And "Poof" They're Gone

Mockingbirds are ubiquitous here, at least in our yard.  We've had at least 5 nesting pairs in the back yard, and I don't know how many in the front yard.

They nest close to the house, like the ones who made a nest in this bush ...

And since it's so close, it was so easy to climb up in this white chair and take pictures.

Most eggs hatch within a couple of days.
 

And they fly away in 10 days to two weeks.  The fledglings look like miniature mockingbirds, and they hang around for a week or so, or at least it seems that way.  Perhaps they just grow up.

I'm suffering a bit of an empty nest syndrome this summer.  My daughter is spending much of the summer at her grandparents' home, and my son is working full time.

Shades of things to come.

"Raindrops on Roses ...

... these are a few of my favorite things."

This song kept running through my mind yesterday morning as I went out into the yard and saw the way the light shines through the rain drops on the rose bushes.  I couldn't quite capture it, but wanted to share these with you.

 

And even on nasturtiums, it's beautiful.

And rain is so unusual here in "Sunny" southern California, especially in June, that it must be documented.  :)

Yoke

Jesus said in Matthew 11, verses 28 - 30 (NASB):

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

 

As I understand it, a yoke represents work that is well-fitted to you, work that God has gifted you to do through the Holy Spirit.  And it brings rest because we are doing that for which we are made, and it's easy and refreshing.

In my life, I've had different seasons in which different giftings have come to the fore, as they were needed.  There were times when hospitality was needed, and other times when teaching was called upon, and other times of prayer, intercession, and healing. 

It's satisfying to look back and see this pattern in my life of how God has gifted me and used those gifts for His glory.

 

Roses

Some roses to enjoy.  These were taken at the Huntington Library and Gardens in late May.

The promise ...

The realization ...

Pretty pink roses ...

I love this color ...

Lilies of the Field

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

 Matthew 6:28-29 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke these words in the context of telling us to not worry, because God cares for us much more than lilies.  And lilies are beautiful.  Let us consider a few.

The colors drew me to this one.

Notice the detail that goes into each, and no two are exactly alike.

Cheerful yellow

Easter lilies from church

These colors practically glow

Day lily from our yard, a little battered, but still lovely

 

The lilies of the field

God takes care of the flowers of the field and the birds of the air.  How much MORE will He take care of me and my family. 

Promises to hang onto in these uncertain times.

The Rest of the Pets

When I was looking for pictures for Maya for yesterday's post, I realized just how many photos of each our pets we have.  Most of them were taken by our daughter, Cha.

So, being who I am, I organized them.  I made folders and moved pictures around, and even deleted some (gasp!) that were so blurry that even I wasn't sure what they were.  Now each pet has his or her own folder, and there are even folders for each pet combination, ie.: Both Cats. 

Fred has by far the most pictures.  He's very beloved by Cha, and is very patient with her and lets her put ribbons on him.

Surveying his kingdom ?

The other cat is Barney.  And no, we didn't name them.  They came to us with those names.  He sleeps on our bed every night.

I think he's a beautiful cat.

Betsy is our cocker spaniel, with a bit of poodle thrown in, we believe.  She's the Alpha dog these days.

I love to watch her run.

And although he's gone to his reward where he can run forever, I want to include Baby.  I still miss him.

Love his up-turned ear!

So right now, we have the four at home:  Maya, Betsy, Fred and Barney.  All our pets came to us as rescue animals, and we really aren't looking for another, but I'd dearly love a golden retriever some day.

Maya -- and Her Appellations

Isn't she sweet?

I've already introduced you to Maya, our dachshund  (http://flowersandmusings.blogspot.com/2011/04/maya-our-dachshund.html).  She has been a great source of amusement for us.  For example, my husband and kids have come up with a list of names and/or appellations for her ...

 

• Dachshund (duh)
• Maya Papaya
• Normalschlag (which means she's a normal sized dachshund)
• Crocodile (she has very sharp teeth)
• Hot Dog
• Miss Dachshund
• Fraulein Dachshund
• Slinky
• Short One
• Badger Pants 
• Stinker
• Lap Dog (even when she stinks)
• Stinky
• Piggy (she makes piggy noises)
• Badger Hound
• Sausage
• Short Stuff
• Miss Longbody
• Bad Dog!!! :)

Sun Goddess