Good Thing Cats Don’t Like Strawberries in Everyday Ramblings

  • May 18, 2014, 9:46 a.m.
  • |
  • Public

This iris was in a random suburban yard near a shady spot in the parking lot down the hill and across the busy street from where we went birding on Thursday.

The powers that be are doing a massive water retention and restoration project out there as well as revamping the actual wildlife area parking lot and visitor center. It has been going on since we have been going there. They are almost finished. We will miss the friendly traffic director guy who has been out there in all seasons getting everybody safely organized.

I love the shape and texture of this particular flower. We had iris like this growing up and Kes and I had a nostalgic moment in the bright morning remembering spring when we were kids, that wonderful freedom of healthy energy and unstructured days. She is retired of course but there are obligations we have when we are older that just weren’t there when she would blindfold my brother and I and pack us into the wheelbarrow and take us on journeys of earthy delights using fabrics and spices and sound effects all without leaving the backyard.

She was a wonderful storyteller even then. I watched an interesting interview with Jo Nesbo on Charlie Rose from last week yesterday and he talks about how for him everything is about telling a story. In music, his mysteries, movies or television. I am not sure I would like his books, they sound very dark but I got a sample of the first one.

Yesterday morning I managed to get to the farmers market just after the opening bell and I am so glad I did. I got a box of just picked fresher than fresh bursting with flavor sweet strawberries. First of the season and worth standing in line for. They were going to sell out within two hours. Talk about your earthly delights! And one I didn’t need to share with Sammy.

I also splurged and bought a mason jar full of local honey. Peach blossom honey. For my caffeine needs I am drinking more green tea and I am sweetening the iced version with a little agave and honey mixed. I also picked up a French Peppermint plant. It is so much better, if I have the time, to make my own rather than drinking store bought, which is so sweet.

My oldest sister’s surgery is scheduled this coming Wednesday. It is amazing how her surgery is affecting us all. She had the colostomy bag fitting this week and it was not a pleasant experience as you can imagine.

It seems like to have a successful and graceful run of it in these later years one just plain has to face things head on and accept the unacceptable.

It is a tempering. “A habit of mind, especially with respect to irritability or patience, outbursts of anger, or the like; disposition: an even temper.”

Sweet sun warmed strawberries do help though. :)


Lyn May 18, 2014

The iris is an incredibly beautiful thing.

I have been on a strawberry kick lately. I envy you your fresher than fresh strawberries!

Sending good thoughts to you and your sister and the rest of the family.

ThoughtsAfter May 18, 2014

I'll be thinking of you and your sister--I have had so much on my plate but now, I can again open my eyes a bit to my my friends' lives and challenges. My under fifty year old ex-now daughter in law endured this a few years ago. So I know a bit generally of what is involved.

ThoughtsAfter May 18, 2014

Like that iris, too--had a lot of those in VA...such beauties.

woman in the moon May 18, 2014

I meant to write this sooner. I worked with a woman who had had a colostomy in her early twenties. She's now in her early 60s. She had two children after her surgery. She also needed 17 units of blood during her illness so she is a poster child for the purpose of blood donation.

I realize this doesn't relate to your sister directly - or even very much at all - but it does say that some of these terrible things aren't the end of the world. I hope things go well for your sister.

seedys May 18, 2014

Have I heard this called a 'chocolate' iris? Or did I dream that up? Praying for your sister and the whole family. What is serious for one is serious for all in these circumstances. I read a book a while back written by a lovely actress, "Don't die of shame" or something like that which talks about her surgery and need for a colostomy bag. Brightly written and if I can think of the whole name or author, I will let you know.

My mouth is watering over the thought of fresh strawberries, sunwarmed and sweet, perfect in every bite. I love mine dipped in powdered sugar and eaten whole. And the honey! and mint plant! You are wonderfully blessed by the abundance of fresh food. Count those blessings!

gypsy spirit May 19, 2014

shape and texture, colour and form..... yes a truly lovely Iris. as for strawberries.....you are making my mouth water....its the wrong season for them here. Enjoy every sweet juicy mouthful. hugs p

Linda May 19, 2014

Human bodies are amazingly fragile and amazingly resilient. Good wishes for your sister.

I love Jo Nesbo's writing. His books are dark, but he is such a good writer that I often am amazed that I'm reading a detective novel or thriller. I'm not sure you'd like his books either, but they are worth a look.

Iris are among my favorite flowers.

edna million May 23, 2014

What a great sister Kes must have been! And still is, of course. She sounds like lots of fun.

Beautiful iris - I don't see that color much here. As for the strawberries --- YUM!

You must be logged in to comment. Please sign in or join Prosebox to leave a comment.