Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Winter’s Nest & Catching Up…

Who knew? I looked up and tried to identify this puzzling shape every time I’ve gone out to fill the front yard bird feeders.  Could it be? Another hummingbird nest?

UFO

Upon closer examination, it turns out to be an Oriole nest (I’m 99% sure anyway. If you think it’s something else, please let me know!)

 oriole1

oriole3

I know we have Orioles around the yard every Spring, and they surely do love the grape jelly I offer them. But who knew they were nesting just a few feet away from the house?

So now to the catch-up part…. I have been in a blogging slump, therefore this is my first post of 2011. We have had lots of this:

snowy

And more Snow is on the way. And it’s so very cold. Again.

On a sadder note, my Grandma is in the hospital again. By the way, the last prayers were answered and she enjoyed several weeks of fairly good health. Thank you, Dear Blogger Friends! It doesn’t look good this time for her, bless her dear heart. So glad we had a nice visit yesterday. My cousin Susan snapped some “hand” pictures of various family members with Grandma while we were waiting at the hospital. Notice we both had our nails painted? I will cherish this forever.

Grandma's hand on mine 1-19-2011

Mr. W will have back surgery in less than two weeks, so we are preparing for that also. Hopefully he will be able to walk upright again and can be relatively pain-free after surgery.

So, that’s what we’ve been up to. How about all of you? Take care, and hope 2011 has gotten off to a good start for you!

Till next time….

sig3

28 comments:

Verde Farm said...

Hi Tammy, we’ve missed you. I bet you have a lot of snow. So pretty though. I love orioles but we don’t have any here or at least I have never seen them. Great shot of the nest.
Love your new header. Sorry about your grandmother. I know how hard that is. The picture of your hands is beautiful. I love that she does her nails. How special this will always be to you. I will continue to pray and also that the back surgery goes well. Stay warm.

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Dear Tammy ~ Sorry to hear about your Grandma. The 'hands' picture is so very precious. Best wishes to Mr. W for a safe and successful surgery. You will be in my prayers during the next few weeks! xox

Ellen said...

Hi Sweet Girl, So glad to hear from you!! I will pray for you and your family, your Grandmother and Mr.W. in particular. May His peace and quiet joy fill you all. How precious the picture of the Hands is; that picture captures it all doesn't it.

Take care and know we love you all!
xoxo,
Ellen

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

tammy, the hand pic brought a tear...her little hand is so frail and i thought of all the things that little hand created...like all of our grandmothers. the oriole nest is neat looking. i hope mr w recovers perfectly from his surgery. looks like you will have a busy schedule for a while! take care!

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Dear Tammy, It sounds like you and your precious ones are going through some challenging times again. I'll be keeping you in my prayers. On the other hand, I'm glad you are posting again..:) :) Take the time you need for your family !!! I love that photo of your hand with your grandmother's hand...with beautiful painted fingernails :) :)

OH, I'm sure I asked you this before...but what program did you use to make your blogger header? It's really cute!!! Have a great week Tammy. Extra love and hugs for you....and your family from Oregon, Heather :)

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

The hands photo is so touching.So sorry to read that your grandmother is not well. Blessings to everyone. I've had two people in my family have back surgery and they have come through with flying colors.

Karen said...

Love the new blog header, Tammy. And the photo of the hands is precious. What a treasure for you to have.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tammy, I'm so sorry about your Grandma. The picture your cousin took touched my heart.

Stay warm and know that you are in my thoughts.

Deanna said...

I'm so sorry about your grandma, Tammy. Hopefully she is not in a lot of pain. I wish I had thought to take hand shops of my mom before she passed away.

This has been quite a winter. I've been in a bit of a slump too but am doing everything I can to snap out of it.

Hope the back surgery does wonders!

Blondee said...

I am so very sorry about your Grandma. That brought tears to my eyes. My Grandmother was my very best friend and I lost her two years ago. Your Grandmother is in my prayers, as are you. Grandma's are such blessings!

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Hi Tammy,

That hands picture is the most touching photo I've seen in a long time. What a wonderful idea your cousin had. I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandmother.

Thinking about you and your family,
Chris

PS the new head IS beautiful too.

Anonymous said...

That hand picture is just beautiful. It is one that you will cherish always. I hope your grandmother finds healing. Love the picture of the nest.

Teresa

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I LOVE that photo of you and your Granny with your alls pretty nails. She is even sporting her wedding ring. Oh if that ring could talk. It would tell of all the noses she wiped, diapers she changed, vegetables she cleaned, flowers she planted, books she read including the bible and hands she shook. I pray for peace for her.
I hope your blacksmith surgery goes well. Mayhe be healed quickly.
Guess you guys got lots of snow last night too. I love snow and always enjoy it, but it's not what I wantaed this weekend with Sarah home. Sounds like more is coming too.

Take care

mountain mama said...

oh....that hand picture! brings back memories of my dear grandma!

God bless you and your grandma~

Gwenieann said...

I was not aware of your Grandmother's recent illness. I will say prayers for her and Mr. W. I love the photo's of the Orioles nest. I had a few this past Spring and Summer and fed them many sweets also. The photo of your hands was very heartfelt and I am glad that you had the opportunity to capture that moment. You will cherish it always. Big hugs.

Melinda said...

Sorry to hear of your Grandma's illness.
Be with her as much as possible.
Great pics with her.

Prayers and blessings for all.

Melinda

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

The pic of both of your hands brought tears to my eyes...I still have my Nana, too. Arn't we lucky to have had them in our lives for so long!
Your family will be in my prayers, Tammy.

I wish Mr W all the best with his surg! I have been there. Back and neck surgery in 2004. Long recovery, but Oh-the-RELIEF!!!!!!!
So very worth it!
Keep us posted :)
xo, misha

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm sorry about your grandmother's health, I will say a prayer for her. The pic of the hands is quite touching. Best wishes to your Mr W with his upcoming back surgery and for a speedy recovery. Take care.

Farming On Faith said...

Oh I love the picture of you and your Grandmother's hands. You must have it framed.
I will be sending up prayers for you and all these burdens you are carrying today.

Rural Rambler said...

Good Morning Tammy! Well the picture of your Grandma's hand on your hand is beautiful in every way. Very touching and brings back memories of my Mom's hands. I we will be praying for her. Be praying for your Hubby too that all goes well with his back surgery and that he has a speedy recovery.

I'd say that was an Oriole nest. It looks just like the little purse that our Orioles knitted together above our heads under the Oaks this past summer. SPRING. SUMMER. I am so ready!

Take Care Tammy, I'll be thinking of you.

McVal said...

I'm so sorry about your grandma's health! That picture of your hands is definitely a keeper.

Rachel said...

What a sweet hands photo. I know you'll cherish it forever. :)

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your Grandmother. What thoughtful pictures. What a treasure.
I think you are right about the Oriole nest, we see them around here also.
Praying for your hubby's surgery to go well, and will remember your grandmother in prayer also.

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

You, your family and your precious grandma are in my prayers. What a blessing to have that photo ~ a family treasure.

Jody Blue said...

Grma's are a treasure that is for sure. your hand pictures inspire me to do the same next time I get to see my Grma. Pray all goes well with the back surgery.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Tammy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Please know she's in my thoughts and prayers. The hand photo is beautiful. I'm sure you'll treasure that for a very long time. I'll also be thinking about Mr. W. You certainly have a lot going on. We've all missed your beautiful photos and touching posts. Hope the chickies are doing ok too!!
Take care.
Staci

Linda Stubbs said...

Oh sweet Tammy..........I am so sorry about your precious Grandmother. I looked at both of your hands..........and.........hardly could contain my emotions. I am sure you are making memories with her now. Grandma's are so special. I am lifting you up today..........and asking the Lord to hug you so tight and that you will know all of us out in blogland are thinking of you! I feel out of it most of the time now that I am not at home during "all of the day"! You came to my mind........now I know why..........HE sent me! Hugs, Linda

Cheryl said...

What a lovely photo of your hands!
And a lovely winter photo!
Best of wishes to Hubby for his upcoming surgery, and a speedy recovery!!
Thinking of you!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin