Another Fine Day

Clouds of Clematis

Gazebo on Turquoise Pond

Today Pepper and I ventured out for the annual Clare Garden Tour.  He did pretty well, once he realized he didn't have to stay in the apple box, but could get out to see new people and places.  (See pic below). 

The gardens were so impressive, so beautiful and so artistically arranged.  The recent rains ceased just for this event, I think.  The weather could not have been more perfect!  I think I'll try a Picasa album to display more of the gardens.

(Link to the Picasa Album)  Clare Garden Tour 
Forgive the double posting of photos in the album--2 shots for the price of one.  My computer battery ran out part way through the process.  I'll probably fix it...later.

Peaceful Porch

Pepper in His Apple Box

Pepper Resting Up

Catching Up

   Time to think and write a bit.  It has been slightly over 4 weeks since Pepper joined the family.  That explains why I haven't been thinking blogish, but have been working through the puppy stage.  Pepper is a black toy poodle who makes everyone smile and reach out to touch his soft, curly coat.  One has to be careful, though, 'cause the sharp little teeth clamp down speedily and leave their marks.  Guess this would be the spot to insert a pic of the little 'angel'. He's showing some growth now, so as soon as he holds still, I'll post some more on him. 

 Simba's Black Pepper at Jennifer's, his groomer.

   In the meantime, life in Clare, Michigan is nicely summery, with delicious waves of coolness late in the day.  Each Thursday evening through the month of June and perhaps July, the park across from my balcony holds concerts, arts and crafts offerings and fresh produce.  Lots of folks bring their chairs, have picnics and seem appreciative as they listen to the musicians who perform golden oldies.  Pepper and I have enjoyed it too. He and I walk the perimeter and later end up back on my balcony. Soon the Arts Council will present a play at Shamrock Park with an Irish theme.  'Twill be grand, I'm sure.

   Last weekend community churches banded together for a giant yard sale at my church, Brown Corners United Brethren.  They raised over $8,000.00 to benefit Love, Inc., a local and very effective helping-arm to folks in need.  Clare County at its best!
   

Daily Sightings

The last blog entry was April 29th.  Today is May 17th.  (I won't say it!)  I'll try to recap a bit.  Spring is here--off and on--and I have begun a walking endeavor.  I try to avoid the voice that whispers "tomorow".  Already 10 miles plus have been recorded on my trusty pedometer...spread over several days, of course.

On the walks I have taken along my camera, so will try to include two from last Thursday.  The first shows Amish children waiting in a wagon for the Clare 'parade' honoring hero Robert Friese who lost his life in Iraq.  The second photo was taken as the hearse passed the Doherty Hotel.  Several hundred citizens calmly lined  a long stretch of McEwan Street.  The event moved me greatly.

Amish children waiting for the hero's solemn procession.

Cortege on its way through Clare to Harrison, the home of Robert Friese.

(a click on the pics will enlarge them)

Prayers go up for the family of Spc. Robert Friese. 

Clare, Michigan is taking on the green aspect of good old County Clare, Ireland.  Nearly forty shades are dazzling the winter-weary folks here.  Me, included.  Here's a touch of green found on my walk around town.  Yellow ribbons provide a beautiful contrast.

Love these long afternoons.  Maybe I'll venture out of my apartment again, although  I seem to hear the cheeky whisper .  It sounds like, "Don't overdo it, girl."  We'll see about that.  As one of my favorite blog authors often says, "Stay tuned."  (Assuming anyone is actually reading Dot's Stuff.)

March Has Disappeared

April is nearly half-gone.  The ancient Latins knew too well that "tempus fugit", so I shouldn't be surprised. 

The St. Patrick's Day parade was as I remembered parades to be.  There were the crowds, the patriotic flag-bearers, the clowns and the bands.  Clare throws a party every year on St. Patrick's (a 4-day event).  As one obsessed with Ireland and its people I'm happy to be reminded of the man himself, who would probably tell everyone today to 'tone it down'.  After all he saw his mission as all about God and Christ.  Check out his 'Confession'. I think you'll see what I mean.
Here are some pics of parade day.  BTW, Lauryn, got a medal in the 5k race for fastest in her age group. She deserved it!

 Ronald

 Musicians and Jokers Extrordinaire

Clare Float

Irish John

Marchteenth the Fourth

John, who is on his way to Nicaragua to do helpful stuff, is celebrating his birth today.  He meets up with a group from Brown Corners church and will be reporting back on Thursday.

St. Patrick might be on one's mind as we approach his day.  The man was for real, called back to Ireland after having been held as a slave there for 8 years.  His 'Confession' is very interesting reading.  http://www.amazon.com/Confession-Saint-Patrick-Letter-Coroticus/dp/0385491638

He was a fearless servant of God among a pagan culture.  His encounter with the High King is legend.  Here's a link that can relate it better than I.  I have been up the Hill of Slane several times.  Once Sharon Wininger (McKai) and I tiptoed our way through a herd of dairy cattle to reach the top.
http://www.slane.com/hillofslane.htm

I took this pic of the view from the Hill.  I believe if you click on the pic it brings it closer.

I  

So, bye for now, or as the Irish often say "Slan go foill"

Good Old North Carolina

Today, I'm writing from Oney's and Judy's computer.  Here's a picture from their files.

Pic taken at portal tomb, Poulnebrone in County Clare, Ireland.

Having a wonderful time.  It's time to return to the old sod.

....and here's a very nice laddy, Nicholas Pinder with old St. Nick.