Just Because It's Pretty

These are actually red roses, very bright red. Maybe it was the bright sunlight but all the photos I took of these roses came out this beautiful pink.

A Favorite Thought

We make realities out of our dreams and dreams out of our realities. We are the dreamers of the dream.

Roald Dahl

Something to Think About

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

To Bee or not To Bee? Is that the Question?

I am a perfectionist, there I've said it and anyone who knows me reasonable well, will attest to the truth of that statement. Now with that out of the way I will continue with the story.

I am on a quest to get the perfect photo, well not just any perfect photo, although I do want all my photos to be perfect. However also being a realistic person I know that doesn't happen that often. Back to the subject at hand. The perfect photo I want is of a bee. I am determined to get a really good photo of a honey bee.

This started the other day when I was taking some flower photos and decided to check on the raspberry bushes to see how they were doing. The bushes are in bloom and with the blooms come the honey bees to busily gather the pollen. OK easy enough, take a photo, or two, or thirty, and see if I can get one of a bee. Took the photos, downloaded to the computer, viewed the results. Very good, I caught a few bees in the process of gathering pollen. But these shots are mundane at best, I can do better. Next day tried again, and this time the results were a little better. You can see the results below and on my photo blog.

I am still not satisfied with the resulting photos however because I know I can do better. Some how, some way, I am going to get the perfect photo of a honey bee.

You've seen some of my photos of squirrels, ducks, cats, etc. Not the best creatures in the world when it comes to striking a pose but not bad either. Some of the park squirrels seem to make a living posing for photos in exchange for mere peanuts, little hams that they are. My cat, at the offer of her favorite treat, might favor me with a quick cute look for the camera. But bees? There is a reason they say, "busy as a bee". These little guys buzz, land and grab pollen, buzz and buzz, gone. And no matter which side of the bushes I go to all the bees seem to move to the other side.

About half of my photos look like this. I had an almost perfect shot but before I could trigger the shutter the bee was distracted by another flower and zoom. . . . he was gone!

Or sometimes I almost, strong emphasis on almost, got a great photo!. The bee was on the move before I could complete the shot.


How do you get a bee to pose for a photo? Offer him a treat? The raspberry bushes are filled with the treat he wants right now, pollen. There is pollen everywhere, but somehow dusting the camera lens with pollen just doesn't seem right.

Talk to him, try to coax him into a pose? Over here little bee, that's it, a little more to the left! Now look at the camera and say "honey". This is not working but I can hear the neighbors whispering to each other, something about the "crazy neighbor lady". Note to self, don't talk to the bees when the neighbors are home.

Maybe I could just set up the tripod in front of one cluster of blooms and wait. Of course the cluster I select will probably be the one that "tastes funny" to a bee.

OK, I just have to face facts, this is strictly trial and error. Just start taking photos and hope for the best.

Nope, these still aren't quite right, still trying!

A Thought for Today

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.

Elbert Hubbard

Just a Few Friends . . . For Fun

A Thought to Start Your Day

The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.

Barbara DeAngelis

Make You Smile?

What do you suppose?

A bee sat on my nose.

Then what do you think?

He gave me a wink

And said, "I beg your pardon,

I thought you were the garden.

English Rhyme

A Very Beautiful Thought

If nature were not beautiful,
it would not be worth knowing,

and if nature were not worth knowing,
life would not be worth living.

Henri Poincare

One Lovely Blog Award

I have been presented with the One Lovely Blog Award from a very lovely blogger. Thank you Pttyann at Pat's Letters God Inspired for this award, I am honored to be chosen. All my wonderful followers please take a few minutes and visit Pttyann's blog.


The rules for sharing this award are different than other awards because instead of just passing it on to just anyone, you are supposed to pass it on to NEW to YOU blogs you've just become familiar with, which is very, very cool! Here are the rules for this Very Lovely award:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. You can also make a comment about the person who gave the award to you by asking your readers to stop by their blog, pay them a visit, leave a comment, or even 'follow' their blog if they feel led to.

2) Pass the award on to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Contact these bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. Just go to their site and leave a comment to one of their posts telling them you have an award for them and to please come by your blog to get it. Just a little note: You pick the number of blogs to pass the award to, just give it to those you have recently discovered.

A second note, I am not passing this award along as much as I am giving you, my followers, a list of blogs to check out and hopefully follow. I know some of those I have selected may prefer not to participate in this little exercise and that is fine, no problem. Please visit these blogs and if you leave a comment maybe say SquirrelQueen sent you.

Musings From Harmonie House Oh, do stop by and visit with Miss Sandra, she always has tea, scones and a beautiful garden.

This Time Tomorrow "A Creative Blog for people like myself who procrastinate and are perfectionists."

Cat's Meow Exercise your mind with this intriguing blog

Fool Stop Funny stuff about everyday life in New Zealand Also take a look at Jase's second blog Jay's Side Mirror but don't try this at home.

Sounds From The Light This quote from the header sums it all up: "I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world," Sadako Sasaki

The Writings of Noupa Nicole is a very talented writer, well worth a visit.

Valerie Wangnet Also an incrediblely talented writer, her stories may not be for some of you but I am definitely a fan.

The Inconsistent Ramblings of a Self Proclaimed Renaissance Woman The title pretty much says it all.

Darnitall "What Comes to Mind" Lovely photos and descriptions of wonderful places.

Thank you again Pttyann. Everyone please take a few minutes and visit all of these wonderful blogs. Thanks

A Thought for Your Day

The most wasted day of all is that during which we have not laughed.

Sebastian Roch Nicolas Chamfort

Memorial Day Thought

All we use or know,
This our fathers bought for us
Long and long ago.

Rudyard Kipling
The Old Issue 1899

Memorial Day 2009

Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.

Amelia Earhart

Rooks Park, in Honor of a Hero

I love walking in our local parks, they are so beautiful. We have only lived here for a few years so I am always learning new things about the area and its history. A few days ago while out for a walk I learned the story of a hero. With this being Memorial Day weekend I thought I would share my discovery with you.

The anchor is from the Houston. The paper plaque, which I understand will soon be replaced with a permanent marker, reads as follows:

Battle of Sunda Strait

"In February 1942, the Houston was part of an allied force of American, British, Dutch, and Australian ships trying to prevent a powerful Japanese armada from invading the island of Java in the South Pacific. After suffering heavy losses in the Battle of the Java Sea, the Allied command ordered the Houston and the Australian ship H.M.A.S. Perth to retreat through the Sunda Strait to the south coast of Java. The two ships were detected by the Japanese and the Perth was lost at once. Captain Rooks inspired his men during the one-sided battle. After inflicting heavy damage on the enemy, the Houston sank near the Sunda Strait. Of the ship's company of 1,011 men, 651 perished. Navy experts say that the battle was one of the most gallant in naval history."

In 1941 Rooks took command of the heavy cruiser Houston, flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. He took his ship through the difficult first three months of the Pacific War. During the battle of Sunda Strait, the Houston survived six air attacks and one major naval engagement, doing serious damage to the enemy. Captain Rooks died on the bridge as a result of the enemy fire and went down with his ship after a courageous fight against overwhelming odds.

Albert Harold Rooks was born in Colton, Washington in 1891. Captain Rooks was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. In 1944, the destroyer USS Rooks was named in his honor. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers maintains Rooks Park located five miles east of Walla Walla, WA to honor Captain Rooks.

Comforting Thoughts

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.

Rachel Carson

Thinking on the Move

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)

Something to Think Over

The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn.

David Russell

Impossible Dreams?

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible,
then they seem improbable,
and then, when we summon the will,
they soon become inevitable.

Christopher Reeve

Most Wonderful FAVORITE! Award

My blog has been honored with an award (My Most Wonderful Favorite) from Argentum Vulgaris at Blogger's Cafe. Thank you AV!

These are the rules in accepting this award:

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who then must choose and deliver the award to eight more and include the following text into the award.

"These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

I would like to honor the following bloggers. As noted in the text above, my aim is to find them as friends. These are some really great blogs that everyone should check out and follow. Thanks all.

1) Sunflower Ranch
2) Camera Commune
3) My Personal Cafe
4) Two Pretty Little Skirts
5) Grandma Nina
6) Lame Owl
7) Career Changing In The Credit Crunch
8) Musings From The Texas Hill Country

Cloudy Obsession

I've looked at clouds from both sides now

From up and down and still somehow

It's cloud's illusions I recall

I really don't know clouds at all

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

Let Your Thoughts Flow

Rivers are magnets for the imagination, for conscious pondering and subconscious dreams, thrills and fears. People stare into the moving water, captivated, as they are when gazing into a fire.

What is it that draws and holds us?

The rivers' reflections of our lives and experiences are endless. The water calls up our own ambitions of flowing with ease, of navigating the unknown.

Streams represent constant rebirth. The waters flow in, forever new, yet forever the same; they complete a journey from beginning to end, and then they embark on the journey again.

Tim Palmer - From Lifelines

Thoughts of Wonder

If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.

Rachel Carson

A Perfect Thought

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.

Trees can be contorted,
bent in weird ways,
and they're still beautiful.

Alice Walker

Independence Mine

Over the past few weeks I have shown you photos of the Hatcher's Pass, Alaska and Independence Mine. I thought you might like a little more history of this area. The Hatcher's Pass area is home to Independence Mine.

Robert Lee Hatcher staked the first lode gold claim in the Willow Creek Valley in 1906. Others followed but because lode mining was so expensive the companies merged to save on expenses. Lode mining is mining of a mineral deposit in solid rock which requires the use of heavy equipment to build tunnels.

Independence Mine was once two mines, The Alaska Free Gold Mine on Skyscraper Mountain and the Independence Mine on Granite Mountain. The two were consolidated in 1938 under one company the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Company (APC). At its peak APC employed 204 men, blasted almost a dozen miles of tunnels and produced 34,416 ounces of gold worth $1,204,560 (on today's market about $17,208,000). Near the mine was Boomtown which housed about twenty-two families, with eight children attending the Territorial School.

In 1942 when the US entered World War II gold mining throughout the US came to a halt as it was deemed nonessential. Independence Mine however continued to operate, not because of gold, but sheelite. Sheelite occurs in some quartz veins with gold, it is a source of tungsten, a valuable metal to the war effort. Production was low however and the mine was ordered closed in 1943.

The mine opened again in the late forties but closed in 1951 as gold became unprofitable. At that time gold could only be sold to the US government at a fixed rate of $35 per ounce.

In 1974, Independence Mine was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 270 acres of land were donated to the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation for the establishment of Independence Mine State Historical Park. In 1980 the title to the acreage was transferred to the State of Alaska.

Something to Ponder

It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to.

Marilyn Ferguson

A Sunny Thought

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.

James M. Barrie

A Must Read, Check It Out

Knight Writer over at My Life as a Layperson has posted her favorite "ponderisms" and witticisms. This is such a funny list I wanted to share. The one about the mouse flavored . . . oops, I don't want to give it away. Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think.

Thanks all,
SQ

A Thought with Value

We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.

Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.

e.e. cummings

Let's Play Tag! Jan is It!

First we have to run. . .running here . . . no, this way . . . hide behind tree . . . whew, almost got caught that time . . . oh, no . . . Jan got me! I've been TAGGED!

Jan over at The Little Web has tagged me. Be sure to check out Jan's blog.
Are you ready to play? Here are the rules:

1) Mention the Rules . . . umm I'm like doing that right now.
2) List 7 facts about yourself. OK, here goes.
1. A Southern girl, born and bred, grew up in Georgia. Does that make me a Southern Belle? Since I prefer jeans rather than frills probably not but I will let you decide.
2. I've worked as a camp director, head hunter, sales rep (yep, I know the Trix rabbit and Betty Crocker on a first name basis) and some other little odd and ends.
3. While in college (chemistry major) I wrote for a local newspaper. For a time I was a card carrying member of the Georgia Press Association. The card had little or no value except maybe to get into events a little faster.
4. Love photography, been doing it on and off forever. I still have my old Pentax 35mm SLR just cause it was my first.
5. Love cats, and pretty much all animals.
6. Must have coffee in the morning. Don't tell me there is no coffee, no coffee would be a very bad thing.
7. Love to travel.

3) Last rule, tag 7 more folks and let them know they've been TAGGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have done a couple of these lately and to be honest I've forgotten who I have tagged already. I am going to make this one easy. If you have read down this far guess what. . . . .you've just been TAGGED!!!!! This is your notification, TAG . . .Your IT!! Now go to your blog, tell everyone you were tagged by the SquirrelQueen and let's see your list.

Something to Consider

Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

TS Eliot

Lucinda's Story, Final Notes

I have been doing genealogy for several years researching both of our families. Tracking down one's ancestors is an endless task, the more answers you find, the more questions you have. The process has been simplified by the Internet, but it is still time consuming. The gathering of information and separating facts from false leads is an incredible adventure. Having actual documentation makes it so much easier to put the puzzle pieces in place.

Lucinda's husband, William, had kept a few documents and photos in a small metal box. The box was passed down to my husband's mother, Elizabeth. When she died the box came to us.

The story you have been reading is based on the contents of that little box and a few stories from my husband's father, Jack.

Lucinda died in 1934, William died fifty years later in 1984. There were other women in Bill's life after Lucinda died but I, being somewhat of a romantic, strongly believe she was his one true love.

Lucinda's story has been in my head for quite some time, this Mother's Day weekend seemed like the right time for it to be told.

I have two last photos to share with you. These are casual snapshots of Lucinda and Bill from about 1928.

Thank you faithful readers for taking the time to share this glimpse into one family's history.

Higher Thoughts

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

John Burroughs

Lucinda's Story

Fairy tales do not always come true. A lovely, romantic story does not always have a happy ending. Life is not necessarily fair and things happen that sometimes we wish would not.

During the first half of the 20th century there was no effective treatment for tuberculosis. Very often the symptoms such as loss of weight, loss of energy, poor appetite, fever, a nagging cough, and night sweats would be incorrectly diagnosed as another disease. Usually by the time the disease was correctly diagnosed it was in the advanced stages.

Lucinda died in March of 1934, at the age of 26, after contracting tuberculosis the previous year. She was survived by her husband William and her 4 year old son Jackie. She was laid to rest at Saint Teresa's cemetery in Westphalia, Kansas.

A Letter to Lucinda,

Lucinda you were taken from this earth at far too young an age, taken from the ones who loved you. You would never grow old with your loving husband, never see your child grow into a man.

Jackie grew into Jack, a strong man, a good man. He married Elizabeth and they raised a family.

Lucinda, you are gone but now William has joined you. Your son Jack, and Elizabeth, are with you as well.

Jack's two sons are still here to carry the family name. Your grandsons Lucinda, and oh, you would be so proud of the men they have become, all they have done, and all they continue to do. When someone looks at them they are seeing a little part of you.

How do I know all these things Lucinda? Well, it is because your youngest grandson is the man I married.

A Mother's Day Thought

From Peter Pan

Mrs. Darling first heard of Peter when she was tidying up her children's minds. It is the nightly custom of every good mother after her children are asleep to rummage in their minds and put things straight for next morning, repacking into their proper places the many articles that have wandered during the day.

If you could keep awake (but of course you can't) you would see your own mother doing this, and you would find it very interesting to watch her. It is quite like tidying up drawers. You would see her on her knees, I expect, lingering humorously over some of your contents, wondering where on earth you had picked this thing up, making discoveries sweet and not so sweet, pressing this to her cheek as if it were as nice as a kitten, and hurriedly stowing that out of sight. When you wake in the morning, the naughtiness and evil passions with which you went to bed have been folded up small and placed at the bottom of your mind and on the top, beautifully aired, are spread out your prettier thoughts, ready for you to put on.

James Barrie

Lucinda's Story Part III

It was a cold February morning as Lucinda and Aunt Ann left the house, they had finished all the household chores and were going shopping in Westphalia. She and her aunt had made a list last evening of what was needed, just a few items including fabric for a dress.

The year was 1928 and Lucinda had been living with her aunt since her mother, Mary, had passed away. Lucinda was only eight when Mary died and the family had decided the young girl needed a woman's influence. She still saw her father and brother almost every day, very often they would come to dinner at Ann's house and they always came on Sunday to escort the ladies to and from church.

Lucinda's grandmother had moved into the house when Grandpa Pierre died in 1913, but in 1920 Grandma Marie had also died. Now it was just Ann and Lucinda living here. But in the small town of Westphalia the house was never lonely or quiet. There were many family members and friends in this little town. Someone was always coming to call.

Lately one of the most frequent callers was William. He had been "courting" Lucinda for several months and three weeks ago he had asked her to be his wife. Being a respectful young man, he had talked to her father George and asked for his blessing. As William was the son of George's good friend and neighbor Gus, there had been no hesitation. Well almost. As a good father should he questioned the boy on his plans for supporting a wife and family. William explained to his prospective father-in-law about his job at the local farm equipment shop and how he was learning to build and repair the machinery. His future was secure and he felt he could support a family. George happily gave his blessing to the marriage.

All of this brings us back to Lucinda and Ann's shopping trip. They were going to get the material for Lucinda's wedding dress. William and Lucinda would be married in the spring and there was so much to be done before the wedding.

In late May of that year the entire town gathered at Saint Teresa's church for Lucinda and William's wedding. It was a beautiful day, surrounded by family and friends, and the start of a wonderful life for the young couple.
George had given them the small house which had belonged to Pierre and Marie, the perfect home. Each day Lucinda would take care of the house and her garden and William would work at the farm shop.

One day when William came home from work Lucinda asked him to sit down, there was something she wanted to tell him. She handed him a glass of iced tea and said, "Bill, you are going to be a father." At first he just sat there, staring at the glass of tea, then he jumped up, grabbed Lucinda and proceed to dance around the room with her.

Baby John, who everyone would call Jackie, was born in September of 1929. They were now a family and life was good in Westphalia, Kansas.
A few years went by and the young couple were very happy. Lucinda was planning a party to celebrate Jackie's fourth birthday. Ann had been out of town visiting relatives but when she returned she went over to see if she could help with the party.

As soon as she saw Lucinda she knew something was wrong. Lucinda had lost weight and looked pale. Ann immediately insisted that Lucinda go with her to see the town doctor. Lucinda protested that she was just tired from all the party preparations. After awhile she confessed to Ann that she had lost her appetite and wasn't sleeping. She was also being bothered by a cough that would not go away. Ann finally convinced her to see the doctor.

William was working on a piece of equipment at the shop, it had been a very busy day and he was tired but he needed to finish this job. He was deep in concentration but decided to take a short break. When he looked up Ann was standing in front of him.

"William", she said, "Lucinda is very sick, the doctor says it is consumption*, he wants to send her to the sanatorium tomorrow."

To be continued . . .

*In the past tuberculosis was called consumption.