I remember on the first of May, making May Day baskets with construction paper, gluing on handles, and putting flowers in them, and hanging them on neighbors' doors. This was when I was living at 1859 8th Avenue North in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Do any of you remember doing this? We never danced around a May Pole, although I know some who did in other parts of the country and the world. My childhood memories often come flooding back and they are divided between when we lived in Fort Dodge, and when we moved outside of Fort Dodge to what became called "The Diggings" by my parents. More about those memories in another blog.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day in Virginia. The Blue Ridge mountains are all shades of green, with dogwoods floating seemingly like clouds here and there. I sat outside to capture some of the sun and read, but soon was distracted by the sounds and sights. A wren, keeping herself hidden, was trilling away - perhaps it was a male. Robins were digging in the yard and then flying to the trees, and then down again. Three male cardinals were either playing a game of tag with each other, or they were setting up their boundaries and challenging each other. They had no accompanying females with them, so perhaps they were teenagers, putting on a show for females watching them from the trees. Cardinals do mate for life, and when you see a male, there is usually a female close by, so seeing three red male cardinals put these thoughts in my mind. Small song sparrows were walking close by me, stirring up the leaves and soil, looking for bugs. Blackbirds and blue jays darted back and forth. The place was jumping!

There is a beautiful stand of purple flowered money plants in the back yard. In the fall their seeds are inside what looks like a silver coin. But right now they are showing off. The dogwoods are in full bloom and so beautiful. All the leaves are out on the trees, and the different colors of green is a joy. Every wonder why Mother Nature chose green? Because it is so easy on the eyes.

Today it is overcast and cool. Every once in a while I hear the heat come on in the house. Bucky and June just left for church. Karen the cat is at my feet and asking to go outside. Life is good.

Adieu, Adios, A Hui Hou,
I love you all.
Sally