Hero for Hobo

I think I deserve a medal! This morning started out routine enough. Turn on the coffee pot, feed the kitties, pull out a pan to start oatmeal for breakfast. As I put the pot on the stove and turned to get the oatmeal out of the cupboard, I glanced outside. The first thing I saw was the kitty that hunts in the meadow in the back. We've named him Hobo. He was sitting at the edge of the meadow, waiting for his breakfast to stir. He is incredibly patient in that regard. But then, I saw a flash out of the ordinary. A coyote was ambling through the mowed section of the meadow! The coyote was coming around the side of the brush pile, where Hobo was hunting on the other side! 

It all happened so quickly. I saw the coyote, minding his own business, just out for a morning saunter. Hobo hunting as per usual. As soon as the coyote rounded the brush pile, he did a double take as he saw Hobo. He then started purposely to head in Hobo's direction. Simply a few human strides away! I went to the back door. Opened the latch. Both animals looked immediately in my direction. I simply stepped onto the deck, at which point the coyote turned tail and ducked into the tall hedge surrounding the tree line closer to the river.

Setting the Scene

Hobo simply looked at me as if to ask,  "Can't you see I'm hunting here?" I don't think Hobo had the slightest idea that a coyote was a mere pounce away from him. 

Sitting in the usual hunting spot.

Hobo returned to hunting. By the time the oatmeal was ready, Hobo was munching on his breakfast. At least he wasn't coyote breakfast!

Joy Field Farms

Stay simple hearted and shine forth.

Last night we were Mystery Guests at Joy Field Farm. Whenever there is a fifth Thursday in the month, each family on the farm invites a surprise guest. What a welcome! The flower gardens are absolutely in their prime, making me feel comfortable before I met one person. 

The three families that live at Joy Field Farms are all loving, accepting people. I have met a few of them over the years, but know none of them well. I know they all care for Tim, so I was anxious to make a good impression. No need for worries! They welcomed me as if they have known me for years. 

Tables and tables of food. More tables with space for all to gather around. I didn't think I should take pictures of everyone, but their smiles, conversation, and laughter are etched in my memory. I couldn't have been happier to watch Tim with old friends; standing with one in front of the barn in deep conversation about sustainable energy, talking with another about organic gardening and composting. 

At this moment, I can think of nothing but peace and tranquility in living such a life in such a beautiful country setting.


After the dinner was over, we were given a short tour of Joy Field Farms. The flower gardens anchor the stone house. Tables set up between the house and the vegetable gardens in back, beyond the barn. The other house on the property has a windmill in the process of being renovated to pump water into storage tanks to use for garden irrigation. The barn has been fitted with two huge solar panels so the families can utilize the sun for most of the electric energy to run the farm. Another family with two grade school boys live in a yurt.  They were playing soccer in the field beyond, with a regulation soccer net set up. What a remarkable home! All the families heat their homes with wood. 

The farm has a chicken coop with about 40 hens and one rooster. They gather the eggs and actually deliver them to customers in town. These last several years I've been blessed to have access to fresh eggs. So much so that I would love to have a couple of hens of my own. Grateful others are able to raise hens so that there are always plenty of fresh eggs available to me. Such a difference they make in cooking!


There was a stand of some of the most remarkable rhubarb I've ever seen in my life! So, at this very moment a rhubarb crisp is baking in the oven. We'll take it to The Cottage tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to stop on the way there for some ice-cream. What a wonderful treat so share, warmed again and perhaps sitting on the deck at sunset.

Here is a link for the recipe I used. Changed a bit by adding chopped walnuts. And (of course) more cinnamon and nutmeg than was called for.  http://windowontheprairie.com/2012/04/25/rhubarb-crisp/

Cut Rhubarb

Added crisp toppings

Life simply just doesn't get much better than this!

Waiting for Birdsong

"Hope" is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all

And sweetest - in the Gale -is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I've heard it in the chillest land - 

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

~ Emily Dickinson

Today a turtle dove has been sitting in the redbud tree. Of course, waiting for a warm and sunny spring day, like the rest of us!

Seems fitting, somehow, after thinking of birds so much the last day or two. 

Derrick sent me a picture of a bird that had been "hanging out" with him in a parking lot for about 20 minutes, waiting for a store to open on Sunday morning. The gull reminded both of us of the days that Henri found us. I asked Derrick if he had a special stash of seeds in his pocket to entice the bird over. "No and no!" Derrick responded, knowing he won't take a bird into his life now. 

Later in the day, T and I went to the lake. We really just stopped by on our way home from a trip to Wisconsin and Illinois. Made a quick perusal of The Cottage and how spring looks at the lake. Thankfully, the grass won't need to be mowed for a week or two, still a bit too chilly for that. Henri's dogwood tree is far from ready to blossom. But I looked at Henri's favorite curved branch, thinking of our days together. 

In the night, I dreamt of a small bird that gotten into a building somehow. Of all the people there, I was the one that was able to gently catch it in my hands to take it outside to safety. A little girl walked along with me, to watch how it would fly away. The bird was not really a bird I've seen before, but a small brownish/yellowish song bird. It obviously felt comfortable in my presence. Once outside the building, when I opened my hands to let it fly away, it simply stayed in my cupped hands, enjoying a sort of walk with me. 

Can't imagine what that dream might actually mean, but it left me with a good feeling. Longing all the more for a warm and sunny spring day to enjoy birdsong!

Retirement Changes

"We're all just walking each other home."

~ Ram Dass

My parents have lived in Bloomington, Illinois for about 24 years. Longer than they have lived anywhere. None of us lived with them in their home there, all grown and gone by the time they moved there. Still, I think of it as home. 

They lived in that house before Derrick was born. We visited there when he was just a baby, going there as often as we could fit into a busy, growing up life. He would ride on the back of the tandem bicycle with Grandpa, feet resting on the make-shift foot rest before he could reach the pedals. During grade school years, Derrick visited there during the summer. He attended Space Camp, went camping with Grandpa, and built model airplanes. When in high school the visits changed a bit. We went for family events, like when Grandpa retired and the funeral service for Great Grandma. Derrick started driving when we went. It was a constant in his life that our own lives didn't provide. Moving, divorce, lots of changes. But Grandma and Grandpa's home was always the same.

Visiting Mom and Dad there was always a special event. Favorite foods, going somewhere I'd never been before, spending time in the garden, laughing while sharing memories of growing up years. I hope that Derrick always feels as special in my home when he returns as an adult. 

About a month ago I was able to take T there for the first time. Even though I never lived there, I thought that would give him a more complete picture of where (who, actually) I'm from.

Dad called the other day. They had just returned from a visit to my sister and brother-in-law in Scottsdale, Arizona. Daddy doesn't usually place the calls. So I was clearly paying attention when I answered the phone. He said the trip to Arizona was great. One morning Mom told him, "I can imagine myself living here." Well, that's all it took! He went to see a realtor that very day. Dom showed them a neighborhood they should look at, just a mile from their winter home. An offer was made and accepted. They are moving! They'll list their house in Bloomington soon. They want each of us to consider taking family pieces we might be interested in, the remainder will go to an estate sale. They'll move some of their favorite things with them and purchase other things they need to complete their home when they relocate. 

Mom and Dad plan to visit the Midwest when the family typically gathers; Independence  Day at the lake, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in Lake Bluff. When they come in the summer we have already discussed the possibility of their visit to our home for a week or so. The idea is that when they come for a longer stay, we will have more quality time together. Hopefully T and I will be able to visit them in their new home once in awhile. 

As my brother said, "They never do anything spontaneous! I'm happy for them, just surprised." 

Both of them have more excitement in their voices than I've heard in a long time. It is a wonderful thing to consider something so new at this point in their lives. It could be something that brings them closer together than they have been in a long time. What a way to start retirement years!

Spring Rain

The quieter you become, the more you can hear. 

~ Yasutani Roshi

Today is the first day of Spring rain. The rain washes down the deck, just swept yesterday from the remnants of Winter. 

I absolutely had to sit outside yesterday. It was the first time that it was warm enough to be outside without a jacket. Lunch, tea with a friend, and some pages read. Not to mention the sweeping, cleaning of tables, poking around in the gardens to see what is waiting to reveal itself to us. So glad I took that opportunity to enjoy the air and sunshine!

The beginning of the Spring rains marks three months in our home. Three months of our married life. The beginning of a new season together. So even though many people don't like the rain . . . this rain is symbolic in the newness of all that lies before us still. The end of the long Winter, coldest on record, and with the most snowfall anyone can remember. 

Just a few moments ago a streak of lightening bolted across the sky. Then the resulting long, low rumble of thunder, actually felt in the floor of the house. Tommy, always afraid of loud noises, ran to hide under the bed. Bitty stayed with me, wondering what his fuss was all about. He has now safely retreated to the fluffy bed that he hasn't even used since we moved into the house.

The wind takes the chimes, making beautiful music in combination with the falling rain. The peaceful melody of our home. 

At 10:00 each morning (or as close to it as I can remember) I've taken a picture out into the meadow of our backyard. I should have thought to start this earlier in the year. But the progression of March has shown the changes that happen, ever so gradually, in the coming of Spring. Sometimes there has been snow. Sometimes the river is much closer than normal. The green starts to reveal itself. 

March 12

March 15

March 23

March 28

March 30

Each day shows its wonder.

St. Patrick's Day

May the long time sun shine upon you,

All love surround you, 

And the pure light within you

Guide your way home.

~ An Irish Blessing

This has been a long winter. Long and cold. Not in a bad way. This winter has been the happiest I have ever been. The light of love has been shining bright.

Still, everyone longs for the green to return to northern Indiana. So I looked back at some of my favorite summer green scenes from last summer. Hope springs eternal and on this day of celebrating the green, I needed to see some. The meadow behind our house will soon turn green. We long to discover what plants will shoot up. And to add our personal stamp to the yard. I'm trying to be patient!

It was a joy to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with T. Early in our courtship we spoke of being both a wee bit Irish. So, our first St. Patrick's Day together was yet another reason to celebrate. Dinner of Potato Leek Soup and my nearly famous Irish Soda Bread. Guiness, of course. Along with Dubliner cheese. It is such a delight to cook for him! 

Faith in Poetry

We all sit around in a circle and suppose,

but the secret sits in the center and knows.

~ Robert Frost

Last week I was asked to share some thoughts on faith with a group of college students at the weekly chapel service. What do I know about that? But share I did, to a group of very attentive, gracious, promising students.

I have found my faith by being able to sit still enough to listen to the God voice I have within myself. My grandmother taught me at an early age to listen to what she called "angel thoughts." As I've sought to find my meaning in life, I have come to realize that I find the presence of God when I am centered in quiet. One of the easiest ways for me to center myself is in nature. I also find the quiet in seated meditation. During those times, my heart is full and my mind is empty. I am then able to connect to the highest, formless intelligence that is Divine Love.

It has been a struggle to learn how to be still and quiet enough to make this magic happen. Some days are easier than others to reach that space. Yoga helps. Stepping aside from the busyness of life helps. Writing helps. Poetry helps. Nature helps.

As my prayer became more attentive and inward

I had less and less to say.

I finally became completely silent.

I started to listen

- which is even further removed from speaking.

I first thought that praying entailed speaking.

I then learnt that praying is hearing,

not merely being silent.

This is how it is.

To pray does not mean to listen to oneself speaking,

Prayer involves becoming silent,

And being silent,

And waiting until God is heard.

~ Soren Kierkegarrd

Poems such as this provide an example to me of how God is at the center of my heart. This center is the invisible and untouchable space within all of us. This is the Namaste, the good within each of us, that is only seen from the heart, not from our physical senses. This is the thought within the thought that is God. I find this pure magic, much as Rumi says:

Every tree and plant in the meadow seemed to be dancing,

Those which average eyes would see as fixed and still.

~ Rumi

The college students provided a warm and welcoming audience to my thoughts about faith. Perhaps not the usual thing that is heard in a chapel. I was honored to be with them. I was also honored that my husband was present and accepts my sharing in such a loving, unconditional way. Life is beautiful.

Prayer is the little implement

Through which men reach

Where presence-is denied them

They fling their speech

By means of it-in God's Ear-

If He then hear-

This sums the Apparatus

Comprised in Prayer-

                                       ~Emily Dickinson