD AND RIVER LINE A FEW MILES EAST OF BENMILLER ONTARIO
 THAT FOREST OVER THERE WAS ALIVE WITH THE WONDERFUL SOUNDS OF NATURE
 LOOKS LIKE THE OLD HURON COUNTY WOOD GATOR HAS SURVIVED ANOTHER WINTER
 TADPOLES ON A CULVERT PIPE WHICH CONNECTS THE TWO PONDS 
 LILY PADS SPRING UP FROM THE MUDDY POND BOTTOM
 MARSH MARIGOLDS
 SOON MUCH OF THAT SURFACE WILL BE COVERED WITH WATER LILIES
 SKUNK CABBAGE AT THE WATER'S EDGE
 THIS MIGHT BE A LONG NOSE MOSSY SNOUT FISH
 'I WAS HERE FIRST' 'NO I WAS HERE FIRST'!!
Home again it was disappointing to hear an inconsiderate neighbor's loud radio blaring as usual now that the warmer weather is here.  That annoyance will go on for the rest of the season right through to late October.  Jet aircraft overhead, vehicles trundling by, train horns in the distance, an occasional barking dog, machinery working somewhere, or folks mowing their lawns I can handle, but let somebody crank up their music or talk and shout in loud voices I go right through the roof!!!! I figure it must be payback because of all the people I surely annoyed back in my bad old drinking days:((

 HERE'S PHEEBS TRACKING DOWN SOME ELUSIVE TADPOLES AT THE POND'S EDGE

Kelly's 96-year-old Mother was taken by ambulance to a hospital near Spencerport New York Friday morning after waking up with chest pains.  She's doing good but they are keeping her in the hospital to do additional tests, consider options, and possibly do some procedures.  She is in good spirits and looking forward to getting out of there and going home.  Due to the Covid thing Kelly hasn't seen her Mother in over a year but was planning on heading across the border to be with her Mother for Mother's Day this year.  Kelly has dual Canadian/American citizenship.  She may go a little earlier than planned now and has already been in touch with the Lewiston-Kingston border crossing station east of Niagara Falls to see what is necessary for her going and coming back again.  She may leave Sunday morning or a week from Sunday, or sometime in between.  Depends on how her Mother's upcoming tests go.

 KELLY ON A 'ZOOM' CALL FRIDAY NIGHT WITH HER BROTHER PETER AND SISTERS REBECCA AND KATHY
Although not in the hospital, my 94-year-old Aunt Jean in Sarasota Florida is not faring too much better at times.   Despite her mind being as sharp as a tack like Kelly's Mom, her body is breaking down around her and her mobility has been seriously compromised.  Both Kelly's Mom and my Aunt Jean are fiercely independent people and live alone in their own homes.  Life is steadily becoming increasingly difficult for both of these fine ladies.
GROANER'S CORNER:((  
Hellmann's Mayonnaise - a bit of history.
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as - Sinko De Mayo.
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- Anyone want to buy some exercise equipment?  I'm having a going-out-of-fitness sale.

The economy is so bad that: Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

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15 comments:

  1. I think the Sinko de Mayo joke is the worst joke I have ever heard. Really. And I've heard some bad groaners. This one tops the list. But I'm glad you had such a great day and have posted some wonderful photographs, the latter as usual. Some sturdy old women in the families of you and Kelly.

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  3. Aka = MOONFLY13. Hi Al, just to let you know I've been with you all along. I messed up my Google & blogger stuff and was unable to comment. I finally tried again. Hope this works.! Always love your furry Highland cattle and the baby llama a few days ago was so cute. Take care.

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    1. Always so great to hear from long time readers who are still hanging in there with me. Not a lot of you folks left anymore. I always appreciate your comments Moonfly:))

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  4. Wishing your Aunt and Kelley's mom many blessings and well wishes.

    Love the Kermit jokes !!

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  5. Praying for both Kelly's Mom and your Aunt Jean good health.
    Great Pictures Al
    Be Safe.

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  6. Absolutely lovely, lovely photos tonight and once again Miss Pheebs was the star!
    Prayers for Kelly's Mom and your Aunt Jean. Take care and safe travels for Kelly.

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  7. Those white flowers look like a weird cousin of a Paphiopedilum orchid. (Lady Slipper). The leaves do not match though.
    The Lily Pads look like they are mounted on coil car springs!
    P.S. Hi Pheebs!

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  8. Mike's Dad did so well until he reached his nineties, living alone, driving and like you said, his mind was sharp as a tack but his body was deserting him. I despise loud music--why do other people think everyone wants to listen to THEIR music?? When we go camping with Mike's son I have to remind the son that not EVERYONE wants to listen to his music, including me!

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  9. Sending good vibes to Kelly's Mom and your Aunt for improved health.

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  10. Such pretty bursts of Spring! Love the bright lillies with the cool cork screw roots. Hope the grand dames are feeling spry soon!!

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  11. Hope Kelly's mom is ok and Kelly arranges a good trip down there. Those green leaves you can't remember are the leaves of Bloodroot, quite a unique shape.

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  12. Sorry to hear about Kelly's Mom and Aunt Jean, most especially during these trying times. I sincerely hope that Kelly is allowed to cross the border. Here no one is allowed to visit anyone in the hospital no matter the circumstances. So hopefully she will be allowed to see her mother. Sending healing thoughts to both the ladies.

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  13. Thinking of you, Kelly. My 98-year-old mom lives independently in her house in Florida (with Meals-on-Wheels now bringing meals). Recently, she mentioned a chest-type pain and decided to check in with her doctor. She now has done that and not let me know anything yet... You have had a good mom, Kelly. Through this blog, I have come to know you as a loving and thoughtful reflection of her and very fortunate.

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  14. Sinko de Mayo. Ha Ha Ha. A good one. My last memory of skunk cabbage - age 8 or so in Lakehurst, New Jersey, woods, circa 1951-ish. Thanks, Al.

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