Gratitude Lounge Welcome! We are glad you are here. This is an open space where everyone belongs, and everyone is welcome. Please introduce yourself as you feel comfortable and join in sharing your experience of grateful living. To get started you might reflect upon questions such as these: What am I grateful for? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? What are some blessings in my life (including ones in disguise)? How am I being supported right now? What connects me to wonder, awe, or a sense of the sacred? You are welcome to include images and links for videos to illustrate your reflections. Honor our Community Terms & Conditions Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Nicki2 weeks agoNickiGood morning all. I just thought I’d share another earth altar that I made while at the beach last week. I’ve really been enjoying interacting with nature in this way to create something, while impermanent, to share with others. Hope everyone has a great week. 4 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryThis is so beautiful!! 2 Reply Nicki1 week agoNickiThank you, Mary. I’m wishing you a successful surgery and recovery. Peace and blessings to you. 0 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioOh my, Nicki! At first glance I thought it was Indian beadwork. It is so beautiful! I love it! 💛 1 Reply Nicki2 weeks agoNickiThanks so much Holly! That beadwork is cool – good inspiration pieces. 🙂 I’ve found the earth altars to be a really fun and rewarding way to get creative. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioI love your earth altars! They are so amazing! You have inspired me to try to make one, too… i’m just so busy at the moment and it will take me a few weeks to get my gardening and house chores out of the way. When I saw your beach altar… I went, “WOW!” I bet other beach goers will enjoy it, too! Do you know of the artist Andy Goldsworthy? He and some others have inspired a whole slew of “environmental artists.” 1 Reply Nicki1 week agoNickiThank you again, Holly, for your kind and encouraging words. I can’t wait to see your earth altar too when you are able to create one. Now that I’m back from vacation I have a number of house and garden projects to undertake as well, but at some point I hope to construct an altar for summer. Yes, I am familiar with Andy Goldsworthy and admire his work. Years ago I did a project with preschoolers inspired by his “Midsummer Snowballs.” 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThat’s wonderful, Nicki! I copied it to my gratefulness doc. Did you find all those objects at the beach? Warm wishes to you – 2 Reply Nicki2 weeks agoNickiThank you Mica! Yes, all the objects were found on the beach. That stretch of the shoreline is rich with all different types of shells, stones, sea glass, and fossils. All the best to you too. 🙂 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaI like today’s quote – especially the first part: “The trick, it seems, is to be able to hold both things very close – the gratitude and the misery” – what a great goal! The second part doesn’t resonate with me so much; do I want to let my gratitude fly? : “and then, with a semblance of faith, to let them fly.” ELIZABETH AQUINO ‘semblance of faith’ is a phrase I like, too. Warm wishes to all 🙂 3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioI had a lovely day today with my husband. We ran some errands and then, with lovely weather, we worked together in our yard, doing some clean up.. I discovered I have three blueberry plants left! The deer left two of them chopped to the quick, but there are some signs they are alive and trying to grow leaves! I will give them some care and protection. This is a photo of a plant I can't identify, but I looked out the dining room window at dinner just in time to see a hummingbird eating from it!...I had a lovely day today with my husband. We ran some errands and then, with lovely weather, we worked together in our yard, doing some clean up.. I discovered I have three blueberry plants left! The deer left two of them chopped to the quick, but there are some signs they are alive and trying to grow leaves! I will give them some care and protection. This is a photo of a plant I can’t identify, but I looked out the dining room window at dinner just in time to see a hummingbird eating from it! The bird was far too quick – just there and gone in a blink of the eye, but it was so unexpected and made me happy, and now I would like to know what the plant is. Read More 1 Reply Ose2 weeks agoOseMay be some kind of prunus pardus? Deepl said in English it might be called bunch cherry? 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in Ohioohhh! Maybe! You just reminded me that last year I saw some bushes with red berries in this part of my yard. I wonder if the berries come to this plant? I remember the birds liked eating the berries, too. Thank you, Ose! 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioSome kind of viburnum? 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioFound this one… 2 Reply Butterfly2 weeks agoButterflyThat’s a good one, Holly 😆 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in Ohio:”The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” JOSEPH CAMPBELL I checked that box this week, Joseph! 😂 1 Reply Drew Blanton2 weeks agoDrew BlantonI’ll start going to a new program on Monday, May 16. It’s Thrive Upstate’s HASCI program. I think it’ll be a good program for me. 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThat’s exciting, Drew. Did you find out anything about being hot, a while ago? Warm wishes to you – 1 Reply Drew Blanton2 weeks agoDrew BlantonNo, I never found out anything about being hot. My brother-in-law Jason said I felt clammy once but at least not enough for the hospital. 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaYes, I’ve felt sweaty sometime lately, but I don’t seem to have any other symptoms of anything, so that’s probably how you are too 🙂 0 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaMany wishes to you, dear Drew, I hope that everything will be wonderful. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioYay! That sounds good! You usually like these programs. Have you been writing lately? And how is your sleep, has it gotten better? 1 Reply Drew Blanton2 weeks agoDrew BlantonI’m not sure if it’s the same for everybody, but since I’m slow on paper writing and typing are the same thing for me. My sleep might actually be getting scary because the last thing I heard was that I’m not even moving. Somehow I’m surviving. Maybe I’m moving more than can be seen. 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaI’m dreadfully slow on paper writing, Drew! 0 Reply Butterfly2 weeks agoButterflyHi Drew. I have the not moving during sleep thing too. I wake up in exactly the same position I went to sleep in and I am stiff when I turn over. I wake up every couple of hours just to move myself. I wonder if it is something neurological as I have a neurological illness. Like you say – somehow we are still surviving!😜 I hope the course is good. Let us know what it is like. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioSometimes I go through phases like that, Drew, where I wake up in exactly the same position, not having moved at all during the night. Usually it happens for me after a time of not sleeping well, when I can finally get good sleep. You have the c-pap machine now, right? Perhaps you are transitioning because finally you are getting better oxygen while you sleep. It sounds like your care-ers are keeping an eye on it, and you only recently had your sleep clinic, so your doctors are aware how you...Sometimes I go through phases like that, Drew, where I wake up in exactly the same position, not having moved at all during the night. Usually it happens for me after a time of not sleeping well, when I can finally get good sleep. You have the c-pap machine now, right? Perhaps you are transitioning because finally you are getting better oxygen while you sleep. It sounds like your care-ers are keeping an eye on it, and you only recently had your sleep clinic, so your doctors are aware how you are sleeping. I don’t think it is cause yet to be scared, just something to monitor and see if it continues for long. You have the HASCI program to look forward, to, Drew. I hope the weather is nice, then! I can’t wait to hear you tell us about it! 😊😊 Read More1 Reply Mike S2 weeks agoMike SI am grateful for this day, I am grateful for the air I breathe and I am grateful for the gift of life.😍👍❤️ 5 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioGood morning, Mike. How have you been? It is raining steadily here, and the maple tree leaves are growing rapidly. it makes me think of haiku! White apple blossoms Birds wait for the rain to pause They look for earthworms 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaCool – your own haiku, Holly? Do the birds stop looking for worms when it’s raining? hugs to you and everyone! 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioYeah, kinda spur-of-the-moment. And yes, I often see birds foraging in rain, but not when it’s raining like it was this morning! Mr. Hopeful came under the eave by my window, out of the rain, to sing! I can’t figure out where they are nesting. They may have built something in one of our attic vents. They are very close, I just can’t figure out where! 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaWhat fun! Hopeful singing by your window. That makes sense – hunting worms in the rain but not in a downpour. Congrats on writing a timely haiku. I’ve just been playing freecell most of the morn. Sigh. But I do find it relaxing and fun. Now to get to work – 1 Reply Mike S2 weeks agoMike SI have some challenging health conditions, but I can maintain well by observing the contents of my mind and ensuring that I maintain a positive attitude. After all it is the condition of our mind that really determines the quality of our life in spite of whatever difficult external or internal situation we experience. 6 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioBeautifully said, Mike. 🌷 1 Reply Saint Anne2 weeks agoSaint AnneI love the Gratitude Lounge. It is sacred. All those who participate are sacred. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioThank you! And you, as well! I love your frog picture. Did you see the picture of the frog I found in my garden? I think the photo is still on this page, if you scroll down. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioSpring is here, and I have so much to do! I am very grateful for my first experience as a poll worker on Tuesday. There has been a shortage of poll workers in our state, so I got called in at the last minute for a position that is not the usual beginner position. There were many challenges, including, in the last half hour, everyone's phone alarms went off simultaneously as the tornado warning was issued, and we needed to come up with a plan to keep all the voters safe. There was some damage a...Spring is here, and I have so much to do! I am very grateful for my first experience as a poll worker on Tuesday. There has been a shortage of poll workers in our state, so I got called in at the last minute for a position that is not the usual beginner position. There were many challenges, including, in the last half hour, everyone’s phone alarms went off simultaneously as the tornado warning was issued, and we needed to come up with a plan to keep all the voters safe. There was some damage about a block away, with fallen trees and roof damage, but we were fine. Overall, it was very enlightening and very touching to be part of the process, and to be able to help people. The oldest and the youngest were the most touching for me. There was a very tiny elderly lady in a wheel chair, and I mean, tiny! With help, I adjusted a poll machine for her down to her level and gave it a pitch so she could do the voting herself, and I stood behind it on the bar, as I was afraid if she leaned on it the machine might fall on her, as they are very top-heavy! I felt good about helping her to be independent. And then there was also a very little girl, about 2 years old, and she gave me a hug! 🤗❤ It was a long day, made longer by needing someone of opposite party to ride up with the ballots (a check and balance), so I volunteered to ride in the car with the manager. So I was working from 4:45 a.m. to almost 10 p.m., and then got home and couldn’t sleep! I’m still quite tired, physically and emotionally, but grateful! I’m going to change my clothes and do some gardening today. Love to all. ❤ Read More3 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaWow, thank you, Holly, what a story! Congratulations on your accomplishments. Tornado warning especially amazes me. Hugs! 2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaDear friends in this Lounge, I want to share what I choose to honor our Tuesday prayer: a short call with a friend. She suffers from her husband's depression, a rapid and profound depression that leaves both of them powerless. She told me she loves when I call her, and I'm happy for that. Tuesday is the day of Santa Marta, practical woman. My friend is a very religious and very devoted person, on the contrary I am not like her, I do not like devotion. I try my best to practice what I believe i...Dear friends in this Lounge, I want to share what I choose to honor our Tuesday prayer: a short call with a friend. She suffers from her husband’s depression, a rapid and profound depression that leaves both of them powerless. She told me she loves when I call her, and I’m happy for that. Tuesday is the day of Santa Marta, practical woman. My friend is a very religious and very devoted person, on the contrary I am not like her, I do not like devotion. I try my best to practice what I believe in, with all my doubts and hesitations. Friendship is a great grace. good evening to all of you. Read More3 Reply Mary2 weeks agoMaryI deal with doubts too Anna. Sending my love to you! ♥️♥️♥️ Mary 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeYou are a treasure Cara Anna. Your friendship through these years has been a great grace to me…and your friend has been blessed by your kindness in calling her during this challenging time for her. It’s a gift that I visited this morning to read your post. Blessings mio amica. 💜🙏 3 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnna🌼🌼🌼 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioHeroes come in all shapes and conditions. This story has a good outcome and I won't be graphic, but if you are sensitive, you might not want to read this post further. I have an elderly friend, diabetic, very obese, uses a walker, is getting to the point where he might not be able to go up one flight of stairs anymore, but today he was brave, and may have saved a life because he thought of someone else's need, and not his own safety. He saw someone attacking someone else, the victim was hit...Heroes come in all shapes and conditions. This story has a good outcome and I won’t be graphic, but if you are sensitive, you might not want to read this post further. I have an elderly friend, diabetic, very obese, uses a walker, is getting to the point where he might not be able to go up one flight of stairs anymore, but today he was brave, and may have saved a life because he thought of someone else’s need, and not his own safety. He saw someone attacking someone else, the victim was hit with such force that they fell down on the sidewalk with a thud, seriously injured. My friend went hurrying over as best he could, holding up his phone and yelling to the attacker he had better run, because he was calling 911. The attacker then turned on my friend and grabbed his phone out of his hand and tossed it into traffic with force, then went into the street and stomped and demolished the phone, and walked off quickly. My friend went to the victim. In the Korean War, my friend was a corpsman, and he went to the victim and aided him until the ambulance came. I am so incredibly grateful that my friend is all right, and I am reminded that heroes might be hobbling as best they can on a walker! People amaze me! It is another reminder to me, not to judge people by their appearances. 🙂 Read More4 Reply Butterfly2 weeks agoButterflyWow, Holly, that is true bravery. Thank you for sharing ❤️ 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThank you, Holly – what a story! Your friend is amazing. 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaDear Holly, I am surprised by the violence of that man, and at the same time I know that there are many people who treat others in that way. I am also relieved to know that your friend saved the victim. This is the good part of humanity. And, Holly, let me add, he helps without violence. This is not easy. My faith speaks of the good Samaritan. Your friend is a good Samaritan of course, he helps where others do nothing, he is a man of peace. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioThank you all, my friends! 🙂 I'm not certain, but I think it likely the attacker in this case has mental illness, and as it turns out, they did turn themselves in to police, at another location once they calmed down. It is so easy to sort people in our minds into "good" and "bad," but I am trying to train myself not to be hasty, or to judge so much. I'm reminded of a quote by Mr. Rogers here, the children's advocate and television personality... "Frankly, there isn't anyone you couldn'...Thank you all, my friends! 🙂 I’m not certain, but I think it likely the attacker in this case has mental illness, and as it turns out, they did turn themselves in to police, at another location once they calmed down. It is so easy to sort people in our minds into “good” and “bad,” but I am trying to train myself not to be hasty, or to judge so much. I’m reminded of a quote by Mr. Rogers here, the children’s advocate and television personality… “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story,” – Fred Rogers It is certainly challenging to do this at times, particularly in situations like the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. And having compassion for people who commit violence doesn’t mean that we approve or allow for such behavior without consequence, or that we don’t protect ourselves or the vulnerable. I don’t know… perhaps one of you can offer some thoughts here? This seems a worthy discussion. Read More1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaMy new insight is that I can look at my problems, not as: Woe is Me 🙁 but as: Wow is Me! 🙂 for handling all the stuff I’m handling. That delightful meme to me while reading the book, “The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found” by Frank Bruni, who learned the concept from the Mexican diplomat Juan Jose, who “saw an ‘adventure’—his exact word for it—where he could have seen an ordeal.” 1 Reply Butterfly2 weeks agoButterflyAbsolutely, Mica! That is the way to happiness 😊 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThank you and warm wishes to you, Butterfly – 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioI love it! What a wonderful insight, Mica! I think you are “wow,” too! 🏵 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaOh, thank you, dear Holly. So are you 🙂 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaI do think today’s quote sadly fails to recognize how wonderful the dark Earth and the dark sky are! Between the dark sky and the dark earth we hang a light in a dark tree and sing of our wonder together. PIR ELIAS AMIDON 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioThat is a wonderful point, Mica, and shows that you see the glass full… half of water, and half of air. Love this. ❤🙂 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaDear Holly, as a scientist, that water glass has confused me – half full = half empty, scientifically, but I’ve learned that ‘full’ is the goal, which I guess makes sense in terms of focusing on fullness instead of emptiness! Thanks for your timely reply. <3 = 'heart' 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioGood morning and good afternoon, dear friends! It has been busy here with the election coming up and my daughter's birthday, and then also, I broke a toe. Not a big deal, but I was grumpy, lol. It's on the mend, now. My husband will be voting for the first time in America on Tuesday, and I voted yesterday and took him along to see, as the process is different than in the U.K. I will be a poll worker on Tuesday, a last minute replacement, and it will be my first time doing that. I am studying a...Good morning and good afternoon, dear friends! It has been busy here with the election coming up and my daughter’s birthday, and then also, I broke a toe. Not a big deal, but I was grumpy, lol. It’s on the mend, now. My husband will be voting for the first time in America on Tuesday, and I voted yesterday and took him along to see, as the process is different than in the U.K. I will be a poll worker on Tuesday, a last minute replacement, and it will be my first time doing that. I am studying and trying to stay off of my foot as much as possible so the swelling goes down. This morning early i went out to feed the bees, and they were already up and thought I was stealing their feeders, so they were pinging and buzzing me warnings, I had to be quick! Eventually they will learn they can trust me to put their feeder back, full. I don’t think they would have stung me, though. This batch is quite gentle, but it is still unsettling to have them fly into me at speed and make extra loud BUZZING sounds.. 😄 I really wanted to share a photo my friend in Texas sent to me this morning, but I can’t figure out how to share it. They put up a screech owl nesting box on their farm, and she checked and took a photo of three screech owl eggs in the box! 😄 I think that is so amazing, and so good of her to support that species! So I will leave you with this from my back yard. This is a wild Grape Hyacinth, some red raspberry cane on the left, and in the back the iris are starting to come up. My lawn is covered with dandelions and violets, and we are not mowing the back yard yet, because we want the bees to start looking for food sources. 🐝 Read More 2 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaLovely purple hyacinths, Holly 🙂 and a brick-colored rock-shaped thing in the middle? The raspberry leaves remind me of wild blackberries that grew near the house where I grew up, and my aunt made jam from them once when she visited. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioRaspberries and blackberries are closely related! And yes, it is a brick. I am a somewhat neglectful gardener/landscaper at home, but when “my boys” were mowing the lawn, I had tp put obstacles everywhere because they kept mowing over the beds, particularly my “oldest boy” (i.e. husband). I lost my mint, my rhubarb twice, raspberries, oregano, a currant bush, and several other things! hahahaha. 0 Reply Ose3 weeks agoOseGood morning, dear friends here in the Lounge! Yesterday I started drawing and painting, which I loved to do in my youth. As a present for my dear sister who will celebrate her birthday next week, I started to draw a portrait of her together with her daughter (copying a photo). So grateful for my former teacher who deeply inspired many of us and taught arts in a multitude of ways at school, so that even after so many decades, I may come back to it, and as far as I can see right now, nothing of h...Good morning, dear friends here in the Lounge! Yesterday I started drawing and painting, which I loved to do in my youth. As a present for my dear sister who will celebrate her birthday next week, I started to draw a portrait of her together with her daughter (copying a photo). So grateful for my former teacher who deeply inspired many of us and taught arts in a multitude of ways at school, so that even after so many decades, I may come back to it, and as far as I can see right now, nothing of his teaching is lost! Drawing seems to be like riding a bike… you never can unlearn it 🙂 So happy that it seems to manage! Thank you dearly for this precious gift which allows to even create a present for my sister. Wishing for you all that you may have a lovely and peaceful Sunday, my friends. Read More3 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaWhat a wonderful gift for your sister, Ose! I’m taking an online sketchbook class whose goal is to have us sketching every day. It’s a wonderful goal for me but one that I am far from achieving. Happy painting and drawing, Ose! 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in Ohioooo! Sweet! 😃 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioI am so happy you are drawing again! 🤗 It seems so “right” that you are an artist. What a lovely gift for your sister and niece! ❤ 1 Reply Ose3 weeks agoOseThank you, dear Holly for being with me in this! Many here are creative in various ways, like you, like Anna who loves to sing, like Palm and her daughter, like T.Henry and sparrow … I am always very touched and happy to hear or see something about your beautiful art work, dear Holly, and of those of our friends also. 3 Reply Palm3 weeks agoPalmDear Ose, thank you for thinking about us, I am heart warmed and inspired. It is so good to hear that drawing is like riding a bicycle. I’m glad you are doing something you enjoyed in your youth. I have been reflecting on Louise Hay’s words about nurturing the child in us and how I could do it, thank you dearly 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioThank you! And yes, thank you for reminding me that so many here are talented! It is a happy thought in my heart. Pilgrim is musical, and Christine, too, and I’m certain there are others! 1 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaDear Ose, I’m so happy for you, you are an artist, music, drawing … it’s a grace. May your heart find a place of joy, peace, spirituality, fulfillment in your art. And happy birthday to your dear sister … I suspect she and I will have close birthdays😊 2 Reply Ose3 weeks agoOseThank you, dear Anna, for your kind reply and your encouraging wishes! When will be your birthday? The one of my sister is next Thursday. 2 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaMay, 26th!!! Anyway, the same month!!🤗 0 Reply Mary2 weeks agoMaryHi Anna, Ose and all! My birthday is coming up right after yours Anna, May 28.😐😊 1 Reply Ose3 weeks agoOse😊😊🌺 0 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioThe wind that blows The cool winds of the night, The moon that shines so bright, That feeling of silence in the air, Know that someone really cares, I am wishing you good night, Because I want you to sleep tight, Good night, my dear! ““`-Anonymous 3 Reply Michele3 weeks agoMichelelove this poem – reminds me of my mom’s wind poem she wrote 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in Ohiogood morning, Michele! How nice to have poems your mom wrote! My mom didn’t write, but I have little sketches she made. 🙂 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaDear Holly, I’m sleeping ‘tight’ now with my weighted blanket – 15 lbs of it. I like it. Thanks for all you share with us. Warm wishes to you and all here – 2 Reply Drew Blanton3 weeks agoDrew BlantonI don’t know what it is, but lately my body feels hot every single day. 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaDear Drew, I sometimes think about the advantages of ‘too hot’ vs ‘too cold’ but when it’s your body, indeed it probably makes sense to see a doctor. Good luck! When I moved from CA to VA, I wondered if I’d like the summers or the winters better, but the summers were too hot and the winters were too cold 😐 My condo gets too hot, because its windows all face southwest, but it’s wonderful to see the sunsets 🙂 2 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioInteresting. I don’t know why, either. Should you ask your doctor? 1 Reply Drew Blanton3 weeks agoDrew BlantonProbably. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioThe maple leaves are just beginning to come out of their buds here. I can hear a cardinal singing. The sun is out and it looks like spring, but it is also very cold. We had a hard frost last night and I am hoping our 2 new hives of bees have survived this cold. They haven't been in their homes a week yet, and they have not been eating their sugar water. Crossed fingers! They might be balled up inside and dancing, to keep their queens warm. Nature is amazing! A day or two more and it will be war...The maple leaves are just beginning to come out of their buds here. I can hear a cardinal singing. The sun is out and it looks like spring, but it is also very cold. We had a hard frost last night and I am hoping our 2 new hives of bees have survived this cold. They haven’t been in their homes a week yet, and they have not been eating their sugar water. Crossed fingers! They might be balled up inside and dancing, to keep their queens warm. Nature is amazing! A day or two more and it will be warm again. Nature and nature’s rhythms are endlessly fascinating. Even in the city, we see birds and wild plants, trees, and insects, going about their business as if we were barely here. Nature is here to fascinate and comfort us, if we but look. Here is a little frog I photographed in my garden two years ago… Have a lovely day, my friends! Read More 4 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaDancing bees! That takes me back many decades. And what a fine frog – my bro nurtures the seasonal pond on his property and gets lots of tadpoles and frogs, but not ones as fine-looking as that one. He learned that it can be good for the tadpoles, to let the pond dry out, because then fish don’t grow and eat the tadpoles. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in Ohiohaha… yes, there is no pond on this farm, but there is a part of the field that gets very water logged and “wants to be a pond.” But I wondered if this maybe is a type of tree frog? There is a small wood nearby my garden plot. At any rate, he is a handsome devil, isn’t he? Yes, bees dance together to generate heat around the queen. It’s like a mosh pit! 😁 1 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaI wonder if yours is a toad even? Quite impressive little critter. My bro's ~3 acres in VT has endless trash buried in its woods, including a bathtub that is now part of the pond. Now that his cat has 'aged out,' the tadpoles are his 'pets.' I remember the dancing bees of Von Frisch and the controversy with Wenner - he and I were at UCSB: "In 1967, American biologist Adrian Wenner (1928–) launched an extensive challenge to Karl von Frisch’s (1886–1982) theory that bees communicate to eac...I wonder if yours is a toad even? Quite impressive little critter. My bro’s ~3 acres in VT has endless trash buried in its woods, including a bathtub that is now part of the pond. Now that his cat has ‘aged out,’ the tadpoles are his ‘pets.’ I remember the dancing bees of Von Frisch and the controversy with Wenner – he and I were at UCSB: “In 1967, American biologist Adrian Wenner (1928–) launched an extensive challenge to Karl von Frisch’s (1886–1982) theory that bees communicate to each other the direction and distance of food sources by a symbolic dance language. Wenner and various collaborators argued that bees locate foods solely by odors. Although the dispute had largely run its course by 1973 – von Frisch was awarded a Nobel Prize, while Wenner withdrew from active bee research – it offers us a rare window into midtwentieth century discussions about animals, language, and cognition.” Read More2 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioBee research has gone very far in the last few years, because of miniaturizing technology, making fine observation much easier. Did you watch the PBS link I posted yet? As of 2020, this wildlife photographer has greatly contributed to our understanding of bees. He was even able to track, and show their route in gathering pollen. Please see it. It will "blow your mind." It has a wonderful, humanizing story, too! 😊 When the day warmed up today, I saw activity at both of our hives! I'm very ...Bee research has gone very far in the last few years, because of miniaturizing technology, making fine observation much easier. Did you watch the PBS link I posted yet? As of 2020, this wildlife photographer has greatly contributed to our understanding of bees. He was even able to track, and show their route in gathering pollen. Please see it. It will “blow your mind.” It has a wonderful, humanizing story, too! 😊 When the day warmed up today, I saw activity at both of our hives! I’m very grateful for that. We don’t know about the queens, it is too cold to open up the hives, but it is still a good sign that the workers seem relaxed and are showing normal activity. That’s a good idea about froggie possibly being a toad, but our toads are brown and very warty and we see them often (they are easy to catch, too). The tree frogs are shy, so we hear them all the time, they sing like a chorus in summer, but we rarely see them. They are not a “true frog,” not quite sure what that means, only that we often hear them in forests, and they do climb trees! No idea how they are born, as it doesn’t seem they need a pond. I think it may be a “grey tree frog,” …yes they are green, lol. Here is the amphibian identification for Ohio: http://www.ohioamphibians.com/frogs/frogspecies.html The frog was on my bush green beans, by the way, so you can see it was pretty small. 🙂🐸 Read More0 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioSomething I like about these Caregiver Tips, is they were obviously written by caregivers, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers. ❤ 2 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in Ohio“The sun just touched the morning; the morning, happy thing, supposed that he had come to dwell, and life would be all spring.” Emily Dickinson 2 Reply « Previous 1 2 3 4 … 8 Next » New to Practice? Visit the Practice Space for more opportunities and insights. 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