February Weather

February Weather

Yesterday more than 60 degrees.

A torrent of melting ice in the eaves.

The sound of running water in the eaves

off the snow-covered roof certainly did please

as did reaching for a lighter jacket

to chop up the thick sidewalk ice now wet.

It seemed that lagging energy levels picked up

throughout this winter day as the bright sun warmed up.

Even the birds were as happy as could be

as they sang a chorus of twiddle-dee-dee.

This longed-for balmy weather

made everyone feel better.

The thick ground cover of ice disappeared

into ice-cold puddles of water clear

from the unusual warmth of the sun

this day in February that has come.

A perfect day to walk the dog

though puddles she did not dodge.

But then the wind came from around the bend,

though no one knows from where it had been.

Harder and harder it blew in gales

awakening sleeping guys and gals,

downing many small limbs

from tree's canopies within.

In the morning the puddles were gone

as the wind blew the whole night long

and flakes falling from the sky

brought winter back, why oh why?

All day long snow piled up

as these frozen flakes were dumped.

The wind blew down the crab apples last evening

found by a flock of black birds this morning.

Did they flock together to keep warm

this bitter cold winter morn?

Seeing them was a delight.

A sign that spring is in sight.

Today, though, the thermostat was hiked up

and sweaters were again buttoned up.

Yesterday people were anxious to get outside.

Today everyone was content to stay inside.

Was yesterday a mirage? A spring fling?

Or just a tease as we're all longing for spring.

Flakes swirled and piled up as winter returned again

but each new day we see more evidence of spring

as morning gilds the skies earlier

and sunsets close each day somewhat later.

You'll see more birds return

announcing spring's return.

You'll hear everyone counting the days until spring.

Especially gardeners who can't wait to begin

a new season filled with fresh beginnings,

green shoots appearing then flowers blooming

decorating the earth for a party.

When spring comes, no one's ever sorry.

* * * * *

Weather is unpredictable; even weathermen are wrong.

But spring is coming and we'll see its return before too long.

If you remember, less than four months ago

we were quite excited to see the snow.

See the beauty found in new fallen snow,

even when rearranged by winds that blow.

It sparkles and glitters in the sunlight

and hurts our eyes when the sun shines bright.

We need the sunshine's warmth and light

and it brings with it such delight.

Then needed rains come as a blessing

to water the earth and welcome spring.

When one or the other is lacking

quite often you'll find God's people praying

to send sun or needed rain again

which was God's plan from the beginning.

Blessed be your glorious name,

and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

You alone are the Lord.

You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything,

and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

I will send down showers in season;

there will be showers of blessing.

The trees of the field will yield their fruit

and the ground will yield its crops.

Ezekiel 34:26-27

Rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.

He sends you abundant showers,

both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel 2:23

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Winter's Gift

Winter's Gift

One by one they float

like large white dust motes

from up high

in the sky

tumbling down

like soft down.

Though silent

they come, wet,

cold and

frozen -

this white

delight.

One by one they pile

mile after mile

upon the frozen ground

where a carpet is found.

Soon mounds

abound.

Children take delight

in this playground white

for something they will create

from these white frozen flakes.

Soon they put on mittens and boots,

bundled up snug in their snowsuits.

Snow angels are made

and snowmen parade

in many back yards

like a stiff frozen guard.

Children now cold and wet

come in for hot chocolate.

Winter's gift

now adrift

as wind blows

the cold snow.

Others plow

this snow now.

Another day the sun will come out to shine.

The snowmen will disappear over time.

Winter's gift will be gone

except for memories fond

and pictures taken

of snowflakes falling.

* * * * *

These flakes, a gift,

through the air shifts

fluttering,

tumbling.

Piling high

then still and lies

in quiet quest

and final rest.

A winter wonderland

perhaps was God's plan

for snow is a wonder.

Is anything funner?

"Marvelous"and "great"

is what the Bible states

when it talks about snowflakes,

though, for some, that's up for debate.

Dependent on what part of the country you reside in, I suppose,

is this gift of snow that causes extra employment and cold noses.

Those who see this gift infrequently are delighted.

Those who see this gift daily are wearied.

A gift is what it is and does remain

as long as the temperature refrains.

Do look for the delight found in this gift,

even if it means a day to stay home adrift.

Winter's gift doesn't last long

for when sun beams finally dawn

these flakes are long gone

as if had never come.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

Job 37:5-6

He sends his command to the earth;

his word runs swiftly.

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

Psalm 147:15-16

This season I've learned about taking photos in winter's morning's blue light.

Very pleasing.

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Out of Hibernation

OUT of HIBERNATION

Yesterday a winter wonderland

as snowflakes piled up like white sand.

Creatures hibernated outside

as people hibernated inside.

Too cold to venture out.

A snow day so stayed put.

Traffic minimal.

View sensational.

Everything’s covered in white -

a pretty, peaceful sight.

Looks like a white Christmas

has descended on us.

Tree limbs frosted white.

Evergreens now iced.

Like frosting on a cake

while creatures hibernate.

Quiet and still.

No movement spills.

No birds are seen

in the evergreens.

Today, though, many black birds flock

in the crab apple tree out back.

Ravenous from yesterday’s fasting

they feast then are seen sharing.

For more birds wait their turn

this sunny winter morn.

Hundreds seen descend

to sup and then lend.

They seem to share this offering

found under the snow’s covering.

Listen. Joyous chattering.

No longer hibernating.

Ever thankful they sing grateful praise

to their Creator as songs they raise

for God provides their daily bread

as each and everyday they are fed.

Crows are now heard cawing in the distance.

God must have provided their sustenance

for God’s eyes are on each and every sparrow,

blue jay, cardinal, chickadee, and crow.

As God is concerned about the least of these,

then certainly He will your needs and wants appease.

In the meantime, thank Him for His faithfulness

and in His daily blessings everyday rest.

* * * * *

Thank you, God, for the beautiful snow.

It comes as a blessing bestowed.

Thank you, God, for the birds that teach me

everyday your faithfulness to see.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow,

'Fall on the earth.'

Job 37:5-6a

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

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Icing Froster

Icing Froster

The icing froster came last night

covering everything in white.

This morning a very pretty sight

in which photographers delight

as this black and white

freshly frosted site

glistens with diamonds bright

when the sun shines through clouds white...

...of which this poet writes

before day turns to night

of sights

that delight

as thoughts come to light

with words on paper white...

...in which children bundle up then fight

to create snow creatures cold and white -

perhaps a snow dragon to protect a knight,

or snow people, round in width while tall in height,

then take off on toboggans in flight

while loudly squealing with much delight.

Shadows from sunlight bright

decorate this frosting white

and diamonds glitter in its light

enhancing the icing froster's site.

Yes, this icing froster brings us sweet delight

if one takes time to delight in this gift of white.

You'll see crows had stopped in flight

leaving footprints impressed in white,

adding decorations that look quite

whimsical this morn, yet oh so right,

before the wind comes from out of sight

to rearrange the icing froster's site.

The icing froster's work last night

leaves behind a sweet delight -

in photos, in words, in memories that delight

while one continues to enjoy this white sight

perhaps in front of the firelight

safe and secure this cold winter's night.

* * * * *

This icing froster

is the Creator.

Look what God

says in His Word

printed here below

about the snow:

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth.'

The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen.

Job 37:6, 10

...the storehouses of the snow...

Job 38:22

The rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish...

Isaiah 55:10

He sends his command to the earth;

his word runs swiftly.

He spreads the snow like wool

and scatters the frost like ashes.

He hurls down his hail like pebbles.

Who can withstand his icy blast?

He sends his word and melts them;

he stirs up his breezes,

and the waters flow.

Psalm 147:15-18

...lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding...

Psalm 148:8

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February 3, 2020

A beautiful blue sky, sunshiny, unusually mild 40 degree February day here in southern NY.  Welcome after a snowy day yesterday and several sunless days.

The weeping cherry tree is aflutter with feathered friends, who are singing their hearts out, reminding me of Ecclesiastes - "the time of the singing of birds has come".

Put out some peanuts for the blue jays and later some pumpkin seeds for the chickadees.

So frustrating to take decent photos, but Mama cardinal surprised me:

My mother told me she saw robins this morning.  Wonder what they're finding to eat under the snow.  When I saw these footprints in the snow, I reminded of the the song "Rocking Robin".

(The makeshift "bird feeder" is an old fan face attached to the old fan base, lined with nylon net. I recently put some dried beans in the "feeder" but the birds are not interested.)

Thank You

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement.

Philemon 1:7

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read my stories.

I am blessed when I edit as I am reminded of God's faithfulness.

I'm certain you are also blessed when you recall God's faithfulness to you.

Please feel free to share my blog address on your facebook page.

And you might look up Life Is a Garden Party on Amazon and leave a review.

God bless you...as you have blessed me.

Hummers

HUMMERS

I was almost bombed tonight

when a hummingbird set his sights

on my red shirt

while I was digging in the dirt.

We had a stare down

before he turned around

to sit on the garden fence.

I watched what would circumvent.

It spit twice.

Was that nice?

Then caught a gnat.

How about that!

Little did we know

that lurking was a foe

or maybe it was a date

who was looking for a mate.

Perhaps a mating dance ensued

then maybe a proposal pursued.

Its little head turned right and left.

I wonder if it had any sense left.

For I was dizzy

from the activity.

Then off they went

across the fence.

One was female.

Was the other male?

I did notice their emerald colored tails

as the sun shone on them in my little dale.

Up into the sky they flew

with wings of emerald too.

I'm sure they will be back

for I have bee balm out back.

* * * * *

Red bee balm attracts hummers

and bees who are also hummers.

All day long music can be heard

from humming bees and singing birds.

Take a minute to listen.

Perhaps this minute will lessen

any frustration

you're possessing.

As the birds and bees work

take time from your busy work

to enjoy God's wondrous innovation

for it is for you, this work of creation.

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak...

those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-29,31

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