Category: Spring at Sonnystone

Posted in Spring at Sonnystone

Sunday Report

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Edit: Spoiler Alert: I said (below) that the Irish Dancers were competing in the Nationals, but I should have said they are competing in the World Championships. (the Nationals are in Nashville in July and we will be there). Eliza is dancing today and Emma dancing Tuesday. Sending Beams of Love, no matter what the level of competition.

Happy Palm Sunday to those of you who celebrate. I remember the marathon performance schedule of Holy Week from my days as a church organist and my best wishes go to all church musicians at this busy time. The Good Friday hymns in the dirge-like minor keys give way on Easter morning to songs of Victory and Pageantry in bright, major tones. Sometimes I miss it.

Last year I was deeply involved with my visit to London and I sure wish I had something similar to distract me. I’m feeling so restless, like I always do at the beginning of the Spring season, waiting for the lows to finally stay above 40, longing for the sunny days and warmer highs. I stand at the window and watch the birds going about their business, observe the magnolia buds flowering, and follow the antics of a scrappy grey squirrel who we’ve named “Stumpy” because his tail is cut off to about 6 inches. I want to get out and join the party.

We have another month or so left of this transition from winter to spring, aka storm/big wind/tornado season in these parts. We weathered 60mph gusts yesterday, but are grateful there were no tornadoes in our neck of the woods.

In the meantime, I’m raising up 3 better boys and 6 california wonders that we bought at Hillside gardens last week. I’ve already potted up the tomatoes and will no doubt pot up the peppers before we can set them out in mid-May.

My Irish Dance girls are competing in the North American competition, called “Nationals”, this week up in Montreal, Canada. I know they will do well, but very excited to see just how well they do.

Emma
Eliza

I broke a tooth last week and my dentist was out of town. It doesn’t really hurt, but I’m sticking with soft food and such… I foresee a spell of dentist visits in my future, but I can’t get in to see him this week, either, because it’s Colonoscopy Week here at the Acres. Mine is scheduled for Tuesday, Casey’s for Thursday, so the whole clear liquids and diet restrictions thing works out fine. So much fun…

Have a Holy Week!

Peace

Posted in Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

The latest News

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

We are enjoying a couple of days of warm and sunny after mostly gloomy and wet earlier in the week. The windows are open with the birdsongs wafting in on the wind. Casey’s already outside tilling the Edible Garden and I’m on my out to repot the basil. All of our plants are growing strong and it looks like the weather is going to be perfect to get them planted when we return.

As I’ve Planned and Planned this trip to London, then planned some more, I have come to the conclusion that my best option is to have an outline rather than a rigid schedule, giving us flexibility for bad weather or just feeling tired. After a half-day trip to Windsor Castle on Friday, we will have no other “appointments” and we’ll buy our tickets at the door of wherever we decide we want to stop. We know that will include Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, The Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace and Park, Kensington Palace and Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, Wildlife Park, Victoria and Albert Museum. I have mapped out several walks to see all of that and who knows what else we’ll see on our way? I am not sure if I’ll be able to write much next week, but I am going to try.

Leaving Wed. 4/27 Return Tues. 5/3

The Queen had a Birthday, her 96th, on Thursday. Of course, we had a toast to her Health. Whilst checking out the latest Royal Gossip, I came across this fascinating little clip.

It is such a Fine Day! I’m going to go outside and play.

Peace

Posted in Spring at Sonnystone, Sunday Report

Easter Greetings…

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

We had an Egg Hunt with the Jrs. yesterday…

We definitely had the best week-end day for our activities; today is gloomy and cool, better suited for Good Friday. My preferred plant place opened up on Wednesday and I stocked up on herbs… I may have to repot them before we travel… The Predictors say it will be chilly until Thursday, so we’ve got All of our pots in the laundry room.

We managed to cross everything off of our to-do list last week, moving around perennials and shrubs, so I’ve spent little time on the London Plans. This week, however, I’m free to pore over the maps and websites.

Peace

Posted in Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

The Sunday Scoop 4-10-22

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

It’s been a busy week, sort of…well, it’s been a week, anyway, rainy and cold with a smattering of sunshine interspersed. We have a young pileated woodpecker showing up to the suet.. and that’s been pretty exciting…

Today, however, is sunny and warming up nicely so I am planning on attacking my Garden To-Do List.

We dug up our daylillies and daisies and I have no idea where to put them. I am not really fond of daylillies, especially where I had them, but I planned on giving them away and got no takers. For now, I think I’ll toe them in around the Big Tulip Poplar and see how they do…or maybe not. We need to plant a leftover rosebush out back and pull out the grape vine, too.

We visited Hillside Gardens on Thursday and I bought 3 Better Boy tomato plants and 6 california wonder pepper plants. I am going to repot them and wait until after our trip to plant outside. Ronnie’s fruit stand should get their first shipment in this week and that’s my place for herbs and flowers and other vegetables. They’ll look pretty out on the enclosed back porch and I’m quite grateful that my looming travel will hold me back from making my same old mistake of putting warm-weather crops in the ground too early. My cool-weather garden bed has peas a-poppin’ and tiny little beets, carrots and spinach peeking up. I’ll spare you the picture of dirt this week, but when you look real close you see them…

It should work out pretty well to have everything ready to go upon our return from London May 4–May the 4th be with me!! I couldn’t resist. I’m spending the rainy days engrossed in my planning and the Youtube has been so helpful, though a real rabbit-hole once you start watching. I watched a guy *gal? walking around London silently, just traffic sounds, etc. in the rain, for longer than I care to admit. However, it has really given me some looks at the Most Popular Sites and I get more excited every day.

Back to the Here and Now: My Irish Dancers are in Belfast, Northern Ireland, competing in the World Championships. My #2 grandie, Olivia, is on a school trip to Washington, D.C., so I’m kept busy sending out the long-distance Love. Samantha was here yesterday to play, though!

The Sun is beckoning me — lighting up the dust in the house, too — so I’m going to pretend I didn’t notice and go Outside and Play!

Even if you’re stuck inside, I hope you enjoy this Beautiful Day!

Peace

Posted in Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

Poems by heart

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Happy Spring to you! Today is the Equinox, when the daylight is equal to the night. Having planted peas, beets, radishes, carrots, and spinach three days ago, I’m ready for this week’s predicted rain, though I dread the gloom.

This time of year always reminds me of a poem, one that I know by heart. I’m not even googling this, so it may be off. I must have memorized it more than 50 years ago, possibly closer to 60!

The year’s at the Spring,the day’s at the morn.

The morning’s at seven, the hillside’s dew-pearled.

The lark’s on the wing, the snail’s on the thorn.

God’s in his Heaven, All’s right with the World!

Robert Browning…

Over the years I’ve often quoted that “God’s in his Heaven” line whenever I am immersed in Nature’s Beauty. The All’s right with the World, is encouraging and I look to the perennial changing of the seasons to reassure me. Just like Life, Spring is not lived in just one day, but in a succession of days spent seeking sunlight and warmth; it is a process of steady renewal that culminates in verdant color that All God’s creatures enjoy!

cardinal on the lamp

It was a busy week here at the Acres and I have acutely missed the hour we lost. I read an article that said Napping is a sign of creeping dementia, so I’ve forced myself to pull All-Dayers this entire week. Well, dozing in front of the TV doesn’t count, does it?

We’re getting our countertop put in this Wednesday, but Casey has to pull out the old one and the countertop people will pick it up and use it for a template to cut the new. This means I won’t have a kitchen sink or workplace for 2-3 days. I’m down with that and looking forward to eating out!

Olivia and Samantha aka Nova and Unicorn, will be here Thursday for a sleepover to celebrate their Spring Break Week! Last year we were at Disney with them, so we can’t top that, but we’re going to have Two Days of Fun and Feasting, an event that may become a tradition — one never knows…

One really does never know, does one? Who knew that the poems we memorized as kids would bring us such comfort and joy in our old-ish age? I believe I always knew how precious Springtime is, though we try to hurry it along when it insists on staying cloudy or cool or rains incessantly.

magnolia tree buds

Despite its whimsical nature, Spring always brings to me the desire to refresh and renew, to try again: This time my seeds will grow; this time I’ll really quit; this time I’ll really begin, this time I’ll get it right. There is Hope as the trees and shrubs bloom and we watch the birds mate and feather their nests and it seems appropriate, even necessary, to remember the poems of our past.

There is another Spring poem, or verse of it, anyway, that I quote to myself often, though it has only been lodged in the old brain for about 30 years:

sweet spring is my time, is your time, is our time, for springtime is Love time and viva sweet love…

e.e.cummings

Peace

Posted in 2020, Spring at Sonnystone

Wishing you All a Peaceful, Loving Mothers’ Day

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

I read an article the other day:  10 Unforgettable Literary Moms.  I came away with one quote that resonated my heart.

It’s a quote from Toni Morrisson’s deeply haunting book “Beloved”.  I confess, I didn’t get very far into the book before I set it down.  It was a glimpse into a world that is so disturbing and painful that it caused me pain, too.  I’ve always said I’ll get back to it when the Time is right because there is something to learn about suffering from it.  At any rate, here’s the quote from Sethe, whose tragic past has complicated her relationship with her daughter, 18-year-old Denver.  Despite all of Sethe’s problems, she is a Mother.

Grown don’t mean a thing to a mother.  A child is a child.  They get bigger, older, but grown?  What’s that supposed to mean?  In my heart, it don’t mean a thing.

She’s not talking about “raising” a child here.  She’s talking about the effeable feeling of Being a Mother.  There are no words, though I’ve just spent an hour trying to write some.  It is Mystical Spiritual Love that is instinctively protective and nurturing.  It doesn’t change  just because your children reach a certain age.

It’s not about the Love you receive from your children.  It’s not about what a Good Mother you are or aren’t.  It’s about that Spirit that enters you when you give birth, committing you to a Lifetime of Support to your creation.

I suppose that it’s possible that some mothers don’t feel it and I’m sad for them and their children.  Most of us, though, have been Blessed by that Love.  Now that my kids are parents, they, too, know that Ever-Present Love and Caring for their kids.

It doesn’t change, no matter how much anger or sadness has found its way into your lives.  It is Forever and Always.

It isn’t easy, this mothering thing.  We try our best to keep sight of that inexpressible Love when times are trying, but ain’t nobody perfect.  The Perfect Mother is one who has done her Best…and that’s all of us…and that’s Good Enough.

They are still my children, my babies.  In my heart, they never are Grown, but I sure do respect them as Adults. They are Good People.  I love being their Mom and am so grateful.  (I really like those grandkids, too, but that’s yet another Indescribable Love!)

Peace

 

 

Posted in 2020, Random, Spring at Sonnystone

Sunday Rerun: Derby Days

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Finishing up the Loooooooong month of April was quick…!bam! it was the First Saturday in May, aka Derby Day in the Casey Family.  It was the Best Weather for a Derby we’ve had in years, but No bets were placed, no hats were donned, and no Juleps were consumed.  We did tune in to watch the Virtual race of past Triple Crown winners, won by Secretariat with Seattle Slew right behind.  With the Derby rescheduled for early September, we’re still a bit leery of the idea of such a large group gathering, but it would be nice…

Instead of preaching to you about wearing a mask (please do) and physical distancing (stay 6 feet away from me), I want to relive the Kentucky Derby…

Here’s a rerun of reruns from the 2018 Derby!

Posted in 2020, Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

Sunday Sermon

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

I’ve been wearing a mask since our state first shut down on March 13.  I had a paper one from my dental experience and now my daughter-in-law has made some cloth masks for me and Casey.  A couple of weeks ago, before we’d even put 6-foot lines on the floors to mark the distance or face guards in front of the cashiers, I ran into the Liquor Store to pick up some drink, wearing my mask.  There was a line of about six people, most of them about three feet apart.  One guy in the middle of the line yelled out the minute I walked through the door: “Chinese!”  I surveyed him:  no taller than me, probably in his mid-thirties but looked about 60, glazed eyes, clutching a quart of beer (probably had to borrow the money for it), wearing shorts and a tank top and…socks…no shoes.  The socks were ankle high with black and white dots and black “ears” on either side of his toes…  “Nice socks”, I replied as a squeezed past him.  He shouted at me again, “I said Chinese!” and pointed at my mask.  I know I shouldn’t, but I turned and pulled my mask down slightly so he could hear:  “Your socks are Chinese.  They are panda bears.  Panda bears are from China.”  He kind of swayed and looked at his feet.  “Whatever”…  I pulled up my mask and went on, but I’m such a smartass…I couldn’t resist snarling..”Whatever”  He got louder, “Whatever”…. I got in the last “Whatever”…

Life has changed, permanently. No amount of denial will put it back to the way it was just a few weeks ago.  This week, for some reason, that really hit home with me.  I’m not sure if it was the rise of infections, the predictions that it’s only going to get worse.  Maybe it was the makeshift hospitals and funeral homes, or the rise of domestic abuse cases, or the bajillion new unemployment claims, but for a day or so all I could see was the Loss  Loss of jobs, Loss of business, Loss of friends, Loss of dreams, Loss of Life.  And you can’t grieve “normally” or be there with your loved one when they pass.  It’s a sobering reality, but it is Truth:  We can Never Go Back to Before.

Today is Palm Sunday in the Traditional Christian churches  When I was a youngster it was the beginning of a marathon Holy Week of Music and Prayer as we re-lived the Passion of Jesus.  Wearing our choir robes, we would process down the aisle to the Altar, waving our palm fronds and singing, All Glory, Laud, and Honor to Thee, Redeemer King!

This year, many years removed from those days, I am thinking how the disciples and followers of Jesus had no clue that their lives were about to be totally upended. They felt triumphant that day.  No doubt they were excited to be in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and to bring more people into their movement.  They felt confident and probably a little proud that their teacher was getting this clamor of praise — kind of like having 10 million followers on Insta…

Little did they know that in four days Jesus would be arrested and killed and they would have to run for their lives and hide somewhere.  I have no doubt that after his death and burial they were confused and afraid.  They knew it would never be the same, that what they had planned was not going to happen.  They could only think of what they had Lost.  What Did happen was so much better than their plans of grandeur.  Their Loss was their Gain.

There’s a lesson there for us today. The past wasn’t meant to last.  We begin again, going forward into a time of spiritual renewal and rebirth.  Each of us will will emerge from this time a different person, a changed Human Being.  And wouldn’t it be Awful if we did go back to the way we were?  Do we really want to go back to a time when we were so mean to each other, when we were divided in every way, to when we ignored our neighbors, or labeled a stranger as “other”?  Let’s Not.

Turn and Face the Changes.. Changes in the the way you worship, in the way you Live, in the Way you Love.  Don’t trust someone who says he’s got all the answers and Knows more than G-d.  No one can say what’s going to happen and there’s nothing at all new about that. True Faith is knowing that even in the worst of times, we are not Alone. Trust the guy who says, My Peace I give to you, the Peace that passes all understanding.  Share that Peace with Everyone, even the Whatever guy.

I know this time has been brutal in every way for just about everyone financially, spiritually, mentally, physically.  I am Loving the Surge of Camaraderie over on Facebook.  It seems like the old days when fb was novel and people actually used it to converse.  I’m with all you sweet mamas and daddies and grannies and gramps who are now sharing your tips for keeping everybody home and safe, making masks, creating some great videos, keeping a journal of your experiences and sharing your heartache at how your children are being affected.  Naturally, I wish we could a join in a Giant Group Hug, but we’ll have to settle for our virtual hugs and Share Peace.

Whilst doing some digging the other day I twisted my knee and now I’m hobbling about like a little old lady.  It’s slowed down my gardening, but I hope to get back at it today.   It seems like it’s a regular occurrence, these small injuries — draining cysts, broken teeth, sprained foot and now knee.  The Covid sure helps put things in perspective, doesn’t it?  I’ll take my ibuprofen, prop up my legs, and thank The Lord that I can breathe.

Look out for each other and stay the fuck home.  Wear a mask if you have to be out. Who cares if the assholes call you Chinese?  Stay Strong, dear Readers.

Peace

 

 

 

Posted in 2020, Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

Another week? Seems longer…

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

I’m such a loner.  The “isolation” of this virus hasn’t bothered me a bit.  We Garden at this time of year, starting seeds and breaking up new ground for planting, and that’s just what I’ve been doing.  Other than wearing mask and gloves when I grocery shop at 7am, not much has changed around here.  I sort-of started Spring Cleaning, kind of, which is totally normal for me.  What has bothered me is how Time is Warped right now… Every week seems like a year and the days lumber along slowly — what day is it, again?

I know that many of you are concerned about my daughter.  She and her family are doing well, thank-you.  If you are friends with her on facebook you can see for yourself.  We stay in touch and there’s not much else that can be done right now.  In order to keep a handle on my anxiety, I stop and Practice the Presence more often and that’s a Good Thing.

We had some storms fly through last night and tornadoes touched down about 10 miles from here, both sides of the river, just adding to the Stress on our First Responders.  With All my Heart and Soul, I am sending Love and Strength their way.  The clean-up efforts will only compound the hazard of spreading the virus.  Please stay safe if you are inclined to help, and Bless you for it.

This week I’m starting a series of posts about the “genealogy” of our house and grounds, aka Sonnystone Acres.  We continue to garden and I post at Growing Every Season on Thursdays.  I’ll try to be friendlier over at the facebook, but you can always call or text or email, as well.

Peace

 

 

Posted in 2020, Spring at Sonnystone, Weekly Wrap-Up

Learning Patience…or trying to…

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Last week seems like a year…

I didn’t realize that the Jose’ fam had been out to see Riverdance on the 13th just before they shut Broadway down.  I asked that Melissa delay her visit until they had been isolated for 2 weeks.  She readily agreed, expressing her concerns for me.  I was wracked with guilt that I had to disappoint her kids, who you know I love beyond words, but I felt it was best for all.

Here in Eville, my daughter-in-law’s trip was cancelled, but I went ahead and had the Jr. girls over to play.  I was thinking that the risk from Evansville was not as great.  It’s true that we’ve not had any tests here until a couple of days ago when there was one person who tested positive, but that’s because we didn’t get any tests until last week.  We are now under Strict quarantine, refusing to let the Jr girls visit, either, but I don’t think that’s making anybody feel better.

The New Yorkers are under SuperStress right now.  Both Melissa and Eric are immunocompromised and Melissa’s job is at risk.  There is no bailout for them, yet the bills have to be paid.  All I can do is continue to send Love and Peace her way and not add to the tension she must be feeling.

My trip to England, scheduled for the Queen’s Birthday celebration in June, will undoubtedly be cancelled.  I’m pretty sure the airline will waive change fees and let me reschedule eventually, but it’s a major disappointment.  Royal Ascot sent my tickets out with a message that they will promptly refund if the meet is called off.  Britain has been super-slow responding to this pandemic so I have just written off the trip until next year…if there is one.  God Save the Queen!  I’d sure like to see her before she checks out.

How dare I whine like this! I feel so guilty about my constant anxiety.  Unfortunately, worry is not rational and many of us who are just fine are still waking up with fear.   Stay Strong, Friends.

To Those of you working essential jobs:  You are the salt of the Earth–Bless you!

We’re all in this together…We are All One…

Peace

P.S. The Garden Blog has been revived.