A Winter Garden

This beautiful photo sort of jolted me into making a list of all the winter-related tasks I need to do today before the weekend is over. 

• Drain hoses and store them in garage.
• Turn off water supply to outside faucets and drain them.
• Spread more wood chips before pile freezes.
• Buy some paperwhites to force.
• Bring in more firewood.

The first two items are the most important. Have a great weekend and I'll see you later.

In Flanders Fields

 

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

"In Flander's Field" is a memorable poem that was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in a cemetery in the Flanders region of Belgium on May 3, 1915, the day after the death of his young friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer.

Perhaps the most famous poem written during World War I, these simple but powerful fifteen lines, and the poppies they immortalize, have come to symbolize fallen soldiers. I thought this was a perfect remembrance for Veterans Day. My town had a little ceremony under the flag pole and a number of veterans in uniform attended.

Image: Painting by Willy Werner -- History of Veterans Day

French Wall Sconce

I just ran across this gilded figural wall sconce I bought years ago. It is not wired and has an odd (European) bulb holder so I really can't use it unless I convert it to hold a candle or have it rewired.

Adele sings 'Someone Like You' in her own home [video]

It's almost impossible to listen to the radio for any length of time without hearing Adele sing this beautiful song. I was delighted to find a video of her sharing the history of this song and then to be able to hear her sing it live from her home. The house tour is amazing. I'm glad she has a sweet little dog. Watch and listen here.

Coffee Cup on My Assistant's Head

I had a request for a picture of my folk art assistant with my coffee cup on his head. Here it is before my first sip of the day.  See how handy it is to have such a great item? The edge is burned from the days someone used it as a smoking stand. I'm sitting just to the left. Aren't you glad I don't have to reach 'all the way' over to the coffee table each time I want a sip of coffee while I'm blabbing blogging?

Remember to make a wish at 11:11 am today (11/11/11). You'll have to wait 100 years to do it again. You might as well stay up late and make another wish tonight at 11:11 pm. It can't hurt and remember to wish big.

Delightful Hot Spring in Japan

Shirahone Onsen 

'White Bone' Onsen (hot spring), named for the milky blue white minerals that make this water opaque. Wouldn't this be a delightful place to soak before bed? All that would be required is a trip to Japan. via Flickr

Saw Some Sheep Today | Finally

I was pretty far away while photographing these sheep this afternoon.

I wish I could borrow this one to graze at my house before I do my final cutting.

I was standing behind a fence along the road way back here. The barn is in front of the white colonial house.

The noon sun was shining so brightly I couldn't tell what I was doing here. I was on my way to pay my property taxes when I pulled over to take this shot. I can walk to this location but haven't seen these animals in ages. This flock of sheep is grazing on a property next to a Richard Meier contemporary. I love the juxtaposition. Once again I was very far away focusing directly into a blinding sun.

Babysitting for Peanuts

I wish I knew more about the history of this fascinating vintage photo from Life magazine showing an elephant nursemaid pushing a baby carriage. Were they running away to join the circus? via