Phriday Phads, Pheathers & A Photo Challenge – Pull Up a Seat

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers, photo challenges, Phriday Phads23 Comments

I was pulling the trash cans to the curb when my neighbor across the street called out to me, “Look up.” I did, immediately ditched the trash can, and ran for my camera. I was lucky and the bronze and brown hawk wasn’t disrupted by my motion beneath him. He sat prettily for his portrait against the overcast sky. He’s a beauty, and I believe he is the same hawk I’ve written of in past posts.

For some reason he brought to mind pole-sitters. I’m assuming that in the generations born after me, most people have no idea what constitutes a pole-sitter. Pole-sitting didn’t take a lot of skill, just a bit of bravado and endurance.

Wikipedia says: “Pole sitting is the practice of sitting on top of a pole (such as a flagpole) for extended lengths of time, generally used as a test of endurance. A small platform is typically placed at the top of the pole for the sitter. Led by the stunt actor and former sailor Alvin “Shipwreck” Kelly, flagpole sitting was a fad in the mid-to-late 1920s, but mostly died out after the start of the Great Depression.”

If you have never heard of pole-sitting, take a look at this quick Youtube video:

This post is part of Pull Up A Seat Challenge.

Photo Challenge – What is That?

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges12 Comments

On Saturday, during our walk at the Tall Pines State Preserve, a forest filled with beautiful pines and deciduous trees, we came upon a beautiful lake. We noticed a strange bird, or large bug of some kind, hovering over the water. Could it be a late-season hummingbird?

I took out my camera and zoomed in.

And zoomed again even closer…

There it hung, a lure cast too close to the tree branches. It will probably hang for years on the ultra-durable monofilament fishing line. Unless of course someone like me, who doesn’t mind getting wet feet, wades out and cuts it down.

We have quite a collection of washed-up fishing lures collected from beaches we visit. The photo shows our largest find. It is about six inches long and has gigantic hooks. It hangs on our back porch year round, far out of reach and beyond the height of anyone’s head. One day I’m hoping to make it the stationary piece of a ‘found lure’ mobile or wind chime.

I wonder if the Tall Pine’s lure will still be hanging when I visit again.

This post is part of Kammie’s Oddball Challenge.

Photo Challenge – Weather Vane Wednesday/Harmony

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress2 Comments

An eagle atop the Harmony Fire Company, Mullica Hill, NJ. The Harmony Fire Company was established in 1704.

A few more views of the Harmony Fire Company weather vane and station. I love those bright red doors. Eagles are one of the most popular weather vane subjects I find in my area.

Many thanks to The 59 Club for taking part in last week’s Weather Vane Wednesday. Take a look at this great post:
The 59 Club – Emmet Park

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

Perspective – Restorative Power!

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective5 Comments

Saint Francis Xavier Church was founded by Father Thomas Mansell, S.J. in 1704. It is one of the earliest Catholic establishments in the English Colonies and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

History of St. Francis Xavier Shrine (Old Bohemia) Years ago, before the age of digital cameras, my husband and I drove around Cecil County, Maryland. We came upon a beautiful church unawares. I was struck by its beauty and took a snapshot with my camera. The photo above is a digital copy of the beautiful moment I captured.

The Old Bohemia Church was built in 1792. The church was established in 1704 to battle the repression of Catholicism in the English Colonies. In 1953, a group formed to renovate and restore the building. To me, the coming together of three such separate denominations is a testament of what Christianity should represent.

In 1953, the Old Bohemia Historical Society was formed by a Catholic, a Quaker and a Methodist who purchased the property’s core 120 acres with the goal to restore and maintain the historic site. Since that time, members have worked to bring the property back to its original state.

The month of October for me was a month without church. Between vacation and a dental surgery I missed every Sunday at my place of worship. This past weekend I was once again worshipping with the members in our church. When we entered we were greeted with the sight of almost every seat taken in the sanctuary. Hallelujah, what a blessed sight. We made our way to the balcony where there was still room, and I said to my husband, ‘It’s a full house today.’ When I left I felt uplifted and full of joy…I had been where I belonged on Sunday morning…in God’s house.

Yesterday I visited the blog ‘Tales From the Mama Duck.’ She perfectly put into words exactly how I felt on Sunday about the restorative power of church attendance. Here’s a quote and a link to her amazing post. ‘I Didn’t Want to Leave Church on Sunday.’

“Church is not a social gathering for me. Sure, it provides fellowship, but more intimate relationships are experienced in small groups. Church service is restorative. After six days in the world, I need a reprieve from the depravity, the images, the diseases, disappointments, and this Babylonian culture.” ~ Tales From Mama Duck

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” ~ Psalm 23:3

Pots & Pans – Day After Thanksgiving Cookies

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans10 Comments

Last week I baked these delicious cookies. The recipe uses bits of leftover ingredients from Thanksgiving dinner. I mixed up the cookies before the big day so I used new cans of pumpkin pie mix and cranberry sauce. (See quick tip below) Because the recipe is copyright I can’t include it in the post, but I can give you the link. The recipe as written in ‘Taste of Home’ magazine can be found here: Day After Thanksgiving Cookies.

I made quite a few changes to the recipe. I prefer baking and eating smaller cookies. The changes I made allow for a shorter baking time.

My changes:
I will leave out the white baking chips next time. They don’t add much flavor, are not real chocolate, and don’t soften when baking. They are distracting when you bite into the soft cookie. I used mini-chocolate chips instead of large and was very happy with the result. I preheated the oven to 375 degrees instead of the 350, and dropped the cookie by teaspoons onto the baking sheet instead of by tablespoon. I prefer smaller-sized cookies. I baked them for twelve minutes.

My husband, son, and grandsons loved these cookies. Honestly, I think I must have eaten half a dozen when they came out of the oven…they are that good when warm.

I love cookies that are filled with ingredients that are good for you. These cookies are loaded with three good-for-you ingredients: pumpkin, oatmeal and cranberry sauce. I had one problem with the cookies: storage. The baked cookies are super-moist and stick together in one large clump if stored in a ziplock bag or on a plate. Next time I will freeze them individually on parchment paper before storing. The cookies thaw in minutes and this way they will last longer and stay intact. Because of their sticky exterior these cookies would not be good for a cookie sale or a Christmas exchange.

Quick Tip: Freeze the leftover pumpkin pie mix and cranberry sauce in 1/4 cup dollops on parchment paper. These can be stored in the freezer and thawed out when you need them.

Place – Which Way to Tall Pines?

On By TimelessladyIn Place12 Comments

We always assumed it was called Tall Pines because of the tall pines surrounding it. Once a golf course and restaurant, it is now a 110 acre state preserve. In some areas you can still see where the sand pits were located. The trail in the photo is part of this week’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

We saw the silhouette of a large bird in the distance and thought perhaps it was a young eagle, but on closer inspection saw it was only a big buzzard. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are eagles and hawks nesting in this area in the Springtime.

The preserve was dedicated in June of 2016. It has taken us two years to visit and ride our bikes on the trails. I’m sure it will be a favorite excursion in the future. When we crossed the creek there were so many criss-crossing trails and choices we were lost for about twenty minutes, but soon found our way back.

This aeriel view courtesy of Google Maps gives you a sense of the immense size of the preserve.

Autumn is an especially good time to visit. We enjoyed the view of this small footbridge at the edge of the pond. These photographs were taken near noon today. The only problem we encountered were the beggar ticks, a burr type of seed, that hitchhiked home on our clothing.

If you like to hike and live in, or are visiting, Southern New Jersey, take advantage of this beautiful park

Pheathers – Russets

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers16 Comments

Autumn walks are glorious. I enjoy looking up and finding sunlit leaves to photograph.

Yesterday, I noticed an especially tall tree with brilliant color in the distance. In a patch of barren branches glowed one shining leaf. When I zoomed in with my camera lens, I found my single leaf was a robin basking in the sun, his feathers perfectly matching the russet of the leaves. Robins, like geese, don’t seem to fly south anymore, but winter over in many northern areas.

Journey North has an excellent article on why robins winter-over in the north. One reason I might see so many in my area is the abundance of natural food source trees and bushes in our area.

Here’s a few of the Autumn trees in my area of New Jersey this week. I can’t wait until the leaves lay ankle-deep on the sidewalks like a gigantic potpourri of color. What fun it is to kick through the piles, enjoying the inimitable fragrance and crunch of the dry leaves beneath my feet. This post is part of Skywatch Friday.

Place – Mullica Hill in Doors

On By TimelessladyIn Photographs19 Comments

A photo of a purple door seemed a perfect starting point for  Norm’s Thursday Doors. I found this door and several other compelling additions to the post in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, a town near me known for antiques.

I loved the idea this shop used for their open and closed sign. I was disappointed they were closed and I couldn’t look inside, the porch…

…and the yard…

… were full of great ideas and interesting treasures.

Across the way I found a house with a beautifully wreathed door.

A sign named it the Ellis Shivers House established in 1771.

Displayed near one of the antique shops was this acrylic pour pumpkin. I would have never thought of creating the look over a pumpkin. Guess what I’ll be attempting next year? The uncontrolled painting style was the perfect choice for today’s Ragtag Daily Prompt/Loose.

Photo Challenge – Weather Vane Wednesday/Alcyon Lake Park

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges3 Comments

In Pitman, NJ, the town next door to mine, you will find Alcyon Lake Park. The stock car weather vane pays homage to the days when racing took place on the grounds.

“Alcyon Speedway
Alcyon Speedway was a 1/2 mile D shaped oval located on the west side of Pitman, New Jersey.
Historical Note:
The original track on the site was a 1/3 mile bicycle track which opened in 1895. It was expanded to 1/2 mile for horse racing around 1909-1910. Auto racing occured here in 1909, from 1919 to 1925, and from 1935 through 1942. After WWII, the track operated from May 30th 1946 through July 1960.”
~ North American Motorsports

The park is a terrific place to walk as it has a little bit of everything: woods, wildflower fields, and a beautiful lake on one side.

Many thanks to these bloggers for taking part in last week’s Weather Vane Wednesday. Take a look at their great posts.
Exploring Colour – High Weather Vanes
The 59 Club – Distance and Winds

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

Place – The Blue Castle & Castles in the Air

On By TimelessladyIn Place12 Comments

“Experience the thrill of living in a Castle built 50ft. above an old pirates cave, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.” ~ Blue Cave Castle


The Blue Cave Castle photographed from the Samara Resort in Negril Jamaica. This modern-day castle is my entry in City Sonnet’s Photo a Day Challenge for October 30th/Castle.

For some reason the challenge and my resultant photo made me think of the phrase: “Building Castles in the Air.”

“Building Castles in the Air”—Extravagant hopes and plans that will never be carried out. ~ Dictionary.Com

I must admit I have built plenty of ‘castles in the air’ in my lifetime. Instead of chiding myself over too many dreams, when I have a good idea that has potential to bear fruit I’m going to follow the advice of Henry David Thoreau—

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ~ Thoreau

I also very much like these wise words from Richard Whately…

“To know your ruling passion, examine your castles in the air.” ~ Whately

What castles are you building in your daydreams? Perhaps our castles in the air might lead to some spectacular new adventures. I’m ready to build some foundations under my dreams and see what comes. Onward!

Pheathers – Monochrome Monday/Quoth the Raven

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers2 Comments

This raven has a interesting silhouette. I thought his scissored tail was a perfect choice for Cee’s Black and White Challenge/Tongues and Tails.

Photograph – Snapshot Saturday/Watching Squirrels

On By TimelessladyIn photograph12 Comments

I’ve shared this in the past, but today, reminded again of how much fun it is for my cat to watch ‘cat entertainment videos,’ I thought I’d share again and make it a part of Snapshot Saturday.

Squirrels in a box videos amuse my cat. The videos can be found on Amazon Prime and Youtube.

Plants – Mexican Bush Sage

On By TimelessladyIn PlantsLeave a comment

An easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plant also known as velvet sage, Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) produces showy, bright purple and white flowers above attractive, grayish-green foliage from late summer to the first frost. Gardeners in frost-free climates often enjoy blooms throughout the winter. Perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11, Mexican sage is a shrubby, sprawling plant that reaches 3 to 4 feet tall. Plant Mexican bush sage in the garden after all danger of frost has passed in early spring

                                                                     ~ The Bump

This beautiful velvety purple flower is blooming in my garden now and part of Cee’s Flower of the Day.

People – Throwback Thursday/Dressing Up

On By TimelessladyIn People7 Comments

I remember dressing up as a playtime activity when I was small. Nothing was more thrilling than putting on my mother’s clothes and shoes to become a princess or a grand lady.

Everyone dressed up in the 1950’s. A Sunday-morning-going-to-church outfit for ladies consisted of high heels, stole, gloves and netted hat.

Here are my sweethearts dressing up for Halloween last year. I wonder what they’ll be this year?

 

 

Photo Challenge – Weather Vane Wednesday/Route 322

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges4 Comments

Since June, I have found four predominant themes for weather vanes. In order, the most popular are: eagles, horses, sailboats and cockerels. Today’s challenge entry is another horse, but one quite superior to the normal flattened image I’ve found for other #WVD’s. I didn’t get close enough in person to decide if the horse is silver or spray-painted white, or perhaps even a bit of both, but it certainly is a great piece. It’s three dimensional and larger than the norm. It sits atop a pole at the front of a driveway.

The weather vane is along busy Route 322 near the town of Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

US Route 322 (US 322) is a 494 mi (795.0 km) long, east–west United States Highway, traversing Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The road is a spur of U.S. Route 22 and one of the original highways from 1926. A portion of it at one time was concurrent with the Lakes-to-Sea Highway.

                                                                   ~ Wikipedia

Thank you to these blogs for their participation in last week’s Weather Vane Wednesday Photo Challenge:

Exploring Color – Directions at Bluff
The 59 Club – Windward
Priorhouse Blog – A to Z Wednesday (It’s Been A While)

The Photo Challenge: Each Wednesday, I post a photograph of a Weather Vane with a short description of where it can be found and any history connected to it. The main focus of the challenge is the photo of the Weather Vane and the location. The challenge can be Wordless if that is what you choose. If you would like others to see your post leave a link to your blog in the comment box. You can also tag the post #weathervaneweds. If you place a link to my post in your post you will create a pingback that will appear in the comment section. The challenge is open all week for comments and posts. Thanks so much for taking part in my challenge.

Many thanks to Cee, of Cee’s Photography, for including this challenge in her listing of WordPress Challenges. If you love challenges take a look at this page and while you are there check out some of Cee’s terrific posts. Thanks Cee!

Quick Tip – Tuesday Tip/Replacements

On By TimelessladyIn Quick Tip8 Comments

“If like many people, you are afraid to try roses in your garden, you need to try the revolutionary Knock Out® Family of Roses. The only rose that doesn’t need special care from you, these shrub roses will reward you with a season long show of blooms from spring to frost.”                                                                                           KnockoutRoses.Com

 

If you are like me you have some empty spots in your garden that could use a quick fix. There is still time to find amazing bargains as big box stores and garden nurseries slash prices to make room for Christmas trees and outdoor decor. This past weekend, I found Knockout Roses, an almost problem-free shrub rose, for less than 5.00 each. I bought four to plant in an area that needs many plants to fill it. The Knockout Roses should quickly grow and fill in the area with beautiful pink flowers. I was lucky to find the double bloom variety. The bonus is the roses I purchased still have some bloom and buds to enjoy through Autumn.

I also found a flat of succulent plants that I greatly admired in the Spring, but wasn’t willing to spend the asking price at that time. Oh the joy of finding bargains. This flat was a steal at under 4.00. I wonder how many projects and plantings I can squeeze out of it. I’ll post a few of my ideas through the next few weeks.

Pheathers – Lustrous Leaves and a Bit of Bird-Watching

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers2 Comments

Before my morning walk I checked the thermometer. It read forty-one degrees. I prefer warmer weather and wonder where Autumn went. New Jersey is supposed to be experiencing average temperatures of 50-55 degrees at this time of year. When I put on my winter coat for the first time this season I felt a little cheated.

My quick plummet of mood immediately lifted when I looked up. The sky was brilliant blue. Leaves in the distance were crowned with a golden luster, and I am sure by week’s end most trees will be producing a bit more color. I spotted a blue jay among the greens and golds and was able to capture him with my zoom lens.

I take my camera with me on most of my walks, it enables me to capture birds from afar and identify them when I download onto my computer. I photographed one more jay and thought I found another to form a nice trio for this post, but when I brought the photo up I saw it was a mockingbird in disguise, its white breast and size fooling me into thinking it another jay. I wish it had sung me its repertoire of songs, but I will have to wait for another day when feeding on the holly berries is not his priority.