Friday, October 15, 2010

Tea and roses and the Friday Five


It rained all afternoon, a chilly October drenching. But rather than the feeling of melancholy that the rain sometimes brings, this one was actually somewhat comforting.

I loved listening to it.

It had tapered off by the time I made my way home, stopping to run some errands along the way. Just being inside the warm cocoon of the car with the wipers going was comforting in a way.

And then I got home to tea and roses.


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The bouquet was sent by friends for whom I’d done a favor and their gesture of thanks both touched and surprised me. I don’t know about you, but being the recipient of a completely unexpected bouquet of flowers elevates my happiness level tenfold.

And as if that wasn’t enough, there was tea poured for me as well.


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In my favorite mug.


It has a drizzle of honey and a splash of half and half. And Lord have mercy, did it ever feel good going down after being out and about in the cold, wet afternoon.

I could smell dinner cooking in the oven and I know I sound like a broken record, but I am so thankful to be able to come home to a warm house and someone who loves me. But I’m especially thankful when the house is scented with the aroma of something good cooking.

It’s luvin’ from the oven.


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He took pictures this morning, my husband did. He told me over dinner that he doesn’t know why he even bothers.




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After dinner I opened these.


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And I told him I’d have never seen this if he hadn’t shown it to me.

He told me they were nothing much and that it was a red sky in the morning, and you know what that means, he said.

But oh, what a morning!

:: ~ ::


And now, some questions for you that I found on Friday5.org.

Because today is the 64th birthday of Richard Carpenter, the questions are inspired by music from The Carpenters. Please play along, if you like.
  1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
  2. What always gets you down?
  3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about?
  4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?”
  5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun?
See you in the comments, my friends . . .

53 comments:

Country Girl said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
I think it's the premium bird seed my husband buys.

2. What always gets you down?

3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Coming home to tea and roses.

4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” The coolest place might have been at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the early 80's when it was closer to the ocean.

5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? These birds flying around me all day!

~ C.G.

JacksDad said...

Your words made me feel peaceful and for that I am thankful!

Chrissykat said...

1. Because for the past few years I've taken part in "Project Feeder Watch" through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology & they come to be fed, counted & documented!

2. Finding out one of my kitties isn't well.

3. Defintely eating yummy chocolates sent to me from London!

4. Taking in the beatiful winter wonderland on the snowy peaks in Vail & Aspen. Breathtaking.

5. My quest for weight loss has only just begun, today actually, 1 hour on the treadmill. Which I'm quite sure didn't even remotely burn off the calories in the chocolate I ate!!!

TexWisGirl said...

Loved, loved, LOVED the photos your husband took! Tell him he sent shivers down my spine w/ the beauty he shared with folks across the web today! :)

Char said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? to charm me with their song.
2. What always gets you down? stupid people not trying.
3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? going alone to see a legend (bob dylan) and sitting in the park to read while waiting for the concert to start.
4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” a top the sears town in chicago where i did just what ferris bueller did
5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? tomorrow.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me... they long to be... close to me.... (I know, ridiculous. I couldn't resist)

What always gets you down? Mean people.

If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? The incredible blueberry peach butter I discovered from Stonewall Kitchen!



Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” Top of the Rock, NYC.. but I'de rather be somewhere like Mt. Everest or the Grand Canyon or Niagra Falls.




What’s something in your life that has only just begun?

*sigh* gray hair.

Kate - visit my blog tonight to visit another.. a young man needs a miracle and I'm trying to enhance his birthday wish today. You might have some words of wisdom.

Lisa said...

I think your hubby should have a blog of photos .Wow . These are outstanding. How nice to have tea a lovely cup . Im a carb junkie so have been hitting the carbs this week . Working hard so I dont think it shows ..Yet.
Have a great night.

beth said...

1. because they have nests under our deck...barn swallow, but hey, i'll take them !
2. when my son thinks he'll never get hurt while living
on the edge.
3. visiting our local farmer's market on their last day of the season....their fresh broccoli and scallions were fantastic in my pasta dish i made for dinner.
4. i can't remember what the place was called, but we were in hong kong and the fishing village below us was amazing...
5. living without regrets...

Cloudia said...

"Look down on creation:

Blue Mts. of Jamaica.

Big Island (Hawaii) Saddle Road

New Hampshire's Bald Peak
(Franconia)

Kaui's Waimea Canyon

Flying!!

Warm Aloha from Waikiki

Comfort Spiral
><}}(°>

Country Girl said...

Karen, thanks for the link. I went and was saddened to hear all this young man has been through. He is my son's age.

It was beautiful to see all the love and support he has, though.

~ C.G.

Brynwood Needleworks said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? If I'm at my mum's, it's because she would mortgage her house to bring out the seed for them!

2. What always gets you down? Shopping for jeans.

3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Flying into Boston WITH my husband for the first time since I made TWO trips there ALONE two years ago. I got a dreaded phone call two years ago, telling me that he had to have emergency surgery (while visiting his brother on Nantucket), and we were all afraid he was going to die. He was in the hospital for three weeks. I was filled with joy that we were together for this trip...and that the love of my life is still in it.

4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” On the Blue Ridge Parkway, overlooking the Roanoke Valley...A truly beautiful view.

5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? I was just accepted to sing as an alto with the North Port Chorale (which husband accompanies on the drums). I haven't sung in a choir in at least 25 years...a little daunting, to say the least.

Thanks again for the Friday questionnaire, Kate. You know how much I love them! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Donna

suzanna said...

Oh this was so wonderful! Tea and roses on a rainy afternoon sound like the best thing in the world right about now. And your husband is very modestly talented! Those photos are beautiful. The Carpenters happen to my favorite band of all time (yes I am an old soul...)

Hope all is well!
xoxo

Low Tide High Style said...

So glad you came home to beautiful flowers and a spot of tea!

Tell your husband that I'm glad he bothers...those are beautiful pictures!

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? My first inclination was to say that they want to kill me...hmm did I mention I'm afraid of birds? Okay I'm not THAT afraid but still!

2. What always gets you down? When my husband has to go into his office instead of working from home, or when someone I love is sick.

3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? The stillness of the water and the reflection of the trees...it was beautiful!

4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” The London Eye

5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? Photography...and I'm loving it!

Glad you had a warm meal and a warm welcome home. Enjoy your weekend!

Kat :)

deborah said...

Please tell your husband to continue to take pictures..these are spectacular and I enjoy them so much. He is a dear to have tea and dinner ready for you!
1. My neighbors feed the birds, and I buy peanuts for the blue jays, so we have a chorus at all times!
2. A family member's lies, even as trivial as they seem
3. Enjoying time with good friends
4. The Grand Canyon
5. Photography, I've taken it up again, and am enjoying spotting the small things in nature

You are a gem, dear Kate!

Michelle said...

No time at this moment to answer the fun questions, but just have to say my hubby surprised me with flowers and chocolates this week; it was wonderful!

Hilary said...

Gorgeous photos as always.. both yours and your husband's.

1) They see me coming with the bird seed.
2) Bigotry
3) That sunrise.. goodness gracious, great ball of fire.
5) Cadillac Mountain in Maine
6) Photography

And you copped out on #2 ;)

Anonymous said...

1. Because they want to poop on me.
2. I don't want to talk about downers.
3. The rain that came after sundown.
4. The south rim of the Grand Canyon.
5. Raising Rowdy!

See ya tomorrow in Bloggyland!

Di

altar ego said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
Because they know I enjoy their color and song.
2. What always gets you down?
When people are cruel to one another, or to animals.
3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about?
Wrapping up baskets of themes and tying pretty bows on them.
4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?”
In a hot air balloon
5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun?
Being Nana.

Gayle said...

Ohhh, I will start with #5......my fave. As of this weekend I now have a daughter-in-law. She makes my son happy, and he, her. They make me happy.
4. Mt. Sawtelle in Idaho, 10K', I can see the Tetons in WY. from there.
3. Yesterday a pedicure and then lunch with Judy, a friend of 43 years.
2. ....thinking......
1. husband with the sunflower seeds was my first thought! :>

Dawn said...

Hahhhaaaa...oh! (gasp) hahe...
Your husband sounded like Eeyore out of Winnie the Pooh!
Those were Beautiful!!! Tell him they were wonderful captures:)))

Unknown said...

I agree with some of the other commentors, your hubby should start his own photography blog, they are stunning.

Annie said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear...well, that is what I would like to know. They have been coming to visit me quite often lately! Maybe to keep me company, or for to photograph.

2. Man's inhumanity to man.

3. Yesterday. I wish I could remember yesterday ;-) Family popping in to stay overnight.

4. coolest place ...so far, Empire State Building. sorry, there have been others. hard to pick the best.

5. My 9th grandchild. Can't wait.

Annie said...

ps. Forgot to say...

Love your husband's photos. Amazing. Please tell him. As well as yours, Kate!

Annie said...

Gosh, here I am again...I
knew there was something special about yesterday...is it possible to write a pretty pop song about rescuing the miners?

the wanna be country girl said...

You're a very lucky lady! I know you already know that, but I just had to say it. and you just made me hope for rain today.
Thanks,
the wanna be country girl

Ellen said...

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Because I feed them!

What always gets you down? Sad movies - they always make me teary eyed.

If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Funny you ask - buying bird seed! Went on an outing with my parents and husband to buy bird seed at a feed store. And then getting home and checking the feed store nearby and finding out that their price was twice what I paid on my trip.

Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” Up in the helicopter in Alaska, over the glacier. It was cool, literally and figuratively.

What’s something in your life that has only just begun? The second half century - I hope!

Jayne said...

1. Definitely because they know I feed them!
2. Hearing about cruelty to others.
3. Driving along and singing to Karla Bonoff.
4. Flying into Ireland?
5. Learning who I am and how to nurture me.

Nurse Nancy said...

1. Birds appear every time JBM and I go out for coffee. Yes coffee....he gets decaf. There are beautiful trees near by, full of birds.
2. Watching my Mom get older and caring less about life.
3. Not sure any part of my Thursday was worth a pretty pop song...frenzied maybe....
4. Coolest place to look down on creation? Viewing the Grand Canyon from a helicopter. Scary at the time but so cool.
5. Watching my child grow up...and the second half century for me.

Alli said...

1. I carry bird seed in my pocket!
2. Feeling like situations in my life are out of my control.
3. It's probably a combination of my friends 21st birthday and the National Science Teachers Association meeting. That would be a WILD pop song.
4. Either taking a simple hike on Skyline Drive (simple and beautiful) or perhaps taking a plane into Glasgow. I nearly cried it was so pretty!
5. Teaching in a sixth grade classroom!

Alli said...

PS - Your husband doesn't take enough credit for himself but I'm glad you recognize the beauty that's there. How wonderful to come home to tea and dinner in the oven!

Country Gal said...

Hubby did a wonderful job with the photos ! It mudt of felt like you were in heaven when you got home to nice flowers the smell of supper in the oven and the best one for me a cup of tea ! How wonderful ! Have agreat day !

Lucia said...

The photos are beautiful...love them!
answers to friday5

1. because I have crumbs or you have crumbs on yourself...
2. not having enough money do things gets me down
3. the part where I got drunk and made it home by 11:30
4.Scarborough Bluffs, Scarborough, ON get place to look down on creation or the Lake.
5. Car payments!

Have a great weekend Country Girl

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Why do birds suddenly appear-because they're less afraid of me than the hundreds of killer cats in the yard.

What always gets you down? Having to go to work.

If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Nothing about yesterday was pretty. I could have written a dozen country songs, one of which was "I done finally got around to cleaning that cat puke off the carpet."

Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” The Grand Canyon and the Grand Tetons. They were both grand.

What’s something in your life that has only just begun? A goatee. I didn't ask for it either.

Unknown said...

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? It's migration season. The Canadian geese are flying through the mitten this time of year.

2. What always gets you down? Rainy days and Sundays? Wait, That's part of another song.

3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Snuggling up with my husband on the couch to watch tv (we'll pretend it was something more cultured than Jersey Shore)

4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” Waimea canyon in Hawaii. You could see so far, you could see the curvature of the earth over the horizon.

5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? My puppy! He's such a fiesty little furball.

Linda said...

All your questions set my mind into deep thought and contemplation except this one. "Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” This one took me immediately to the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs, Colorado where I used to love to sit high on the mountainside and watch the eagles catch the thermals. sigh.

Ashley Sisk said...

Alright, I'm not answering any questions...but I did want to comment on your husbands photos...WOW! Sometimes men don't even know what they've got right there in front of them. Those were amazing.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely, lovely photos! I should have as much talent in my whole body as your hubby (and you) have in your little fingers! Unexpected tea and roses are perfect for a rainy day. Wonderful post!

Loved The Carpenters; love the Friday 5 - my first time to play along.

1. Birds appear when my spirits need a lift. I'm convinced they are messengers.
2. "Friends" who betray your confidences.
3.Getting inspiration, at almost the midnight hour, for a card design that I needed to have before Monday.
4. Looking down from an airplane and seeing icebergs floating in the North Atlantic, then catching a glimpse of The Emerald Isle; it really does glow like a jewel in the blue sea.
5. My 76th year on earth.

onebadscrivener said...

Thanks to you and all your commenters (especially Cloudia, since I'm writing this in Hawaii) for participating in this week's friday 5! Did you skip number 2 because you were just too terrific a mood to contemplate being brought down? :)

Anonymous said...

Love, love the photos your dh took. Well, I like the rose and tea photos too. Makes me want to make a nice pot of tea and just kick back.

Rocky Mountain Yankee said...

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
Probably because my daughter is chasing them towards me.

What always gets you down? When my plans don't work out like I want them to.

If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about?
Yesterday was pretty ho hum. Let's see, shopping for shoes with my four year old daughter might work.

Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?”
Tie. Mt. Batty in Camden, Maine and Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, Colorado where you are just looking down on the entire city of Fort Collins and can see up into Wyoming.

What’s something in your life that has only just begun? Nurturing my daugther's love of horses.

Judi said...

1. Because....... I keep birdseed in my pocket?
2. Cold coffee
3. We went to dinner at a Mexican food place, I would write about how fabulous the chips and salsa were.
4. I looked down on creation from a Gondola in Estes Park, CO and that was incredible.
5. My life in California with the Mister.
(I am not "that girl" who keeps birdseed in my pocket. I was just.... playing along :) )
Thanks for the pictures! Great mug!!

The JR said...

1. it's my hens and they think they are getting food scrapes!

2. cruelty to animals

3. the great meal I had waiting on me and was called into as I parked my car

4. top of our creek bank

5. a new friendship that is developing

Mental P Mama said...

1. Well for one thing, I own a bird....
2. Rude people.
3. Having dinner with my son!
4. The mountains in Montana. Sigh.
5. Fledging children....

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?

I'm a pretty happy person and I try to have a smile on my face as much as possible...what's the point of life if you're always grumpy!

What always gets you down?
administrators who make decisions based on what they want or $ with absolutely no consideration for students, teachers and/or the classroom...aren't those things what school is supposed to be about?? (I'm not smiling now btw)


If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about?

The part about how I managed to accomplish most everything I had to do yesterday (except for one thing my 17 yr. old sprung on me at the last minute)...it would be a pumpin' song!



Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?”

New Mexico at the top of a mountain looking down on the beautiful countryside...the colors...the sky...gorgeous!


What’s something in your life that has only just begun?

the letting go process...I have two daughters who will begin the process of leaving the nest over the next two years...I'm not dealing with it as well as I thought I would so far.

Cait O'Connor said...

Tell your man that he takes magnificent photos and I am so glad he bothered. Yours too are wonderful. A lovely lovely post (as is your blog). I will answer your questions on my blog, great idea the song thing.

A Scattering said...

1. Because they know a photo op when they see one!
2. the bathroom scales
3. the sight of contrails in the sky on my way to work - I can't write songs but I did post a photo of it on my blog for Skywatch Friday.
4. from the top of Long Point Lighthouse, Twillingate, Newfoundland.
5. My newfound appreciation for walking trails

mrs mediocrity said...

You tell your husband we are glad that he bothers, beautiful pics!

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
My husband would say it's because he is one with the animal kingdom. (He says this all the time).

2. What always gets you down?
Thinking about money. Mostly the lack of it.

3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? That's a tough one, I was sick on the couch all day.

4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” The Adirondack Mountains.

5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun? My writing, at least my renewed dedication to it.

Andi said...

I for one am really glad your husband "bothers" to take those photos, cause lord knows I don't get up that early!

My answers - and attempts to be funny...however futile they may be!

1. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just to be close to me!
2. What always gets you down? Gravity. *snicker*
3. If you had to live yesterday once more (literally yesterday, as in Thursday the 14th), which part might be worth writing a pretty pop song about? Rain drops falling on my head....
4. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been where you could look “down on creation?” - Smokey Mtns Tenn...just gorgeous. No joke there!
5. What’s something in your life that has only just begun?
*we've only just begun...the weekend!!

maillady said...

always nice to come home to a surprise... pictures are beautiful.

1.maybe because they know i feed them.
2.when my children are unhappy
3.the part where some of my kids came over for dinner. it was a great night. we are family.... i got all my kids with me ( well some of them)
4. two times. once in a hot air balloon over lancaster ,pa and once sky diving over williamstown , nj. both times i felt like i was floating. i love hanging around the sky.
5.my daughters new baby growing in her.

Donna S. said...

I love love love the Carpenters. It was sooo sad when Karen died.
1. Mockingbirds chasing me away from their nest!
2. Everytime I hear that someone else I know has cancer....so much of it.
3. Coming home to a home & husband I love.
4. Helicopter tour in Kauai.
5. I'm afraid old age aches & pains (sorry to be a downer)

GailO said...

Your husband's sunrise photos are breathtaking Kate...I'm so happy he does it without knowing why...most of the photos I take I don't know why either...except that it makes me happy:)

1. I can only think of the birds of happiness...if you are happy you see happy things.

2. Thinking of departed loved ones...I wish thinking of them made me happy but it still makes me sad....

3. The rescue of the miner's in Chile for sure...they probably aready have several songs written for them! It's either that or a song about grocery shopping:)

4. I have been in planes quite a few times and never tire of looking out the window and seeing how different the world looks from above...

5. Retirement:) and photography:)

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Well, it's Saturday, but I DO love your pink roses and red sky photos!

Here goes!

1. Because I love their joyful song.

2. Bills! Bills! Bills!

3. Going to the fair with my grandkids--the six yr. old said it was the most awesome day of his life! I could sing about that!

4. The hope of working from home--at least part-time!

Deb said...

1. to remind me of the beauty of our world

2. seeing unhappy people

3. listening to my grandson giggle

4. on a jet plane

5. spending time with my 3 1/2 month old grandson...watching how fast they grow and change


Your husbands photos are beautiful...I love the carpenters...I sing Close to you to mind grandson...just like I did to my son and daughter when they were babies...