Fifty Eight is GREAT...The First of the Morels...and More...

So...my birthday is officially over...it must be...the CAKE is gone!

Saw (or in Lennon's case) talked to all of my boys and some of my grands. Loved the Begonia, Aiden! Chris is back over tomorrow, as the printer is having a compatibility issue with Linux (my OS) that he is going to sort. The printer is going to help tremendously in my day to day life!

James is going to do my dryer as soon as the part arrives

Life is good!

Enjoyed Our (Judy and My) Birthday Brunch on Wednesday with Loretta, Sharon and Diane.

Met Gus.

And anticipating Our (John and I) late celebration (Casino, Evelyn's Chocolates, Napoli Villa, An Inn, and spending a couple of days together in Early May!)

58 is GREAT!

(...and my new goal is now 60...)

"Our Tree" (as we call the Wisteria) has went from this

to this

In only 2 weeks!

The buds are opening and smell wonderful!

And still more Spring Flowers for the table. Real tulips and not-so-real daffodils.

The last of the cold (nights) this weekend, and hope to have her outside  on Monday!

James found the very first of the Grey Morels and shared them with me.

Added them sautéed to steak...with baked root veggies...and it was the perfect dinner!

Nicole got a huge surprise this week!

Imagine going from 200+ pounds to being chosen as one of the Suicide Girl Models in less than a year!

So AWESOME!

I'm sooooooooooooooo happy for you!

This week's book:

An amazing adventure!

Well written and engaging. Walking from Mexico to Columbia. Crossing the Darien Gap. Drug Lords and Coyotes. Rain-forests and Rivers. Mountains and Villages.

May actually use this book in a year or so for a Virtual Trek much like Mayes' Year in the World. 

Well worth a look!

This week's movie:

Just released yesterday...the new Avenger's Infinity War.

(spoiler alert)

Omg...good!

 Think of all your favorite Marvel characters all together...in one movie. Even the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy. Dr. Strange, Spiderman, Loki, Thor, Ironman, Black Panther, Captain America, and many many many more.

A lot of action.

Even a return to Wakanda.

Sprinkled with humor.

(...you're going to love it watching Banner trying to summon his inner Hulk...only for Hulk to tell him "NO"...or Thor repeatedly referring to the raccoon from GOTG as "rabbit"...)

They even managed to make Thanos pitiable (at times) and humanized.
Killing off half the population makes perfect sense to him to solve the problems caused by overpopulation.

His heart is in the right place. Well...sometimes.

A lot to follow in this 2 1/2 hour movie.

What I didn't like as much...the ending. Kind of anti-climatic and wondering where they are going to take it from here.

Along with the fact that they killed off quite a few MAJOR characters.

This possibly more than anything else.

Still an Epic Adventure.

A must see on the wide screen.

Now it is time for

First, the Good News of the week:

North and South Korea's Reunification, and the official end of the Korean War.

OMG...never thought I would see this in  my lifetime!!!!

And The Nashville Waffle House Shootings

Where a 29 year old follower of white supremacists brought an AR-15 in and killed 4 employees/diners before being stopped by this guy

James Shaw Jr.

Who is now a REAL LIFE action hero, and an inspiration to us all.

He was grazed in the arm by flying bullets saw his chance while the shooter was reloading...rushed him...grabbed the AR-15 by the still hot barrel (causing burns to his hand) and disarmed the 29 year old...by throwing the weapon behind the diner counter.  The killer fled on foot at that point. Shaw probably saved a great number of lives by this act of bravery.

The 29 year old was apprehended later and jailed facing murder charges.

A gofundme site was set up for Shaw

https://www.gofundme.com/help-the-waffle-house-hero

Which has netted $190,571.00 as of this morning in an incredible outpouring of appreciation.

Shaw has stated that he is going to pay for the four victims funerals out of this ...as well as setting up a college fund for his young daughter.

But...it hasn't all been lollipops and roses...

The Trump Circus never ends.
Or so it would seem.

First...he took credit for the Reunification.

And I was wondering how long THAT would take.

Answer: Not long.

And his followers bought it hook, line and sinker.

Proving once again...you can't FIX stupid.

(...Trump had nothing to do with this historic event...)

His complete and utter lack of commentary on James Shaw's Heroics

*crickets*

was reprehensible...but also not unexpected.

He has tried to downplay the significance of Cohen as his lawyer

"...I think he brought coffee or something..."

Not in these words...more to the effect of he did very very very little legal work for me.  It was still transparently the "coffee-boy defense" strategy.

LOL!

Then LOST his damned mind on a phone in interview with Fox and Friends...getting more and more manic and ranting...jumping from subject to subject...rating his own Presidency...slamming the FBI...and Mueller with such paranoid delusions (live on air) that the looks on the faces of the show's hosts were all you really needed to see this guy was completely unhinged.

"That look people get when they finally realize his cheese done slipped completely off his cracker..."

https://youtu.be/_Qs3BAgdD2s

The Rant

They quickly hurried him off the air/ended the call.

How NUTS to you have to be before Fox pulls you off the air???

Seriously.

Oh, and Paul Ryan ask for the Congressional Clergy's resignation.

And he gave it.

Yep...now they are firing Clergy.

Go figure.

But politically, it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood...and several more dinosaurs...er...Republicans have tendered their resignations before Midterms.

The Big Blue Wave is coming and it is magnificent.

Bill Cosby finally got his come-uppance and was convicted in 3 of the sexual assault and drugging cases he was involved in.

He can be sentenced to 10 years per incident (although he will more likely serve them together) 

So I was thinking...

Trump has 19 allegations against him.

If we could get convictions on each and he was made to serve them back to back...well...let's just say the Trump problem might just sort itself...

There's a happy thought.

More Anon...

Virtual Australia: Tasmania- Vineyards

Tasmania has a cooler climate and makes a variety of distinct wines. There are 3 major vineyards in Tassie. They produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riseling, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Surprisingly, global warming has had a positive effect on these vineyards allowing the grapes to ripen fully and produce a better flavor. As do the volcanic soils.

Interestingly enough, April is when the grapes are picked on this Australian Island State.

45% of the wine that is produced in Tasmania is Pinot.

Tasmanian Wine


https://youtu.be/_KH8BhrgpG4

Vineyard Tour

https://youtu.be/aFDOELVwQFA

And for those who want to sample Tasmanian
Wine

http://www.plummarket.com/store/2015-maison-l-envoye-pinot-noir-tasmania

at only $24.97 plus shipping.


Hope you have enjoyed the vineyards and next time we will discover some of the local food!

More anon...

                                               Richmond, Tasmania

The Week...Brenden's 8th Birthday and the Return of Gardening Season!

It appears that Spring has finally caught up with us in Indiana!
So happy!!!

And morels should be here early next week.

Birthday Fungi.

Hoping to start moving some of these should-be-outside but still-indoors-hiding plants to the patio.

Unfortunately, my pink Ranunculus isn't among their ranks. They are beautiful...but have a tendency to explode everywhere like fireworks when they are spent. You wake up and *poof* petals everywhere. So mine...when they reached their full bloom and before they had a chance to make a real mess inside...were shuffled off to the bin bag.

My Wisteria in the corner and its numerous buds have just started to bloom. It will be so much happier outdoors with an arbor to climb.

Picked up Pink Peonies to containerize as well.

Started today with a knock at the door and Chris...with coffee and doughnuts! Does it get any better than that?

And I think he may be the computer guy version of a faith healer...just saying.

This morning when I started to log on to say Good Morning to everyone, check the news and my emails...

NOTHING

No sign of life from the box.

"It's Dead, Jim."

So, I had sat it aside and busied myself with other things.

While we were visiting and chatting I mentioned that I thought it might have given up the ghost.

He sat it on the table (laid hands on it?) Pushed the power button and

"HEALED"

What the hell...lol!

Yes...you are just that good.

Nice morning catch up and Tina stopped by later, as well.

Going to set up my Wireless Printer they bought me on Tuesday!

Have been in touch with Lennon (and to a lesser extent) Jill all week...after his grandmother fell breaking her hip badly.

Surgery and recovery went well and she will be in rehab for a couple of weeks until she is strong enough to go home.

If everything works well (and vacation time is granted) he will be joining us for our Family Saturday After Thanksgiving Gathering this year.

James and Nicole and the grand-munchkins are fine. Getting ready for Brenden's 8th Birthday tomorrow!

And his Grammy Rachel, Preston and Family are celebrating with him at James' today!

They have also got another NEW member of the family.

Meet Gus (...named after the fat mouse on Cinderella...)

Gus is Georgia's Brother...and also a Pocket Bully.

Poor Denver must be thinking

"Oh Dear God...it has multiplied!"

He is beautiful and made himself a well-loved member of the household already!

Hoping to meet him soon, myself!

The news this week? 

Like RATS jumping off a sinking ship.

Will Cohen turn? Probably, depends on how much prison time he faces.
Less that 5 years...probably not.

More than that...Miz Cleo says the man will turn on his own mama.

We'll see.

And in the category of desperately attempting to stay relevant: Rudy Guiliani has signed on at Trump's Attorney.

YEAH.

THAT.

We are definitely going to need more popcorn.

The GOP is finally catching up with the rest of us and realized the Midterms are looking pretty bleak for Ye Olde Elephant.

And MAGA apparently stands for

My Attorney Got Arrested.

Who knew?

                    "No...I've no idea how this happen or what to do now..."

The Book this Week:

The very best Spring Cleaning (or minimizing...or anytime cleaning) book I have seen to date. The concept behind "death-cleaning" being to pare down and minimize so that those left behind don't have your mess to deal with...once you are gone. Although, as the author points out...this can be done at 30...or at her age which she places as "somewhere between 80 and 100"...lol!

Magnusson writes with a voice like a gentle chiding grandmother...if your grandmother happened to be:

1. Swedish

2. Have a wicked sense of humor.

Can't say enough good things about this book...and recently bought a roll of hefty bags to start!

(...it is amazing how many things you collect...hoard...clutter and attract in a short period of time...)

The Movie this Week: 

And maybe a disclaimer to begin. Horror films are NOT my genre. I enjoy a Stephen King once in a while, but for the most part...I'll pass.

Despite that...I gave this a watch. I like Emily Blunt...and the trailer looked interesting. The concept was new. Like the T-Rex that hunts you by motion...this horrible beastie...or several of them...hunted only by sound.

It was only 90 minutes.

How bad could it be?

There were suspenseful moments. But all in all...if it had been 95 minutes...I would have cheerfully turned it off. 

By an hour in I was completely rooting for the Crab-like Monsters (who weren't at all scary) and wanted everyone to find a large bag of Doritos...and not those lady-like "no crunch" ones, either.

"Yes...kill them all...let's put an end to this thing."

If you decide to waste your $$ in the theater...well...you have been warned.

Lastly, a site you have to check out!

https://www.dresslily.com/shower-curtains-c-291.html?recommend=7020&lkid=12578220&utm_source=pinterestAMY&utm_medium=pinterest_Home&utm_campaign=PIN_12578220&pp=0&epik=04D07E_IWn5Z3

 This is just an example of a shower curtain they have...but they've EVERYTHING.

 It is just amazing.

Catch everyone next week!


Earth Day Addendum:

Clipped my nails short and spent a great deal of Earth Day outside playing in the soon-to-be plants and soil.

First "dirt-neath-my-fingernails" day of the season.

Took the rest of my forced bulbs from the fridge (now sprouted) and tucked them in the trough with my newly made compost. Muscaris and Mini Daffodils, and was amazed to find that some of my outdoor border bulbs actually made it through the heavy rains, snow and cold.

The ornamental pear trees lining the drive as you enter the apartments have suddenly burst into bloom.

The Wisteria buds have started opening, too!

It is 66 today, but they still have one 34 degree night forecast mid-week, so
I'm keeping her inside just a little longer.

Virtual Australia: Tasmanian Wildlife Oddities

When we think of Tasmania...and wildlife...this is usually the first little guy to come to mind.

The Tasmanian Devil

Don't let his size or cuteness fool you.

Once found on mainland Australia, this little guy is only found in the wild (now) on Tasmania. The size of a small dog, it is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. It is muscular, smells bad, foul tempered, makes a loud and disturbing screech and is fierce when feeding.

It has been said that, if by chance, one of the saltwater crocs accidentally swallowed one of these whole...it would simply claw and gnaw its way out...and continue on its way.

Pissed, but still alive.

It was hunted to extermination on mainland Australia...and is still considered an endangered species is Tasmania.

Their pups are rat-like, live born and are carried in a pouch on the mother's body for several weeks much like kangaroos and opossums.

Riding on her back later.

Another form of strange wildlife found here is the Duck-bill Platypus

It has a bill like a duck...it has fur...it lays eggs...it has a pouch...has milk like a mammal...it swims like an otter...it has webbed feet...and it's a marsupial.

Not sure how all that came together in one package but unbearably cute.

Egg hatching...they then crawl into the mother's pouch to feed and grow.

And babies.

 (Platypi?)

 Of course there are kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoot, wombats, echinea, sugar gliders and quoll as well...just like we discovered on the mainland.

Perhaps the most interesting and controversial remains The Tasmanian Tiger
(Thylacine) endangered once, it was called extinct in the late 1930's when the last known Thyacine  (Benjamin) died in a local Tassie zoo. They had been on the protected list since 1901. All the wild Tasmanian Tigers were assumed to be hunted to extinction.

                  Footage of the last of the Thyacine can be seen here.

https://aso.gov.au/titles/historical/tasmanian-tiger-footage/clip1/

It was a carnivore, a marsupial, a pouch for its young, had stripes like a tiger on its back half, pads and feet and face of a dog. Relative to the Tasmanian Devil.

In 1906, a pair was given to the Washington DC Zoo.

Both the male and the female had pouches...but only the female nursed and raised her young in one.

Mother and Thyacine Cubs

at the Hobart Zoo (1909)

Now here is where the Tasmanian Tiger stories take a twist.

Although the official classification of the Thyacine is extinct...there have been sighting of this Ghost Tiger off and on (even recent ones) 

None proven conclusively. 

Wishful thinking, ghost tale or making a comeback?

More anon...