My motto …

from years ago was this:

I haven't lived like that in a long time, years, actually, but I find myself, lately, going there again. I think I've learned that some risks are worth taking, while it's fine to let others go.

Something has come up, something I can't really write about yet, but I'm throwing up this post as a teaser. And a reminder to myself that, while living on the edge usually ended in disaster – back in the day – it didn't always. Combined with a bit of maturity, the willingness to ask for help and advice and a spirit of cooperation, it might actually end up being pretty comfortable over here.

May 20 - Something you can't live without

When I saw today's photo prompt, I almost took a picture of my garden gloves.
This time of year, they're essential! Howver, I could live without them.
It didn't take me long to come up with a more substantial and meaningful idea.
Without the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I wouldn't be here.
I literally would be dead (or in prison or in a mental institution). So grateful. 
Also, I am reminded of a book I bought once, just because I liked the title:
If You Can't Live Without Me, Why Aren't You Dead Yet? 
Looks like someone's written a song by that title now, as well.

Your turn: What can't you live without?

May 19 - A favourite place

The landscaped bed in my front yard. Last year it was puny. This year – LUSH!

May 18 - Something you made

Something I made? How about a mess! This is the potting bench at the
garden center, as far as messes go, this one isn't too bad.

Finally enough strawberries to actually eat!

Today is the next to the last day of National Women's Health Week here in the United States. My husband is a psychiatrist, and his e-mails this week have been focusing on women's mental health.

I could use a little mental health these days. Heh.

Crops! With NO slug damage! I think
the Sluggo is working.

Actually (don't you love it when little kids say 'actually?' All of my grandchildren have, so far, gone through an actually stage) the day is starting off on a bright note, with fresh strawberries from my garden topping my Shredded Wheat. I'm excited to write a little reaping-and-eating news, since there isn't much knitting (still working on the endless blue stockinette pullover) and there's NO running.

(Two of our Amish neighbors grow strawberries as a crop to sell, and neither of their gardens are doing well at all. I think our non-winter followed by a cold snap confused them. This might be all I get from the few plants I have.)

My intentional activity yesterday included baking two batches of brownies working in the garden for three and a half hot hours in the afternoon. Tilling a bed for the edamame, and then planting the edamame was sandwiched between the brownie baking. The first batch was definitely not worthy of serving to members of Three Rivers Democratic Women at last night's meeting, so I had to make another batch. My husband ate most of the first batch, except for the gooey pieces I had to toss. I tasted them, and they were delicious, but not pretty enough to serve.

My very first job, other than baby-sitting, was working for a caterer. I bet you couldn't have guessed that.

Thanks for all your kind comments about yesterday's fog photo, and for your good wishes for my granddaughter and her broken wing. She went to school the next day – clearly she does not know how to milk an injury! Although my own cast envy certainly included going to school and getting lots of attention.

Busy day today, busy weekend ahead. I do believe I'll only be posting photos tomorrow and Sunday, but who knows? I could get inspired, especially if I wake up super-early. I hope your weekend is productive and fun and soul-satisfying. I hope mine is, too.

May 17 - Snack

Blondies (we called them butterscotch brownies, back in the day).

It's kinda froggy out here

Typical May morning again – dense fog, birdsong, multiple cups of coffee, new photo app on the phone.

I'm so happy I got an Android when it was time to replace my BlackBerry. The only advantage of the BB is the keyboard – I'm an excellent typist on a computer, typewriter or BB keyboard, but my skills are CRAP on a touchscreen. It's not just the size of the keyboard, either. My typing skills are equally atrocious on the Nook Color.

This photo of distant fog and close-up peonies was taken using an app called One Man With A Camera. When you start with this app you first select a camera and then select a filter and then take your shot. I'd prefer taking the shot first and then running through the various effects, like Instagram, but this is fun, too. (I tried searching for an image to alter after I opened the app but didn't see how to accomplish it.)

In this picture, I love how the flowers mimics the treeline. I did NOT plan that, in fact I just now noticed it, after looking at the photo for the last 10 minutes trying to figure out something to say about it. Pretty cool, though, huh?

We all know by now what Jon Stewart thinks of Instagram (and, I assume, similar retro photo apps). I really don't care what you think, Jon Stewart! I'm having fun, damn it (and seriously, I could use a little fun, doncha think?), it's not breaking the bank and it hurts no one. What's not to love?