The Gypsy Caravan 2023

Monday, May 25, 2020

Slices of Life

I have no complaints. Isn't that nice? I might tomorrow. Or the day after. Who knows? But right now, no complaints. The rain has dried up, the basement is fine. I have plants. I had a practically normal day.


No complaints.


We got to see Greg, our artist! Rick's first born, uncle to the Toddlers and my favorite artist. He has been living up north since late fall. He had to work over Christmas so we didn't see him then and by the time his birthday rolled around we were in lockdown. He was returning to Michigan from painting a mural in a home in Charlotte. This is what family reunions look like during a time of Covid-19!


Such a good day. We also spotted in Rick's yard a very impressive hawk.


Might this be her nest?


Flowers are beginning to pop and the purple allium are some of my favorites.


This duck family is growing but still oh, so sweet.


 On Friday, Rick and another neighbor thrashed through the back yard of my next door neighbor, who has just sold her home after renting it out for four or five years. I'll miss knowing she's not returning.


Saturday was my first really "normal" day since lockdown. Rick had picked up my car, in for brake work (No charge! See why I have no complaints?). So I went to the greenhouse to get geraniums for planting at the cemetery. When I got home my friend Kate came over for a very socially distanced bring-your-own lunch. Twelve feet apart outside but it felt like old times!


I love doing this every year. Rick and I go to my parents' graves (and those of my aunts, uncles and grandparents, all tucked in together).


Then we went to another cemetery where there is a memorial to those, like his grandparents, who donated their bodies to science at MSU.


While we were out, we took a drive. This Frank Lloyd Wright home has just gone up for sale. We didn't tour (it wasn't open) but it was quite lovely from the outside. (Although that roof looks like a big problem waiting to happen with the Michigan snow!)


A stop to pick up some wine (I stayed in the car; Rick wore his mask) and the credit union, then home for a wonderful cookout! In one of the smarter things I've seen this weekend, someone has put up One Way arrows at the Ditch.


This is great, because with all the walkers coming at each other head on, most (today, all) without masks, this is a very good protective measure.


The babies are getting swimming lessons...


The screens are on, the windows open. Tiny plants are moving into their next level of pots. We've both been doing garden work. Rick has had been riding.


Life is good.

55 comments:

  1. Hello,

    Life is good, no complaints here either. I enjoyed your post and photos. The ducklings are adorable. I love the Purple Allium, they are pretty blooms. Cool capture of the hawk! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!

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  2. Hi Jeanie, you've been having a very busy time and all your photos are fantastic. I'm glad to see your garden getting planted, the graveyards of loved ones prettied up and your reunion with the artist and your friend. I hope the coming days will go just as well for you. Continue staying safe. xx

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  3. Happy Memorial Day! So glad you had a normal sort of day. The Frank Lloyd Wright house looks very similar to the one in Oregon. Yours is for sale, how amazing! I would love buying it in my dreams. Love the baby ducks, geraniums on the graves, a visit with a friend, seeing Rick's son, aliums, Wow! a hawk, yard work for a neighbor, and blossoms!

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  4. Boy, you sure had a productive day! Love all your photos and was touched to see the memorial stone for those who donated their bodies to science.

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  5. Glad you had a good day with no complaints, that's something. it's good getting a bit of normality back. Lovely photos, the ducklings are so sweet. Have a good week, hugs, Valerie

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  6. It's good to see GOOD! 🙂

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  7. Happy your water is quiet, send your vibes our way.
    Jack purchased a wet/dry vac yesterday, getting ready to use it and found out it was wheel less!
    So off he went to checkup on that.
    Even though we are still dealing with water issues, it is great fun to see all we are accomplishing.
    Pots planted, things mulched, trimmed, mowed . . . we will get through this chapter.
    So sad to see the pictures from the dam issues in Midland.
    Disheartening, isn’t it!
    Have your artist son take pictures of his mural.
    I would love seeing his talent.

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  8. Glad all is well. Beautiful photos. We could do with a one way system on the river bank.

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  9. You would have had a job to pull me away from the FLW house! What a joy to own one, I am sure. Lovely pictures, as always. The ducks are growing up so fast. My lawn looked very much like that, I hadn't mowed for seven months!

    Deb in Wales

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  10. It feels so good to get some yard work done - I feel it here, and vicariously through your pictures. Thank you for keeping us posted on the ducklings -- the hawk is beautiful!

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  11. Just in case you want to know, Jeanie, your hawk is a Cooper's Hawk. As to having no complaints, good for you. And you know what, I have no complaints either. I really don't. I enjoy every day and Miriam and I have not exchanged one cross word during this whole Covid-19 confinement - not one. Like Rick I do all of the shopping etc so she has not had to line up to get into a store or anything like that. She is busy with her stuff and I am busy with mine, and life continues to sail along. I will say, however, I am ready to have friends over for dinner but that may take a while yet. Stay well and stay happy. I am glad that you and Rick take good care of each other. That's what really matters.

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  12. So glad you were able to visit with Rick's son! So love how the flowers are blooming now. Even worked this weekend planting my own. Those ducklings are so quacking cute! Janice

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  13. It's wonderful to hear you are doing well. A beautiful day filled with all the things that make you happy! Your ditch trail signs are great. One way signs just like in our grocery store now. Hopefully all of your fellow walkers will obey the suggestions. Your photos always delight me--especially the ones of nature. Enjoy your arrival of spring!

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  14. Even feeling normal is a great thing! It's especially good to have one's child home.

    be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  15. Sounds like all is good. (At least for now but hopefully for more than just now.) Good you got to see your favorite artist and that you got some things accomplished. And good things, the kind we have all been waiting for as this nice weather has taken a bit to show up. I bought plants last week but I need to pot them. And it is exciting to open windows...enjoy Jeanie. Hugs-Erika

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  16. How awesome that Rick's son is home for awhile. So glad you have no complaints and the water has dried up for the most part. I was particularly interested in the plaque about those giving their lives to science and the Frank Lloyd Wright house. We have a similar one in Wichita, but it's larger than the one you showed. Granted, KS snows aren't as bad as MI, but the one here has a flat (slightly angled) roof, too. I think that was his signature roof. So glad you had a great day, dear.

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  17. I do see that you have no complaints! La belle vie!! Née sous une belle étoile! Yourr good fortune and your consciousness of your life are a great combination!
    (Yesterday I did have complaints, even though I know I am also lucky...The whole restrictive thing just got to me...I know that it comes and goes though...)

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  18. I've had to come to terms with one of my failings: I don't like Frank Lloyd Wright's houses! I've tried. I've toured. I've read about and studied. I still don't like them, and wouldn't buy this one, even if I could. Ah, me. I'm glad you got to see it, though, and glad you had such a nice weekend!

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  19. It sounds like wonderful times for you Jeanie. Just getting out for a drive helps cope. I must say the mallard duck is worthy of a frame, his beautiful green head is stunning! Wishing you a delightful week!

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  20. How wonderful to have some respite and [safely] gather with loved ones.

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  21. Love that you plant those geraniums♥So glad you saw l'artiste..and that you are enjoying nature..i's our silver lining right now.

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  22. Your day could go down as the new norm. hugs from afar and one way walks. So much to get use to. I haven't ventured out yet, so for now I have to see how others are doing things. Glad it was a good day for you.........

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  23. Life is good here in Nashua, NH as well, Jeanie, and good to hear it’s the same for you and Rick in MI. I wish it were the same for everyone, but realize it’s just not so with shutdowns everywhere and new virus cases reported. That said, I appreciated seeing how big the ducklings have become and the snuggling photo and swim lessons were quite. Nice that you continued the flower planting traditions and the red geraniums were colorful. Purple is my favorite color and we have irises and allium blooming near the mill apts now. Life is good and content, but we miss visits with family and friends.

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  24. So glad to hear your happy words, and that you are feeling things more normal...that's how I felt all weekend, watching boaters and vacationers enjoying the coast and being with my family! It's the little things, isn't it!
    Jenna

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  25. Isn't it great that we can get outdoors and do things! It's VERY hot in our area right now so we do our gardening in the evenings. I'm sitting in my air conditioned house sewing more masks for my daughters mental health facility.

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  26. It all sounds wonderful! My dad was an architect and a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright. My dad designed and built our house I grew up in on Hiland Lake in Michigan. We had a flat roof over the entire house and never had a problem...

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  27. Hi Jeanie, I love this post. My favorite is of the two baby ducks looking like they are hugging each other, it is the sweetest thing. And your alliums are gorgeous.

    It has stopped raining here, at least for a few days. However we have jumped right into summer with temps in the mid 90's.

    It looks as though you had an enjoyable Memorial weekend. Wishing you a great week.

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  28. Beautiful photos, and I am so glad you had a lovely day! It is nice to see people isn't it? We had some social distancing social time as well. :)

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  29. I am so glad your home wasn't affected by the flood. We saw photos of it. Wow.

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  30. "I have plants" :) Yes! Sometimes that in itself is enough :)

    The one-way" idea is a great one. I appreciate when places make all this easier for us.

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  31. Jeanie, So many pretty pictures. Love those ducks. Glad you had close to normal even for a bit. It does feel great. Blessings to you and Rick, xoxo, Susie

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  32. Thank you for sharing such happiness to us dear Jeanie! I sure felt so happy to see Rick's first born and am so amazed how far he went to paint a Mural! So proud of him! And So happy to see your friend Kate on a visit! Even if there is so much distance, I am happy that you guys at least were together and not virtually! Still on relaxed lockdown here but my birthday is coming next week, my big 3-0! I'm lucky that 3 of my 8 best friends will be visiting me since they have their quarantine passes which will enable them to visit me for afternoon tea! But of course, socially distant sure it will be :)

    Wish you a great rest of the week Jeanie!

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  33. Hello Jeanie,
    I have been keeping track of you and so thankful the water in the basement is no longer an issue.
    So good knowing that you had such a wonderful sunny Spring Day. Just like you, life is beginning to feel somewhat normal and oh what a relief this is.
    So fun to see the incredible captures of our feathered friends...and oh that gorgeous grass...I think I may have gotten a whiff of it's Spring fragrance.
    Be well,
    Jemma

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  34. Even in this unusual time life is good! I have no complaints either ;) Glad you were able to see Greg and your friend.I loved seeing the ducks and ducklings photos!

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  35. I'm glad life is good - love the flowers and family is what it's all about.

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  36. Great. You have found ways to enjoy life indoor and outdoor without complaints.

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  37. Such a busy life Jeanie. That looks like a Sparrow Hawk! I caught a picture of one on our back gate one day a few years ago. We have quite a few sparrows and it was fledgling season. I dread to think! Love all that you share. I have made masks for everyone but Todd and myself. I better get at it! Love and hugs, xoxo

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  38. Love seeing those lil baby ducks.....so so so cute! Those purple flowers are so pretty, I'd love to grow some of those, but not sure if they would work in our climate here?? I love that picture of the pink snow on the wet sidewalk!! Do you have much planned this week?--not us but we have been going for long rides and we've even been able to get out and walk more.......we hiked all weekend on an old plantation near here and wow am I sure SORE NOW....but I wouldn't have missed that for anything. Being OUTSIDE and feeling free....and seeing and hearing and breathing NATURE...I needed that. We did a 3 hour hike on Friday and a 2 and a half hour hike on Monday. My legs are sure feeling it. hahaahahahhah LOL I made hundreds of pictures....hope to get them up soon. Take care my friend!

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  39. I’m relieved you’re ok, Jeanie. Life is not so good under lockdown for my African friends unfortunately.

    Love Cath

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  40. The camera loves Rick. The last photo, of him working in the garden is a vert good one! He's got a nice figure and his cloths look perfect.

    The baby ducks in their "swimming lesson" are, of course, adorable!

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  41. Such wonderful photos. The petals on the sidewalk are so pretty and the ducklings so sweet.
    Greg was in our neck of the woods.
    Stay safe. Stay healthy.

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  42. Jeanie, your photos are full of life and beauty, just what we all need to concentrate on. Thank you for sharing. Glad to know you are doing well, and difficult to think that June is just days away! Here we go summer!

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  43. Beautiful first pic!!
    And no complaints is wonderful.
    Yay for family and great neighbours like you are!
    You do a picnic at the graves?! Sweet idea. Bro once sent me a pic of my Niece sleeping on it.
    Sweet ducks, all of them.
    Yes, life is good, actually. Nice post, Jeanie!

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  44. This was a wonderful post to read... It all sounds so lovely.

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  45. Happy to hear you are doing well and complaint free..
    Lovely duck pictures.

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  46. Hi Jeanie,
    Strange how much things have changed in such a short time. It seems that the only place I go these days is to the nurseries. It is so hard to find annuals and I think it is because so many migrant workers were denied entry.

    I loved seeing the FLW home. I have always wanted to see one up close. He was an architect that I find most interesting.

    I am wearing a mask everywhere I go, which isn't very far.

    We have been working on a backyard project that I will post about when it is complete.

    We just need to keep going and be thankful if we and our loved ones are safe.

    Bye for now.

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  47. So glad you have no complaints. How often can we say that? Nice that you got to see Greg. We haven't seen the grands in so long, but we hope to see them this weekend. I can't wait.

    Those purple alium are gorgeous. So, so pretty. We've seen a hawk or two since we moved here. There's a lot of wildlife because of the woods and pasture.

    "One-way Path" sign is a really good idea.
    The baby ducks are so cute. We don't have ducks here. I sure do miss them from when we were at Dad's.

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  48. I'm not complaining either since for us life really isn't bad. A bit tired maybe, but that's because of work. Only a couple more weeks of teaching, then it's the summer break. Staying home, but more relaxed.
    I love the purple alliums - I'm actually thinking of getting bulbs of them for next year. I don't think that deer eat them. I have a different kind of a smaller allium, they ate one flower head before it opened - I assume they found out that it wasn't to their taste.
    Glad that life feels more "normal" for you - getting out and seeing other people, socializing at a distance certainly makes a big difference.
    Stay healthy, Jeanie!

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  49. Oh, that first photo is so pretty. It reminds me of the Purple flowered trees around here. I see their buds falling to the ground, and they are gracing the streets and look so pretty. What a great photo of the Mallard Duck. The other duck with the blue is beautiful. Rick is working hard mowing the lawn. So glad to hear your basement is dry and doing good. : )

    Enjoy these last May days, Jeanie.

    ~Sheri

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  50. It’s always good to have a feeling of no complaints! Glad you got to do some safe socializing. Even though we can’t hug, it’s still good to see people in person. FaceTime and zoom just aren’t the same!!

    We haven’t seen any baby ducks yet. We went to a different nature preserve on Sunday as a friend saw ducks there recently but we didn’t find any. Hopefully we will see some soon - before you know it, they won’t be babies anymore!!

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  51. Life:) So beautiful. And strong. And resilient.
    Thanks for sharing yours:)
    -Jennifer

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  52. The purple aliums are pretty and so are the baby ducks.
    I like that Frank Lloyd Wright house, but I agree the flat roof is probably not good in a snow area.
    So nice that you got to see Rick's son and had a lunch date with a friend.

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  53. What a fantastic post...Thank you for reminding me: no complaints.Xoxo

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  54. So good to read that 'Life is good'

    All the best Jan

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