the swans are always beautiful

a cormorant

Now that I have identified this bird on Bradley Creek today, I realize I have seen them before but when their wings were spread open as if they were airing themselves.

dragonflies

In many colors flitting all over Airlie today. I couldn't get close enough for macro shots so I zoomed in. They are pretty even without the details.

sunflowers

at Airlie today

my bff

My Nora has died.
With respect to the other pets I have been privileged to have loved and been loved by, I was most attached to my beautiful little Nora with her compassionate green eyes.
I have learned that life is about coming together and letting go, that change is always happening and nothing stays the same. That parents and others we love die, and that children turn into independent adults and leave. That there is a beginning and an end to all things.
But knowing those things has not made her loss easier to take. I have mourned my friend.
When Jessica brought her into our home fifteen years ago, she was a tiny ball of black fur who had perhaps strayed too far from her mother. "I just want to find a home for her, " Jess coaxed. Soon the hubby asked, "Why don't we keep her?" I was always glad he said it first.
Over the years, she was never anything but delicately feminine, sensitive, affectionate, and enjoyable.
In September last year, she had a bout of illness. She quit eating or drinking and lost weight, and I gave her water with a dropper and squeezed barley and peanut butter between her teeth. "I am not going to let you die!" I pleaded. After finally expelling a huge, hard, tube shaped hairball, she bounced back for a while. But before long other symptoms started showing up. I googled them and the diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma seemed to fit. The vet agreed. He also agreed on Friday that she was too frail, and it would be merciful to let her go.
My at home habits will be changing now, as I realize all the things I did because of her. One little cat can really make a difference in your life.
I will adapt and life will go on, but I will miss her for a long time.

personal maintenance at a good price

Before moving to Wilmington from Greenville, I compared the cost of living with Wilmington coming in at about seven percent higher. I wondered how that would affect my budget, but I have found that it really hasn't. In fact some things are cheaper.
Since this is a week that I don't have much planned, I went for a facial at the college here that teaches stuff like cosmetology and massage. I have had a few facials before, and though this one was done by a student, it was just great. And so cheap! Then I went next door for my "cheap" massage. The massage therapist was not a student, and I have been to him before, and I think he does as well as the wonderful one I had before I moved. Now that is saying something! And comparatively the price is excellent.
I am still oiled up practically all over, and will let it soak in until my shower tomorrow. That is a plus. That and the stray little eyebrow hairs the facial girl plucked for me!

wisdom

At ten a.m. today, the old church bells of First Baptist pealed, the same time as many bells from one hundred and seventy-five miles south were ringing. They symbolized healing, faith, and oneness.

What an awful thing this week, right in my own backyard. A pathetic, deranged young man showed up at a Wednesday night church service in Charleston and killed nine people who had welcomed him and shown kindness. Incredibly heartbreaking.
But what has happened since has been wonderful, especially for this day and time.
Unlike other recent bad events around the US, this congregation and others followed the Biblical playbook and showed an amazing amount of grace, forgiveness, mercy and love. Though they must be grief stricken, they banded together and did not let the actions of one crazed, hate filled mortal incite them to rage against the world. As one parishioner answered as to their response of forgiveness that perplexed some, "If you knew our daddy (God), you would know."

They overcame evil with good and by doing so have set a shining example.

Fort Fisher Trees

Tribute to a Sole Covering

The news in my inbox informed me that today is National Flipflop Day.
It was started within the past decade by a smoothie chain, but more places have joined in the playful recognition. Since I love flipflops and can't wait to set my piggies free as soon as winter passes, I love the idea.
It was maybe the late fifties when I saw the cheap rubber shoes in the drug store for the first time, but back then they were called thong sandals. Perhaps throughout history that is what they were, but language changes and the nickname that came from the sounds they make as we walk stuck.
Flipflops seem good for my feet somehow, like little muscles are being exercised that aren't when I wear closed shoes. And I just read that walking in them actually strengthens our knees.
Now it is about time to put on one of my many pairs and celebrate.

Sweet Grandpets

so good...

It is almost the middle of June, and almost the longest day of the year. Time to enjoy the beach as the sun is setting. And I am so glad it is only ten miles away! This is the Johnnie Mercer pier. It turns golden this time of day.

Bridge

Back when I was in my twenties and thirties, the main recreation of my peer group was playing bridge. We met in our homes, usually all in the same neighborhood, and we knew and helped with each other's children. We played in our regularly scheduled clubs and any other time we felt like it. When I moved on to other things, mainly the crazy schedule of a nurse, my bridge playing days were over. I missed it and vowed that when I retired, I would find people to play with.  Since being in Wilmington, I have played bridge twice now. I wondered if, after thirty years of no bridge, I had forgotten how to play, but not to worry, it came back naturally. I suppose I played so long that I am hard wired for it. I enjoyed playing today with a group of nice women and would be glad to fill in again. At least my yearning has been satisfied.