Sunday, April 22, 2012

The magic is inside you

 

It’s Sunday night and I’m watching Birdsong on Masterpiece Theater. It’s a beautiful production. I took several hundred photos beginning on Thursday but they are all for events held at our school. I just finished processing the first set of them and it’s late and I’m tired . . .

These are images I took this weekend using my camera phone with an app called Little Photo, which was recommended by a person who left a comment here. I checked my apps before I downloaded it and saw that I already had it. And then I remembered that my friend, Alisa, had told me I should get it. How I had forgotten it all this time is beyond me, but it’s par for the course where I’m concerned.

 

p20120421-150733

Sitting and reading in the side yard on Saturday afternoon. I thought it was going to rain and was surprised at what a nice day it turned out to be.

 

p20120421-145801

I hope the lawn service comes this week.

 

p20120421-150335

He sits with me.

He’s my faithful companion.

 

p20120422-094932

Coming up the driveway Saturday morning.

: : :

I sat a the dinner table last night with my son. We had finished eating and my husband had already left the table. We were just sitting and looking at the view outside the breakfast nook window. All the cardinals come at dinnertime and we watched as some of the males took seeds to their lady friends. I turned to my son and mentioned again how lucky we were to live here and retold the story of how we had come to acquire the position of caretakers for this old manor house on the hill.

I told him that I couldn’t believe how everything came together and how I was in the right place at exactly the right moment and I said again how luck played such a big part in it. And my son said, “and magic”.

 

p20120422-211949

Every time I come up this driveway, I believe in magic.

 

p20120422-095705

George loves to go for rides in the car when I run errands (as do most dogs, come to think of it). When I open the back hatch, it cheers me to see his furry face.

 

p20120422-205956

It’s been raining all day which is a wonderful thing, although this image is a little freaky -looking.

: : :

And now, because inquiring minds want to know, I have some questions for you ~ on a Monday rather than a Friday.

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries?

2. When was your first kiss? And who!

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections?

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?

See you in the comments, my friends . . .

123 Signature[5]

56 comments:

Country Girl said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries?
Only one country. And five states: MD, VA, PA, NJ, FL.

2. When was your first kiss? And who!
In second grade, sitting on a swing with Michael Newman (my first boyfriend). I still remember his birth date.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections?
Usually, I stare straight ahead but once I actually went and bought someone a sandwich and a cold drink. He really looked hungry and it was so hot out. He said, "bless you m'am." And it felt good.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?
No one from grade school. Warren, Peg, and Colleen from high school. And Alan.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?
If money was not an issue, I would buy a home.

~ C.G.

Low Tide High Style said...

I will have to try and add that app, though I'm horrible at phone pics...yours are inspiring me though! Our dogs both love to go along on errands too, we took them out to pick up dinner tonight.

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries? I have only lived in 2 states, and only visited a handful of foreign countries...sheesh, I am boring!

2. When was your first kiss? And who! Well if by kiss you mean "real" kiss I was 16 and his name was Ted...he was a junior in college...scandalous!


3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? I worry about them getting hit actually. A friend once told me something I still remember, she said that God doesn't care what the person does with the money, He/She just cares that you gave it to someone in need. Even though you know I'm not overly religious, I like to think that I would always help a person in need, even if I'm wary of what they do with the money.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? Oh geez, I still have lots of friends from grade school, middle, high, and college. I guess that goes hand in hand with only living in 2 states your whole life?!

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?
Travel and a big @## 800 mm lens!

And I think it was both luck and magic that you found the manor and it found you!

Kat

JaneK said...

1. 3 states and one country
2. just before I turned 16 with Mike Johns my first boyfriend (swoon!)
3. i usually ignore but sometimes will buy someone food if they are asking for it and really want it; never give money
4. most of my closest friends are from grade school and high school but they live in another city (most) so never see but still close in heart; my BFF I have known since we were babies
5.for daily living kind of things, I would splurge on a housekeeper! for entertainment, I would splurge on travel!!

Cloudia said...

Yes, we are lucky in our companions!



Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

> < } } (°>

><}}(°>

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

1. How many states have you lived in? Officially I live in MA, but we spend weekends in ME (I'm a lucky girl!) How many countries? Just the USA

2. When was your first kiss? 7th grade, playing spin the bottle. And who! Joey S.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? It makes me sad.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? Oh gee, yes, lots in fact. How about high school? The same people! LOL!!!

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? A home designed by Sarah Susanka!

Since you're a "Maineac" you need to visit my most recent post. I think you'll like it!

Have a wonderful week! Oh, beautiful photos by the way! Your home is stunning!

bv said...

you will sleep with a smile..a moment with your son and he touched your heart. and mine
*states..3..calif, nevada, texas
usa
*brad walton hid behind the man door of his garage and attacked me.. 5th grade...sloppy. a wonder i got close enough to anyone again to produce children.
*not so nice...but i do alot at a food closet...
*i have my 'sista's..7..we have been together since bc...or at least 3rd grade. 7 of us and we are tight.
*money. i want to supply a rv in the parking lot of stanford medical center for families that are in a emergancy situation without a ounce of energy to find a place to sleep. it would be a comfy home....and i plan to do this!

GailO said...

Aren't those phone apps addictive:) I just had a post of only phone pics too:)

1. "RI born and RI bred and when I die I'll be RI dead" these are lyrics to a state song that do happen to apply to me:)

2. My first kiss was at a 4-H fair behind the cow barns:) His name was Anthony and I was not impressed!

3. I will admit that I try very hard not to make eye contact and ignore them.

4. I don't see them often but I am still friend with a few people from elementary school. My high school friends are the same as my elementary school friends:) When we do see each other it seems like no time at all has passed. My best friend however died from cancer a few years ago.

GailO said...

5. If I won the jackpot and had all kinds of money the only thing I would want is a house on the water...any water:)

Anonymous said...

Your driveway is magical.
1. MO, PA, IL, NV, CO, UT, and New Mexico.
2. my first kiss was Rich and I was 15.
3. I feel very ambivalent when people are begging. I don't know their story and yet I just wonder why they don't get jobs.
4. Just on facebook am I still friends with people from highschool.
5. I would have a well dug on our property so we wouldn't have to haul water anymore.

peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

Jill of All Trades said...

Good morning...I love these...
1. I have lived in two states, Oklahoma and Arkansas. I am 55 years old and lived in Arkansas 1 year of this life.

2. First kiss, easy! Carry McC-on the church van after seeing the movie, The Cross and the Switchblade. I was 14 years old, 9th grade! The first time I was in love too!

3. People begging, I turn my head and ignore. It's because I have seen some walk a bit and get into really nice cars and take off. Sets my teeth on edge. I give at the appropriate places.

4. Still friends with lots of people I went to grade school, junior high and high school. Recently reconnected with my high school best friend after nearly 40 years. It has been awesome!

5. The one thing I would splurge on would be my own art studio somewhere, separate from the house.

Barb T. said...

1. I have lived in 3 states: Wisconsin (will always love!!!!!); Florida (not fond of); and my new home, Maine (love it here!!)

2. Kurt Tilson--I had a major crush on him during high school.

3. I hate it and look away.

4. No; but I wish I could find some of friends. Alas, Facebook hasn't helped with them.

5. There is a piece of property right on the mountain where I live; it has a beautiful view of the White Mountains, etc. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!!!

I haven't posted lately, but I love these 5 question posts, Kate! Your place looks beautiful; we have rain--much needed--coming down right now. It will help with all of the greenery!
Barb

Cheryl said...

!. One country, three states, back in Rhode Island, the state in which I was born!
2.7th grade spin the bottle Chris Vander"something"
(he was cute and I did have a crush on him)
3. People begging, I give water or soda or granola bars that are in my car. I am never organized enough to have a bag full of something.
4. I am close to two friends from high school. They were incredibly supportive while Kenny was ill, and have been "watching over me" since his death.
5. A small apartment in Boston. I love the city, and it would be such a treat to be able to go for a few days and then come back to the quiet of my home.

Snap said...

Magic ... Yes! An ingredient that should be welcomed!

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries? Texas and New Mexico. USA

2. When was your first kiss? And who!
Oh, my. His name was Robin and we were probably 10 years old.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? I carry water and dollar bills in my car. Instead of getting upset or worried about them, I simply hand them the water and the dollar bill ... if it is safe to do so.


4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?

No one from grade school. We moved around too much. But I am still friends with a couple of girls from high school. We live in different parts of the country ... email is nice! (Although I do miss snail mail ... that's another post!)


5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? I have no idea! I have everything I need.

Ellen said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries? Two states and only one country.

2. When was your first kiss? And who! I was 16 and he was much older than I!

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? Ignore them - some of them make do too well begging.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? Yep - kids in my neighborhood, on both counts.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? A home on a Caribbean island or in Hawaii.

Hilary said...

You and your fun questions. :)

1) One country - two provinces (my native Quebec and my current Ontario).

2) I was 13 and can't remember his name.

3) It's a mixed bag depending on the vibe I get from the individual.

4) No. I lost touch with my best friend from elementary and high school when she moved to the U.S. Through the electronic years, I kept trying to find her but she did not appear to have an online presence. Sadly, her name finally showed up semi-recently but it was her obituary.

5)One thing? Really? Money is no problem and I can only have one thing? Sheesh, you're a tough one. ;)

Daryl said...

1. I have lived in NYC my whole life .. first in Manhattan, then in the Bronx, then back to Manhattan.

2. Hard to believe I cant remember this ... nope .. drawing a blank

3.No one begs at intersections here, too much foot traffic crossing the street ... but there are homeless or beggers in the subway and in front of empty store fronts .. how do I handle it? I walk on by because giving handouts is not the answer ..

4. Nope. Nope.

5. I would take myself to Paris for a week and then another week in the French countryside .. first class all the way babeeee!

Missy June said...

1. I've lived in 8 states, only the U.S.

2. First kiss was in 6th grade - Martine and quite sweet!

3. I almost always give around $5 cash. My sister went many months where she would not have eaten except for the kindness of strangers and I imagine her face in the hardness I see of others. I know this fixes nothing, but will hopefully sustain a person until they get to a better place where they can seek more lasting help.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? yes, a few (Amber, Christine, Matthew) and more from high school.

5. I would splurge on weekly massages and a house cleaner. Also a nice vehicle that didn't cause me to worry!

RURAL said...

Sometimes a house waits for the right people to arrive. And when they do all is well...the house sighs in contentment, and settles it's walls gently around the people as if embracing them.

It's certainly magical....and meant to be.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Country Gal said...

Lovely photos !
1. Ontario Canada thats it
2. John Mckormic in grade 5
3. Never ran in to the situation but I would give a buck or two !
4. No one from either I grew up on a farm my friends were the animals and they treated everyone nicely !
5. Land for my own minature hobbie farm !
That was fun !
Have a great day !

Anonymous said...

1. One Country, 9 States, IA, MN, WA, OR, MO, LA, AZ, MD, VA.

2. First kiss was my first boyfriend at age 16. His name was Gary.

3. Sometimes I give them change... if I have any, sometimes I just drive on.

4. No one from grade school, and a couple of gals on Facebook from High School, but I wouldn't say they are deep meaningful friendships.

5. If money were no issue I would splurge on the home of my dreams.

jinxxxygirl said...

Two countries USA and Germany...Lets see....PA,NJ,NC,GA,FL,TX and now CA. In Germany it was Kaiserslautern....

First kiss was second grade , Robbie and i kissed him!

I ignore them as i do not want to encourage this behavior. I'am not beyond giving someone food or water but i would never give them money.

No, didn't have many friends in school to begin with , moved around alot growing up, and any i did have we have not stayed in touch.

Wow if money were no issue...i try to steer clear of this train of thought.....lol.....BUT....since you asked.......I'm afraid i cannot pick one...it would be two...one travel....two....a house in the mountains where my supplies would have to be airlifted in once a month...you did say money was no issue. LOL! I enjoy these questions! Thanks Hugs! deb

beth said...

way to whack my brain into over drive on a monday morning with that first question....
1. WI {twice} MI {three times} CT, IL, ST.L {twice} NC, NJ, IN....i think i got them all.

2. hmmm, i think it was robbie or jay. 7th or 8th grade.

3. i hate it and refuse to make eye contact with them.

4. from high school, yes !

5. i would own a house in seaside, florida....or the most gorgeous home here in wisconsin that my hubby would love to build !!

Sarah said...

1. 2 states - born in NY, moved to NH when I was 9 (I'm 24 now).
2. No kisses yet!
3. Not much of this in our area...so not sure.
4. Um...my siblings! :) I was homeschooled except for a very brief time during elementary school.
5. I'd buy a house! :D
Happy Monday!!

Chrissykat said...

1. How many states have you livd in? Alabama, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona & Nevada (and I've actually lived in California on 3 separate moves!).

2. When was your first kiss? 5th grade, a boy named Eric that I liked, kissed me on my cheek. After that, I didn't like him anymore.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? Honestly, it makes me very uncomfortable. If they have an animal with them, it literally breaks my heart.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? High school? 2 from grade school and a handful from high school.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? A house on the east coast a stone's throw from the ocean with a lot of property for a cat rescue.

I LOVE your driveway....

DesertHen said...

One country, four states.

There was a kiss in kindergarten from a cute little boy named Bobby. Wish I could remember his last name! First real kiss..summer of my 9th grade year with John H.

It depends. I have given money before and food/drink.

Still have a very good friend from grade school/high school and we get together at least once a year. I have others from high school that I'm in touch with, but we don't see each other often.

A home of my own!

Caroline said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries?

1 country (Germany) 3 states (Georgia, California and Illinois)

2. When was your first kiss? And who!

My first kiss was when I was 13 and with Harry Eiferly. So funny that I can remember his name!

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections?

I actually keep granola bars in my car and hand them out. I really do! No one has turned down a bar yet!

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?

Yep...both. Was out to dinner with my friend on Saturday...we have know each other since kindergarten!!!

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?

Oh gosh...a new car! Or the new Canon 5d!

Love these questions Kate! Hope you are having a beautiful Monday!

Robyn said...

1. How many states have you lived in? 2 My home stat of NE and my current sate of SD. How many countries? Only the USA.

2. When was your first kiss? I was 16.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? We don't have any people begging in our small rural town. But, when I do see them I usually try not to stare.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? I keep in touch with a few people via face book.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? A bigger kitchen that is furnished the way I want it.

robyn@theranchwifechronicles.com

Talia said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries?
2 states -- ohio and pennsylvania


2. When was your first kiss? And who!

6th Grade - scott

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections?

i give them money. tugs at my heart.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?

not really.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?

a home in the country.

Windsmurf said...

1. I've lived in 3 states, MA, ME, MD and 2 countries, USA and Germany.

2. First kiss - 8th grade with a boy named Sherwood.

3. They make me uncomfortable mainly because I figure any one of us could be in the same desperate situations if circumstances contrived to make it so, but sadly I don't give money. I do volunteer to help in other ways sometimes.

4. No friends from grade school, and only a couple of Christmas card frieds from high school.

5. If money were no object could there be such a thing as splurging? But I would buy a house bordering on the Chesapeake Bay complete with cook, housekeeper and grounds keeper!

Michelle said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries? One country, eight states: WA, KS, CA, TX, NE, KS, MN and OR.

2. When was your first kiss? And who! In high school, a short-term boyfriend whose first kiss attempt rather freaked me out!

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? Like you, I tend not to look at them, unsure of the best course of action.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? I still exchange Christmas cards with one grade school friend, and several high school friends.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? I would buy the horse I'm currently leasing! I like him a lot, but he's way out of my price range, unfortunately. I'm trying to sell him for the owner; we go to our first dressage show together this coming Sunday. (I have a separate dressage/horse blog from my Boulderneigh one; you can find it in my profile.)

Friko said...

Hello Country Girl, thank you so much for visiting my blog.

Your questions aren't really ones that I can answer. I live in a country not my own and I don't have any friends from long ago. My first kiss is hidden behind the veil of time but if I could buy anything, it would be more of what I already have.

I think I'll add myself to your long list of followers, this blog must have something worthwhile, otherwise you wouldn't have so many.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

One country, two states... New York and Connecticut.

My High School Sweetheart - I was 15.

I feel really sorry for them, but I look away. Or hand them a $5. I've done that too.

Yes to both! Thanks to facebook I have reconnected with many of my grade and hs friends.

I would travel more...on my list - the Oregon Coast, Greece, Italy, British Virgin Islands,

oooh, and I'd love to buy a little cottage by the sea on Marthas Vineyard, just for me.

Hilary said...

Well, I can't believe I missed this!!!
Maine and New York
I was 15, it was my best pal's brother, who had a crush on me
I give ONE free pass a day at intersections.
My oldest friend Gayle has been my friend since birth, through grade school, to the present time.
High school.......yes, my friend in Georgia,who just lost her husband, was my comrade in high school.
Property on a pond. With loons. and a LOOM.
Magic....I loved that.

Donna S. said...

1. Two states, AL & IN. One country obviously.

2. Can't say that I remember.

3. I don't look at them, unfortunately I don't believe everyone of them is truthful??

4. Numerous. There are a group of 6-8 of us that still get together from my second grade school & high school. Most had poor (& bad) childhoods. We all know where we came from...it is truly a miracle most of us are normal & doing well. I occasionally run into friends from my early years at a different grade school.

5. Travel, travel, travel. I am so jealous when I see all of the travel photos on blogs. But, I love it!!! :)

Mary Lou said...

1 9 states, some multiple times & 4 countries
2 I don't remember!
3 give. They are accountable for what they do with it
4 several
5 spa treatments!

L said...

2 countries, the US & the UK.
5 states, NJ, NY, NC, GA & TX.

First real kiss? I was 13 and it was my sister's boyfriend's best friend who I'd had a crush on for a while. We were parked behind the firehouse and a policeman came and rapped on the windows because the windows were all steamed up!

I usually hope the light will turn before the person gets to me. More often than not, I'll give them a $1 or some change.

No. I was always terribly shy and socially awkward (still am!)

A house. Nothing terribly fancy but something cute with a little privacy and a nice backyard.

Mental P Mama said...

1. 5 states
2. hmmmmm
3. I give them an orange or an apple that I carry for that reason
4. yes!
5. I would splurge on all the shoes I wanted and I would make sure everyone in the world had food.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I've lived my whole life in one state--how BORING!

My first kiss was in HS--he was older (name was Ben)I was in love! He wasn't!

I usually say a silent prayer, but I have never given money to them. Someone from the Salvation Army said to never give money because they will use it to buy alcohol. I think giving a meal would be fine.

I am still friends with one person from grade school. I am friends on FB with some people from high school, but I don't socialize with them, though I've been tempted. Just never connected that much --I graduated from the infamous Central High School in Little Rock. It was huge and scary--in a bad neighborhood. I never liked it!

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I forgot the last question--it's been a LONG day! I would travel to so many places I want to see! I'd take friends and family with me and it would be so much fun!
V

Skogkjerring said...

Hey Kate, such nice photos- that drive up to your house really is magical! I can´t believe you took those photos with your phone?? WOW...I need a better phone!
Ok, your questions (I really like these things...perhaps because it´s fun to talk about one´s self...hahaha)
1. I have lived in 3 states and 1 other country then the US. Still in that country last I checked ;-)
2. My first kiss was when I was 17 years old. Frank was his name. He had a big nose and the whole thing was awkward to begin with and then the nose got in the way...hahahaha...
3. My instant reaction to people who beg at intersections is oh how sad. At the same time though, you hear more and more about groups who are begging these days not because they need the money for living but it´s to support drug or alcohol addictions. I´m all for helping people who are trying to help themselves and still might be struggling. I think people standing at an intersection aren´t doing enough to help themselves so I would probably not be as inclined to help them.
4. I have my grade school friend Joe as a friend on facebook but our communication is limited. So how much "friendship" is still there is questionable. Otherwise no, didn´t really hold onto any of the relationships from grade school or high school.
5. If money wasn´t a problem I always say I´d hire a maid just because I love a clean house but hate cleaning it myself. However, besides a maid I think if money wasn´t an issue I would travel...ALL THE TIME.
Have a wonderful day Kate!

Skogkjerring said...

Hey Kate, such nice photos- that drive up to your house really is magical! I can´t believe you took those photos with your phone?? WOW...I need a better phone!
Ok, your questions (I really like these things...perhaps because it´s fun to talk about one´s self...hahaha)
1. I have lived in 3 states and 1 other country then the US. Still in that country last I checked ;-)
2. My first kiss was when I was 17 years old. Frank was his name. He had a big nose and the whole thing was awkward to begin with and then the nose got in the way...hahahaha...
3. My instant reaction to people who beg at intersections is oh how sad. At the same time though, you hear more and more about groups who are begging these days not because they need the money for living but it´s to support drug or alcohol addictions. I´m all for helping people who are trying to help themselves and still might be struggling. I think people standing at an intersection aren´t doing enough to help themselves so I would probably not be as inclined to help them.
4. I have my grade school friend Joe as a friend on facebook but our communication is limited. So how much "friendship" is still there is questionable. Otherwise no, didn´t really hold onto any of the relationships from grade school or high school.
5. If money wasn´t a problem I always say I´d hire a maid just because I love a clean house but hate cleaning it myself. However, besides a maid I think if money wasn´t an issue I would travel...ALL THE TIME.
Have a wonderful day Kate!

Anonymous said...

OMG, that black and white image of George is simply stunning.

I've only lived in one country; England.

First kiss? An awfully long time ago!

Begging - hmmm, can't say I've seen any where I live.

No friends left from school in my life; it was a period in time I was glad to leave behind!

Goodness, money; I'd have a barn converted on my farm and made into an indoor swimming pool with gym.

CJ x

Mary B said...

Good morning!

I have always lived close to home - Minnesota. I've dreamed of living in another state or country, but my family keeps me grounded....so I visit states & countries.

My first "real" kiss was my first year in college (late bloomer). His name was Brian Jones and he was in officer training for the Navy. My "Officer and a Gentleman".

When I see someone at an intersection - I generally say a quick prayer for them. I don't carry cash, so I never have anything to give.

I meet my best friend in 9th grade...we have been BFF's for 30 years! I also see my "crowd" every fall. We plan a get together and share how our year has been. There is about 20 of us that still get together. It's quite amazing!

If money was not a problem, I would love to rent a cottage or resort and bring my whole family there for a long vacation. It has been an insane year!

thecatalanway said...

I was thinking I'd be the first to answer I have lived in 0 states but I see Crystal Jigsaw got there first.
That led me to her blog and I've just returned from her sheep farm after laughing at the wonderful photos of lambs and their mothers. Baaaaa!
So, from memory of the questions (and my memory is pretty bad at the moment so excuse me if my answers don't make sense)
1. 0 States. Lived in Scotland, England, Cornwall (yes it is another country according to Virginia Woolf) and Catalunya where I now am.
2. Kissed Kenneth Chalmers aged 11 at a school camp. Our glasses crashed and we didn't repeat the experience.
3. I still have my good friend Christine who I met in primary school age 6 although we did have a few years when we weren't in touch. There's nothing like having a friend from your childhood, so many shared things to giggle about.
4. Oh I missed the begging one. Yes I too rely on intuition. I always think that noone would chose to sit on a wet windy pavement for fun so give money if I have it handy and they are not pushy. Sometimes I have great conversations with street people. Must admit that if they have a dog I give them more!
5. I don't have a problem with money but if I had oodles to play with then I'd buy a house overlooking the Mediterranean sea and turn it into a healing and art centre. Also I'd open an animal welfare centre here in Spain with training facilites for dogs and people and a clinic for treating them with natural remedies.
What a lovely dream, thanks for asking xxx

Kay said...

States : one, Oregon
Kiss: 2nd grade, Bobby James in basement of school (I'm surprised someone else had 2nd grade kiss too)
Beggars: Ignore them..we have way too many here on a busy intersection of two grocery chains
Friends: Have one from six months old, and many many from first grade on....two live right here in same town still...
Money no problem: Travel

Reena said...

Oh, your beautiful photos make me sigh and love that pic of George peering out!
1. One country, 7 states (Iowa, MIssouri, Indian, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and soon ... Maine!)
2. First kiss at 6 with neighbor farm boy. Oh my!
3. Mostly ignore, except did give $10 once.
4. No grade school friends or high school. What's up with that???
5. If money were no problem, I'd rescue all the kitties and doggies everywhere and find them homes!

Anonymous said...

I've only lived in this country. But have lived in Texas (many parts), Ohio, Florida, Maryland and Tennessee.

My first kiss was at age 15 from my next door neighbor.

I mostly ignore them. I'm torn.

I'm friends with one grade school friend. And, thanks to Facebook, tons of high school friends. Since I'm 63, I think that's pretty darn good!

If money were not an issue, I'd have real estate. Lots and lots of real estate. :)

thotlady said...

1. How many states have you lived in? 5 How many countries? 1

2. When was your first kiss? And who! 9th grade, I don't remember his name.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? I usually let them in, unless I am in a big hurry (shame on me).

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? No How about high school? Yes, (3)

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? A home for my mother (she has never owned her own home).

sharon said...

1. I have been in 34 states and lived in Germany.

2. My first real kiss was with Leonard my first year in college.

3. I have mixed feelings about people who beg at intersections. Somtimes I really wonder what their story is.

4. I still keep in touch with my best friend from High School. She has been to my kids weddings and high school graduations.

5. If money was not a problem, I would have a cottage by the sea and stay there during the summers.

Unknown said...

I am grateful you live where you do. It' s selfish I know, but my soul thanks you:)

1. Canada, 3 provinces, Quebec, Ontario, BC.
2. Gr4 . Gary.
3. ignore usually, not applicable to my city really.
4. no. no. long story, moves, etc etc.
5. where to start. house in the country , travel, charity, family, travel.

Brynwood Needleworks said...

1. How many states have you lived in? 2 Wisconsin and Florida How many countries? 2 Great Britain (where I was born) and US

2. When was your first kiss? And who! 16 years old (nearly 17!) Bobby A.

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? I don't.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? Yes. My best grade school buddy, Cyd. We still keep in touch. Laura from jr/high school. We also still keep in touch regularly.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? An addition to our home, so I'd have a larger studio. (They're like purses I think. The larger they are, the more you probably stuff into them, but I'd hope to have more elbow room and not more stuff.)

Thanks for the photos, Kate. Sorry I haven't been around lately. Still trying to catch up.

xoxo
Donna

Gayle said...

Love the photos! Always!
1. CA only
2. jr. hi, behind the roller skating rink, his name was Marion, but everyone called him "Babe". It was soft and sweet.
3. a variety of ways, always try to make eye contact and smile. Gave to one man and told him it was for his doggie......sleeping in a warm, soft OLD bed. Awwww.
4. 8 all from kdgn. we meet a few times a year, once our 2nd grade teacher joined us, she was in her 90s
5. travel everywhere I want and WHENever, help children everywhere I go.

WPgirl said...

1. States 1, countries 1.
2 I was 16 and his name is Ron.
3. In the community where I live and the community where I work I don't see people begging at the intersections.
4. Friends from grade school, no. Friends from high school, no. Most of the people I went to school with went K-12 together. We may not be friends but we will talk when we see each other.
5. Money. Take a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia to see the palaces.

Bonnie said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries?
Two states... four places in CA, one in OR. Only the USA...

2. When was your first kiss? And who!
In 7th grade - Johnny S. My (ex) BFF kissed him when I was visiting my Grandpa in Idaho... oh the devastation!

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections?
I feel sad for most - Gave one older man a warm coat that had belonged to my dad - he looked frail and cold.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school?
Yes, both - reunited through Facebook.

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on?
I'd move back to my CA hometown or somewhere close by.

~ C.G.

Lili said...

1. How many states have you lived in? How many countries? 1 country and these states: Maine, Kentucky, Ohio, New York

2. When was your first kiss? And who! I honestly don't even remember. (But I do remember my first kiss with Henri.)

3. How do you react to people begging at intersections? We don't see alot of that around here. Thankfully there's a really nice shelter in Ellsworth that perhaps is the reason why.

4. Are you still friends with anyone from grade school? How about high school? High school yes a very good friend. Grade school a cousin (but I haven't seen her for years).

5. If money was not a problem, what is the one thing you would splurge on? An entire family trip together somewhere fabulous.

Your driveway shots are so beautiful...even the eerie one in the rain! xo ~Lili

k. allan said...

Barb T., who knew!!!!



Blogger Barb T. said...

1. I have lived in 3 states: Wisconsin (will always love!!!!!); Florida (not fond of); and my new home, Maine (love it here!!)

2. Kurt Tilson--I had a major crush on him during high school.

3. I hate it and look away.

4. No; but I wish I could find some of friends. Alas, Facebook hasn't helped with them.

5. There is a piece of property right on the mountain where I live; it has a beautiful view of the White Mountains, etc. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!!!

I haven't posted lately, but I love these 5 question posts, Kate! Your place looks beautiful; we have rain--much needed--coming down right now. It will help with all of the greenery!
Barb