Books I Read In April

 Eight books read this month - half of them written by Michael Connelly. 

The Reversal, The Fifth Witness, The Gods of Guilt and The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly are books #3, 4, 5 and 6 in his Lincoln Lawyer series featuring Mickey Haller. The first three are older books; the last one was published in 2020 and brings me up-to-date. I have now read my way through this series unless he writes another new one, but I felt like the way he left Haller in the final book made it possible that it will be the last of the series.

These books are captivating, easy reads and I'm now on to his Harry Bosch series of which there are many to enjoy.

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon is a fascinating novel based on the real life of Nancy Wake a WWII leader in the French Resistance. Shortly after finishing the novel, we happened onto a docu-drama about Nancy Wake and watched it. Neither of us had heard of her before. She was a most remarkable woman - #1 on the Gestapo's Most Wanted list. This book is a must read for anyone interested in WWII history.

Spoils Of The Dead is Dana Stebenow's fifth book in her Liam Campbell series. I really like this author and reading her books, all set in her native Alaska. My library has one other book in the Liam Campbell series, which I've read, along with all the ones the library has of her Kate Shugak series.

The Consequence Of Fear is #16 in Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series. I always look forward to a new book in this series. The first books were set in WWI, then between the wars and now the setting is WWII London where Maisie is secretly working for the Special Operations Executive, assessing candidates for work with the French Resistance. (Maisie and Nancy might have worked together!) 

Eternal by Lisa Scottoline is the novel she said she has wanted to write ever since her days as an English major at the University of Pennsylvania. I have really enjoyed all her novels especially the Rosato & Associates series. But those have something of a light-hearted aspect whereas Eternal is a more sobering novel about WWII in Rome and what happened to Italy's Jewish population.  

One other remark about a favorite author, Louise Penny, though none of her books are on this month's list. We have watched more movies in the year+ of Covid-19 than any other year ever. A few night's ago we watched a 2013 movie based on Ms. Penney's first Inspector Gamache novel, Still Life: A Three Pines Mystery. It was fun seeing one of her books brought to the screen and featuring Nathaniel Parker as the Inspector - the same actor who played Inspector Lynley on the 2001-2008 mystery series based on the books written by Elizabeth George. Again, just something we happened across. 

Introducing This Year's Hatchlings

I've been waiting impatiently for Mama Canada Goose to get her babies out of the nest. My wait is over. This morning was the morning - and a beautiful morning it is. But wait, there's more! This isn't the mama from the tire. She's still on her nest. So once again, we've had two nesting pairs. Double joy!

There are three baby goslings in this batch, but they are not the only things yellow in the photo:

The Dandelion 

O dandelion, rich and haughty,

King of village flowers!

Each day is coronation time,

You have no humble hours.

I like to see you bring a troop

To beat the blue-grass spears,

To scorn the lawn-mower that would be

Like fate's triumphant shears!

Your yellow heads are cut away,

It seems your reign is o'er.

By noon you raise a sea of stars

More golden than before.

     (By Vachel Lindsay)

You could say this is a red letter day, but it is more like a💛!

Afore Poetry Month is O'er

It's not that I haven't thought about posting a poem or two during poetry month or even tried writing a poem for poetry month - I just haven't been motivated enough.

Blame the weather for my ennui because yesterday it was beautiful here and after planting my lavender and moving some daisies, I headed off to a couple of greenhouses intent on bringing home some flowers to pot. (Many others had the same idea.) I couldn't find the Peachy Keen Verbena I specifically went after, so my enthusiasm waned a bit. But I did find another plant I wanted, after almost overlooking it --  the 'not always available in our area', the delicate, delightful, enchanting, heavenly heliotrope. If you've ever smelled it, you know what I mean. And if you've never smelled it, well, you're missing out.

I got it potted and then I went in search of a proper poem about Heliotrope to share for the closing days of poetry month. I decided on this one, by Sara Teasdale:

Old Tunes

As the waves of perfume, heliotrope, rose

Float in the garden when no wind blows, 

Come to us, go from us, whence no one knows;

So the old tunes float in my mind,

And go from me leaving no trace behind,

Like fragrance borne on the hush of the wind.

But in the instant the airs remain

I know the laughter and the pain

Of times that will not come again.

I try to catch at many a tune

Like petals of light fallen from the moon,

Broken and bright on a dark lagoon.

But they float away -- for who can hold

Youth, or perfume or the moon's gold?

I will enjoy the unforgettable, heavenly fragrance of the Heliotrope all spring, summer and fall and then, perhaps, try to winter it over in the house. 

Daffy-Down-Dilly (Or, Daffydowndilly*)

Daffy-down-dilly

Has come to town

With a yellow petticoat

And a pretty green gown.

Do you remember this nursery rhyme? I think it was also told as a riddle and you had to guess who/what had come to town. I couldn't guess the riddle the first time, but after hearing it once I never forgot the answer. Daffodil!

My daffies are almost all done blooming now, the picture was taken the 3rd of April. But I look forward to their cheerfulness every spring.

I remember when I worked in Corning years ago and members of the American Cancer Society promoted Daffodil Days as a fund raiser for cancer research. They came around in January taking orders and then the bouquets were delivered in March. I don't remember the cost of a dozen daffodils, but it wasn't much - maybe five dollars. I do remember two of the women soliciting were both former teachers of mine at our one-room country school. (June, first grade and Vera, grades three through eight.) Sometimes by the time the bouquets were delivered, I had forgotten about them and was nicely surprised. But usually I remembered and looked forward to the lovely reminder that Spring was upon us. 

This is The Daffodil Fairy, one of Cicely Mary Barker's Spring Flower Fairies. And this is her poem:

"I'm everyone's darling: the blackbird and starling

Are shouting about me from blossoming boughs;

For I, the Lent-Lily, the Daffy-down-dilly,

Have heard through the country the call to arouse.

The orchards are ringing with voices a-singing

The praise of my petticoat, praise of my gown;

The children are playing, and hark! they are saying

That Daffy-down-dilly is come up to town!

Last fall I moved these King Alfred daffodils from the north side of the house to the south side where I can more easily see and enjoy them. 

Our weather has been unseasonably cool lately, but it is supposed to start warming up after today. I hope so - I usually plant something for Earth Day, which is tomorrow. Maybe this year I will plant whatever I decide to get in a pot so I can bring it inside if necessary. 

I hope you are enjoying spring wherever you are.

(* The first mention of Daffydowndilly was in the title of a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1843 called "Little Daffydowndilly".)

Emerging From Covid 19's Shadow - Part III

The weekend after Easter continued with more family interaction. But on Sunday, we were guests rather than hosts. First a little side trip to West Des Moines since we were going to be so near there anyway. I had some online purchases to return to Kohl's and replace with items that fit. It was interesting that my credit for returns was within 60 cents of what I purchased. I couldn't have come closer if I had tried - and I wasn't trying. Next stop my son and daughter-in-law's in Winterset.

Nothing warms a great-grandma's heart any more than being excitingly greeted by a grand she hasn't seen in ages.

Ayden saw us drive up and by the time I got out of the car he was running into my arms. He has always been such a loving child and he hadn't forgotten who we were!

But as happy as I was to see everyone else, the one I was most anxious to meet was my newest great-grandchild, Louis. I had been waiting for almost two months and I wasn't sure I would get to see him yet. He had spent most of the previous week in the hospital and I didn't know if the parents would want to bring him to a big family gathering. 

He was still asleep when I held him, but opened his eyes for great-grandpa Bud.

Doesn't it look like he is thinking, "Who the heck are you?" He has the most interesting facial expressions. 

Louis' middle name is Edward. Gr-G'pa Bud has already nicknamed him 'Lou-Eddy'. 😏

Kathryn and Travis opening the gifts I had brought for the baby. I was afraid he might outgrow the outfit before he got it.

She's opening the silver Gerber baby spoon I had that belonged to her Dad when he was little.

Traditionally I have always given my grandchildren and great-grandchildren a baby ring when they are born. Because Louis was my Dad's name and because he had a signet baby ring, I gave them a signet ring for their little Louis.

The day was nice enough that most of the younger ones were able to eat outside which was a good thing because I don't think everyone would have fit inside the house.

Lots of good food and lots of new people to meet.

Not these two though - granddaughter Dominique and her boyfriend Ian have been together for several years.

But we were meeting grandson Devin's girlfriend Jessica and her little boy, Oakley, for the first time.

As well as Grandson Ki's girlfriend Laura, her oldest daughter, Dominique and bulldog, Hawkeye.

Ki with Laura's other two daughters Carver and Hayden with his son Greyson (back turned).

If you are an Iowa Hawkeye football fan, you might detect a theme in the name of Laura's girls and dog. 😉

A better photo of Greyson though he was a little upset - his bag of the Easter eggs he had found spilled out.

Back inside for some more family photos.  A proud grandpa Preston Louis holding Louis Edward.

Preston was named for my Dad Louis. Preston's Dad, Dennis, had the middle name Edward. So Louis Edward's name honors his grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. 

Kathryn, Louis and Grandma Shalea. Big yawn from Louis.

Shalea works at the University of Iowa Hospitals during the week and stays with Kathryn and Travis. This has been a boon for them all. She is there to help out and she gets quality Grandma time with Louis.

Lastly, a four generations photo: Kathryn, Louis, Preston and me. 

It was a really great weekend seeing family for the first time in more than a year. It took me a couple days to rest up but it was totally worth it! 💞

Emerging From Covid-19's Shadow - Part II

Five weeks later and fully vaccinated, we were more than ready for more company and this little sweetie had some Girl Scout cookies to deliver.

Oh, Lily, how we've missed you. Your sweet messages and artwork were bright spots and facetiming with you was great, but not as wonderful as being with you in person.

Your little brother Maverick has grown and changed in the year since we saw him last. He is three now and following your lead in the arts department. Such a little charmer, and so cute. 

Grandpa Doug and Grandma Shelly joined us. They hadn't seen you since September. And you brought Girl Scout cookies for them, too!

I wanted a four generations picture before you left.

Maverick was being a ham, but the rest of us, you, your Mom Alyssa and Grandpa Douglas and Great-grandma Ramona, posed nicely.

  

I wanted a picture of your Mom with her new Subaru Crosstrek.

Did you know Subaru means united in Japanese?

One more photo before you left. This time we got your Dad, Evan in it too. And there were lots of hugs all around - no more social distancing.

I hope we get to visit you at your home in Minnesota this summer. You can show me your room and all your crafts, artwork and treasures.

Thanks for coming to see us - and for bringing cookies, of course! 

Emerging From Covid-19's Shadow - Part I

What did I miss most about self-isolating for more than a year during the time of Covid? Seeing family members, of course. I saw both my sons once each and only from a 'safe' distance. I saw my daughter and step-son and some grandchildren/great grandchildren via Facetime. But nothing beats seeing them in person and being able to hug once again.

Our eldest granddaughter and her two children were the first to visit. On April 6 Rodney had a basketball tournament in town which Katrina invited us to watch. But we had only had our first Moderna shot of vaccine so opted for an in-person, socially distanced, visit from them on our patio. It was a beautiful day, so that worked fine.

At first Brynley was very shy. She did not remember us.

But after I gave her the book I had gotten for her 3rd birthday and wasn't able to give her last year, she began loosening up.

It was fun watching her play with 'Ballerina Barbie' and...

...her dog.

As well as catching up with Rodney and what is going on in his life. He is a mature 11-year-old now. 

Son Douglas and his wife Shelly showed up to visit awhile before they left to watch Rodney play basketball.

It was a brief, but wonderful, re-introduction to 'normal' life. I did relent and got hugs from Katrina and Shelly who were both fully vaccinated. And I took a chance and hugged this precious little one:

Who could resist?

If all goes well, I will never again have to wait a year+ to see family members.

Easter Sunday Start to Finish

 Early Sunday a.m.

Before sunrise and the sky to the west was the pinks, mauves and moody blues I love so much. If you click on the pic, you can just barely make out a bird flying almost exactly in the middle of the photo. 

The late evening sky was similar in color.

And again a bird photo-bombed the picture. 

I like it when I transfer my photos to the computer and see that I have unknowingly captured a bird.

The forecast was for highs in the 80's, perfect for our first walk of the year at Green Valley State Park. We took the cameras and headed out.

Unfortunately we missed the best photo op. Just as we drove into the park two hen turkeys crossed the road and headed into the woods. Their splendid feathers were intensified by the sun, but alas, we didn't get any snaps before they got under cover.

My only photos were of some coots.

The gusty winds were keeping them bobbing along.

The only other photo I took was this one of the Sycamore's bare white branches against the blue and cloud sky.

Except for the strong wind, it was a good first walk of the year at Green Valley. I look forward to many more.