Winter bloom and bokeh

One of the good things about living in the south with our hot summers and mild winters (and by mild I mean that the temperature doesn't tend to go below 20 degrees) and our acidic soil is the camellia bush. Camellia blooms add a much needed splash of color to help us get through the winter months.

Today, it is going to be a beautiful, sunny day with the high of 70 degrees (21 for my Celsius friends). That just makes me happy! And it makes me feel a bit a guilty because my youngest son's weather has a high of 32 degrees (0 Celsius) today.

Now I'm off for a long run - one that I'll actually enjoy now that the temperature is so nice.

Bunny visit

Paula the bunny is visiting this week and she loves the chance to roam about the yard.

It is possible (probable) that she is smarter than the dog.

Bud Light

I love these buds because they promise that spring will come again. And I love the light that makes the background look like a fabulous painting.

I would also love to get caught up at work and find a little extra time for nothing in particular.

4/52 There is no almost in terms of crossing the street

This picture was totally inspired by a picture my husband bought years ago. The hardest part about creating this scene was keeping the dog away from the banana.

Well, and getting off and on the bike with my short legs.

Living in the land of tall trees

This weekend has been full of helping the husband in catering. Last night, as I was heading home, I kept getting a glimpse of the moon as it was hanging low in the sky. Because there are so many tall pines and large oak trees, it was most difficult trying to get a clear shot. This was the best I got before the clouds moved back in.

Three Months Ago

My husband and I decided we wanted a new kitchen table. After much discussion and much agreeing to disagree we finally agreed! Now we have an awesome, one-of-a-kind, stainless steel table.

Too bad we haven't yet agreed on chairs....

Philosophy

Dealt with misplaced anger several times today. Anger from others. Not me.

"What can I do to make this better?" I try to make problems better.

"Make (insert perceived problem) go away" was the usual answer.

I think the signs are pointing for me to become a magician in my next life! Or possibly an eraser.

Goals

Each year, I set goals for the upcoming year (some people call them resolutions but I think that they are just being show-offs). Personally, I like to set one goal that makes me stretch a bit (l have fond memories of "having" to take a picture every day) and one goal that is just for fun (hence why I "had" to buy some clothes in the color green to help me achieve my goal of wearing more green).

This year, my stretch goal is to run 1000 miles in 2011. My fun goal is to eat more foods that are orange. And by orange foods I mean oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots and cheetos. I am really liking this goal!

3/52 Behind the scenes

This is by far not my favorite picture of the week - but it is the one that sums up my sentiments best. How I long for spring to come back to Georgia.

The shovel and other tools have been stored behind the apartment.... waiting for winter to be over.

2/52 Oh, that empty nest feeling

It is for the birds...

The youngest son flew back to college. The girls are back at their university. The oldest boy lives just a mile away and puts up with our need for kid company with a nice attitude. That and he likes to eat our food.

Once again, it is just the man and I. And the dog.

The quiet is deafening.

Unwritten

I have a friend from another blog who often writes about synchronicity. We've all had those moments... those moments that make us stop and ponder.

Earlier today, I went for a short run in the rain. It was such a freeing feeling to splash through the puddles. As I was rounding the corner to head home, Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" came on my iPod.

Have I told you how much I love the iPod Shuffle Gods? Well, I do but I digress....

"Unwritten" reminds me of how much I love to write. And I've missed writing for the sake of writing.

To add to the synchronicity mix, I just received an email from my friend asking if I was planning to fire up my old blog where I wrote rather religiously before taking on the 365 project.

Since all the signs are pointing that way... maybe, just maybe I will start writing again.

Happy New Year!

Last night was so much fun that I've spent the majority of the day napping and being lazy. The dog has rather enjoyed this time of bonding.

It is going to be a great year!