This Magic Moment

~ the view from my window, this magic moment ~

Did you notice the header photo changed? It's such a beautiful scene I wanted to show it again...go ahead, drink in all that wonderful beauty. Take huge gulps until you're sated, filled to overflowing with the wonder of God's holy creation. Marsha, aka Splendarosa, asked, "How can you bear to leave?" The answer is, "I can't but it's a different season of life now and needs are being dictated by age and the desire to be closer to family. I want to serve a huge meal with parents, siblings, nephews and their families gathered around. I want to be a Titus woman to my family and want to use my remaining days more wisely than they are now being used. And, truth be known, I want to be closer to creature comforts like museums, theatre, opera, restaurants, book stores, etc. When Dave was alive, he was my family and our lives were filled to overflowing with each other so those "creature comforts" weren't missed. Besides, we traveled often and to far flung places and it seemed we'd return from one trip only for him to say, "Where would you like to go next?"

So, until I move, I drink deeply from the stellar views surrounding me, take lots of photos and enjoy this magic moment. 

What Passes For Entertainment Around Here

Across the road there's an alfalfa field that has always proved too tempting for cattle. One reason it's easily accessible are the fences...or what passes for fences. Last week, a cow went through the fence and was hastily followed by a lot of friends and, I assume, some family. As they all look alike, Black Angus, it's a pretty safe assumption, don't you agree? Anyway, late Thursday afternoon, someone pulls up in a farm vehicle, opens the gates, dumps minerals and salt on the other side, then rounds up and pushes the cattle through. By 9 p.m. that same night, the cattle returned and were grazing in the field.  And who said animals are dumb?

This morning, four drivers showed up, including a small car, and they all proceeded to round up the cattle. I should mention the cattle don't belong to the owner of this field and for most of the 19+ years I've lived here, this scene has played out time and time and time and time...again. Often, I've wondered why not repair the break in the fence but hey! what do I know, I'm only a "hobby farmer".  This morning, after the cattle were pushed into "their" pasture and the gate closed, I heard the pounding of a hammer. It seems someone (finally!) decided to fix, or at least jury rig, the fence but my money is on the cattle...I give 'em until dark to make their way back into the alfalfa pasture.

Remember Levi Lilly? He's the kitten, here and here, rescued from the barn owls and has grown into a sleek, handsome boy. He's also a murderer killer and likes to hunt for his meals which is totally unnecessary as he's never hungry. Cat food is always available, set out away from the dogs, so Levi is hunting from instinct and not survival. In this photo, he looked up from a warm morning meal and is letting me know is not the best time for a photo op.

Of an early morning, I've been deer watching. In and of itself, that's a wonder because the deer are anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 mile, or more, away. The photos are a bit fuzzy but this little fawn has been romping around Mother, wandering further and further afield but never too far for Mother not to have him/her in sight. 

This buck or stag, as they're called other places, was in the back pasture. He's a fine specimen and I hope he's able to successfully hide come hunting season. I've never understood the desire to have a deer head with antlers hanging on the way...and I come for a family of hunters! The men folk in my family have, mostly, hunted for food and that I understand but trophy hunting...not so much. 

Speaking of Europe...it's time to return. Last November I was in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and thoroughly enjoyed those weeks. It was quiet in Northern Ireland but The Troubles are threatening to flare up again and that's something else that totally befuddles me...how we use our religion to hurt others by trying to force them to comply with our ideology. Somehow I find it very difficult to see Jesus in people me when that happens.

Lately, I've been thinking of a return European visit, perhaps eastern Europe this time. I adore Budapest and the Hotel Thermia Palace in Piestany, Slovakia is my favorite among all spas. 

So! On July 18-25 I'm going to Europe; want to come with me? I haven't decided where but it's going to be with Anita at Castles, Crowns and Cottages and is entitled 

Europe: Simply Irresistible Link Party.

It might be one of the places already mentioned or it might be London or Corsica or Florence or Barcelona or Tiblisi or Yerevan or Hipat Monastery or... hmmmm. Me thinks it's time to take a whirl around my photos in order to begin working on my contribution.

Make sure you return on July 18; until then, it's a secret but it's sure to be another magic moment...

Blessings ~ travel ~ Europe ~ stag and fawn ~ Hotel Thermia Palace ~ Anita ~ Castles, Crowns and Cottages ~