Christmas Concert Timmins 2009 Sons of Maxwell

Sons of Maxwell Timmins 2009

On The Twelfth Day Of Christmas The Sons Of Maxwell Came To Town

On Saturday evening the twelfth day of December, I shared the joy of Christmas in song when once again we were able to experience the sounds of the season with The Sons Of Maxwell. Don and Dave Carroll are two Timmins brothers, who with all of their fame abroad, still return home to their roots every holiday season to perform a Christmas concert for the townspeople. The concert is held in the same high school where they attended classes and many friends and relatives can be seen cheering them on from the audience. Maxwell and Sharon are the parents who take immense pride in the continued success of their two sons. Dave Carroll lost his luggage last year and in true songwriter style made his complaints known in a self produced musical video gone viral on You Tube. Seen by millions, United Breaks Guitars was an instant hit.
Don Carroll is the romantic crooner that captures hearts with his amazing smile and voice.
We joined in musical unison when Don sang Let It Snow though the weather outside was frightful, none of us seemed to care. Individually, they have achieved success with their own distinctive CDs. Together, they are a powerhouse duo that has produced a multitude of albums with a unique style all their own.
It takes a lot of organization , support, sponsorship and one super Mom for the concert to come together and be the sold out event it is year after year.
In the spirit of Christmas giving, I offer you this front row seat... as it was so kindly offered to us.
Enjoy.
http://sonsofmaxwell.com/
http://www.davecarrollmusic.com/

Let It Snow with Don Carroll





Johnny Cash Medley by The Sons Of Maxwell

Don't Stress Me Out ( To The Tune of Don't Fence Me In )

( With my apologies to Bing ) On Holiday Shopping:


Oh, give me stores , lots of stores under malls above,
Don't stress me out.
Let me shop through the wide open aisles that I love,
Don't stress me out.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' please ,
Listen to the children at the Christmas trees,
Don't elf me off and I ask you please,
Don't stress me out.

Just turn me loose, let me waddle in the Walmart ,
Underneath my own shoe laces,
Elbow my way through the masses, let me flounder to the counter,
Till I see the cashier's faces,
Don't elf me off.

I want to shop for the sales when the year commences,
And gaze at the prices till I lose my senses
And I can't look at labels and I can't stand menses,
Don't stress me out.
Stop.
Santa, don't you stress me out.

Ma's Photos , Frost's Poetry

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Happy Cake & Candle Day To Natalie

Today is the day I gave birth to my second daughter. It seems like yesterday that I held her in my arms and was overcome with emotion in the joy of her arrival into my world.The years go by and still I am overcome with the joy of her arrival each time she visits. Whether she was digging dead goldfish up for show and tell or flashing that megawatt smile of hers, I always knew she was something special.
I could not be prouder of her radio accomplishments but more than that, I am proud of the person she has grown into ..respectful and compassionate towards all life, loving and giving to others. With her grandfather's sense of humor and her own unique facial expressions, Natalie can bring out the laughter in anyone when they need it the most.
Thirty four years ago today around dinnertime, I will remember her arrival with my own secret smile and a heart full of love.
Happy Birthday Natalie.

Remember The Heroes

You will not recognize their faces. You will not know their names. You may not know which country they died in or how they lost their lives.
You can honor their memory and remember the heroes who gave you freedom today.
Bow your head for our veterans at the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month.
Lest we forget. Never.

The Red and White

For the brave men and women who keep us free :

Harvey McPhee was my father
Harvey served in World War Two
Just like him they were all young men
Lord knows what they went through.
I remember on Remembrance Day
Dad saluted those who fought and died
I can’t imagine what he was thinking
When I saw the tears in my father’s eyes.


This country these days it seems
Is not proud as it should be
Do we care about our Heroes anymore.
Do we take the time to thank a soldier
For everything they do.
Have we forgotten those brave souls who fought and died
For the Red and White

I knew a man who served in Korea
He came back a different man
He went over for his country
To fight in a foreign land
He took to pills and the bottle
To numb his nightmares and his pain
He went to war barely 19
Bob Archer was his name



This country these days it seems
Is not as proud as it used to be
Do we care about our Heroes anymore
Do we take the time to thank a soldier
For everything they do
Have we forgotten those poor souls who fought and died
For the Red and White

Coporal Jamie Murphy
Just 26 from Newfoundland
Was days away from coming home
When he was killed in Afghanistan
He never had a hope in hell
Al-Qaida bomber took his life
So far away from his home, on Green Route Road
That solider died for the Red and White

This country sometimes,
Makes me so damn mad I could cry
Cause we never thank our heros enough anymore
How many of us thank a soldier for everything they do
We can’t forget all those who serve who sacrifice
All for the Red and White

Lest we forget our heros, who fought and died,
For the Red and White

For the Red and White.

Julian Austin on 12-10-2006

How I Met Your Mother @ Tim Hortons

It is no secret that Tim Hortons has been invading the United States for over a decade now and tomorrow night they reach their prime when Tim Hortons is the primary backdrop for the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."
Although I am not a fan of the show, I am a fan of Tim Hortons and I will be watching this episode at 8p.m. local time on Monday October 19th ...which is tomorrow night for all of you who are lost in space with the boy in the balloon.
Apparently this show was nominated for an Emmy award this year for best comedy.
Though Tim Hortons is not in the storyline , the subliminal advertising is a a subtle way of invading the American mind to try our coffee and leave the dunking zone behind.
The best part of the whole deal is that Neil Patrick Harris ( a.k.a. Doogie Howser) will be the actor featured in the fake Timmies.
From a marketing perspective Tim Hortons on prime time T.V. is a definite winner.
( " I would like to thank my managers, my staff , my customers , my family , my dogs for giving me this award for best dam coffee in the entire world ....exit stage right ".)

The Art of the Pee Handstand or The World Is My Toilet According To Wizzy

The blogger heading may be the longest title I have written for a post. I just could not decide so you got both of them. Those of you who follow my musings are aware that my little yorkie has luxating patella which is a fancy terminology for dislocating kneecaps due to hereditary problems and a bad breeder who shall remain nameless. I have discussed the surgery with my vet many times. After much research,we have both come to the conclusion that we will delay the operation until such time it effects his mobility or it becomes too painful for him. Wizzy can run like the wind, never cries, and can jump like a trooper. You would never know he has a knee impediment unless you watched him hop, skip and slide the bone back in place.( This drives me crazy as I have a long time knee phobia of my own). My little lover has adapted to his weaker leg in the most peculiar way. Wizard loves his walks. The world is his toilet. He wants the neighborhood to know he is around the town. He has his favorite posts and hydrants and loves to stop at every one of them. He is not nor has he ever been a squatter. Wizzy is a real boy leg lifter. Problem is he has had to compensate for his back leg weakness and often he will stop and pee on the poles doing his unique little handstand balancing on his front paws only. He navigates his stream with male pride and the joy of release. He will often turn to me for the words 'good boy ' and I reciprocate with a treat assuring his place in the big world. I suppose it may seem a strange sight to others watching a little furball doing a 'pawstand' for a pee break. For Wiz and I , it has become a normal occurrence. I have often meant to bring my camera to catch the pee performance in progress. One day I will...until then ..
we continue on our merry way until we reach the next pitstop that needs a Wiz mark.

Hats Off To Dawn

Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. When she was a little girl we use to listen to the singing story book of Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonnet. It was the story of finding true love and once you find the perfect fit to never give up on it because the world can be an empty and lonely place without it. Disney knew what he was talking about. May your story always have a happy ending and may you always find love, know love, give love and be loved.

Love ,

Mom xoxoxo

His Brother's Keeper

Ted Kennedy was the keeper of his own children as well as his brothers'. More than that, he became the keeper of his nation by living by the words he spoke. Watching his funeral today, I felt the triumph more than the tragedy. The President and Ted's sons paid tribute to a man who by his own admission was far from perfect and yet became the greatest legislator of his time. The Kennedy family will surely miss this boisterous Irishman as will his friends, supporters and adversaries. Ted Kennedy may never have made it to the highest office in the land yet he lived his dream and fulfilled his destiny. As the Arlington flame shines eternal so will the Kennedy legacy.... three brothers together at last.

GoD And DoG

A dear friend sent me this and I wanted to share with all of you.
For those of you who have ever loved a special dog in your life , you will relate to the words and want to rush right over and hug your dogs .
I know I did.

United Breaks Guitars: Song 2

We could be best buddies if you come to your senses and watch the second installment by Timmin's own Dave Carroll lamenting on the damage done to his Taylor guitar. This song is lighthearted, pure fun and I loved the butt grab.
Now the world has to wait for the last song in the trilogy of United Breaks Guitars. Music and laughter, innuendo and sarcasm .....I wanted to dance in the field with all of your family and be a part of the human guitar.

The Big Question of The Day

Do I need a hair hump? Do any of us really need a hair hump? For those of you not in the know , a hair hump is a plastic contraption that is advertised for $19.99 to add height to your hair style similar to the bee hive look of the sixties. You can tease the heck out of your hair with a comb and spray the bejesus out or do it the easy way with a hair hump ....or is it bump ?
Either way I just can't decide if I need one hump or two.

Here Lies My Memory

Beneath this sacred cross lies my memory.
Of what used to be and yet I still know not.
I know not what it is that I am supposed to remember.
For here lies my memory, gone long before my flesh.
The flesh of a body that contains a shell,
and for what purpose I cannot tell.
Some say it is best that I do not remember,
the only thing I know is what I see before me.
At least in this moment, what was, what is and what shall
be eludes me.
So I sit here in this rocking chair looking up at a sacred cross,
and maybe I remember a little of what that means.
Or all the while not despairing , I can only hope that He
who was on that cross, will remember me.
Far beyond the time when I cannot remember Him or myself.
Maybe that is all I need to know,
Always remember I loved you so.

In loving memory of "Mamanoona" who is finally free of the pain of this earth and is in the loving arms of our Lord.
For Suzanne , who loved and cared for her mother through all the years of Alzheimers..a loving example of courage and strength. Your mother's spirit lives on in you.
The 'long goodbye' has ended

Test Pattern of Life

When I was a little kid, I remember staring at this image on our old black and white television waiting for the Saturday morning cartoons. I never knew what it meant , still don't . My parent's just called it "the test pattern". It reminds me of a purgatory before all the good stuff happens. That is how I feel right now that I am in one of life's test patterns and I have to hold on tight , have faith, be patient and wait for all the good stuff to come my way. Fate has literally blindsided me in the back when I was not looking and left me hospitalized and bedridden. For the last few weeks, pain was a constant and morphine was my friend. I need time to rebuild and regain my physical strength.
Without health there is nothing.
I leave you with the test pattern. Enjoy the fleeting days of summer.
Love Ma ( 'the good stuff' )

United Breaks Guitars

I had to post this video this morning as Dave Carroll is reaching the media in a very unique way with his new song based on his true experience. Take a listen and it says the whole story in song . If you have never heard of the Sons Of Maxwell .... you will NOW !

Gone Too Soon

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone
Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone

'Lone, 'lone
Why, 'lone

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
For you are not alone

Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there
I'll be there

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone...

Tribute to an Icon

I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone

You said there would be warm love in springtime
That is when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone

You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find my love has gone away

Why didn't you stay

The Man, The Myth , The Magic , and the Music

May you Rest in Heavenly Peace .

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
Youll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile



Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Cold Wind Blowing

360

I hate goodbyes. Always have. Yet it is a part of life we all have to deal with at some point or another. It is with a sad heart that I say farewell to two friends of mine who have been a part of my life for over 30 years. They are closing the chapter on a familiar life and opening the novel of adventure and promise in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Years from now I will look back at this photograph and remember two of the best friends I have ever had the privilege to know.
Happy trails to you.
Hello.

“Sometimes in life,

You find a special friend

Someone who changes your life

By being a part of it……..

Sometimes you find a friend

Who makes you laugh

Until you can’t stop

Someone who makes you believe

That there really is good in the world.

Someone who convinces you

That there is an unlocked door

Just waiting for you to open it.

This is forever friendship.

When you are down,

And the world seems dark and empty,

You forever friend lifts you up in spirit

And makes that dark and empty world

Suddenly seem bright and full.

Your forever friend gets you

Through the hard times, the sad times,

And the confused times.

If you turn and walk away,

Your forever friend follows you

If you lose your way,

Your forever friend guides you

and cheers you on.

You forever friend holds your hand

and tells you that everything is going to be okay.

And if you find such a friend,

You feel happy and complete

Because you need not to be worry.

You have a forever friend for life,

And forever has no end………..”

“Some friends are forever” by Laurieann Kelly

And Sings My Soul ( For Polly )

The rain came down today. It poured from the heavens like the Lord had overturned a bucket over our heads this afternoon. We were a handful of mourners gathered at the grave site to say good bye to Polly. She had passed from this earth in March. Her husband and life partner had transported her ashes from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island to be buried beside her parents. The good thing about the rain is that you can be drenched and the raindrops and the tears merge as one. Just as Polly is now one with God and her spirit has soared to the light of heaven well beyond the storm clouds of this earth. We gathered , family and friends , at the local church to "socialize " and remember a life well traveled and well lived. She taught me a lot about "taking time" for a good glass of chardonnay and just sitting and chatting it up with no where to go but where I was in that particular moment. There was not a soul in that room today that she had not touched somehow, some way. So precious the memories , so precious the time.


One of her brothers had recited this poem I share with you now:

Journey Home

Joy Conner

---

My journey starts with a soft voice calling me into the night.
I am lifted up and drawn toward a beautiful light.
I am leaving my family, friends and all other earthly things.
I am like a bird going toward the heavens, trying out my new wings.
But as I soar upward everything becomes so clear.
Special arms are wrapped around me, removing all my fears.

I am an eagle, climbing high over the pine trees,

the lakes and the land.

A special love is gently leading me,

taking me by the hand.

I have wings, I go higher into the deep blue of the sky.

But I am leaving you and I wonder why me,

Oh God, why?

I fly like an eagle--but am more like a dove.
For I am leaving you all with a heart full of love.
My journey is taking me to a home far away.
That same voice promising I'll see you some day.
I leave you with so very much regret.
But please--do not grieve for me yet,
for my soul and spirit are finally free.
I go at peace into eternity.

We Are The World

..and we are in mourning for Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Whatever your private opinions on their respective personal lives , one cannot deny the enormous impact each had in music and the arts. One death had been expected for months now as Farrah fought for her life against the dreaded cancer that invaded her body but never stole her indomitable fighting spirit. We watched from our arm chairs as she documented the realities of cancer. Many of us have seen this in our own families and it is without a doubt, one of our greatest fears. Farrah Fawcett stared back at that fear with dignity and a defiance that surpassed any role she ever played.
The shock of Michael Jackson's death rang around the world with the beat of disbelief and sadness. His music became the sound track of a generation and will remain his greatest legacy. The days ahead will be filled with the tears of their families and friends. The entire world aches for the loss of both of them .
Farrah's smile is gone from this earth and shines on a more heavenly plane. Whether you are black or white the sudden loss of a legend is a story still unfolding.
We are the world. We are sad and we are in pain.

Father's Day Blessings

I am sitting here this morning counting my blessings , which I endeavor to do on a daily basis. Today I am most grateful for having my father in my life. He is a modest man who would shy away from any accolades but he deserves it a million fold. To know him , is to love him . No question.
He is the kind of Dad that puts the 'extra 'in extraordinary. Through life's heartaches and roadblocks , he has walked a path of compassion and love of family and friends. My Dad has a smile that can light up a room and a laugh so individual there is no doubt who it is.
His sparkling blue eyes twinkle with mischief and he will be the first to tell you he is not perfect ... but he is perfect to me, and that is all that counts.
Thank you for teaching me what really matters in life is not what I have but who I am .
I love you Dad. Forever and a day. Happy Father's Day .

The Power of Prayer

Please say a small pray for this little guy today .

Crap

We Had A Ticket To Ride

N@ and I had a ticket to ride first class Via Rail from Montreal to Quebec City. I am usually the economy class kind of gal so going first class for a few bucks extra was a big deal for me. I have to tell ya I am spoiled rotten for it now. We had comfy seats , leg room for a basketball player, our luggage under our seats , a cute little male steward , and a fancy dancy menu to choose our meal. I had the grilled vegetable roll with artichoke and balsamic, cheese and spinach cannelloni with roasted red pepper sauce and portabella mushroom topping, 2 glasses of white wine , and a chocolate cheesecake. I know , I know ..I am a diva. After my Air Canada 'jet snack' and water, I felt like the queen of Quebec.
This was my first time doing the train experience in many years and I have to say I totally loved it!
Mind you it was just a 3 hour ride but it was so relaxing to sit back and watch the scenery change before my eyes like a slide show of the world.
.......and the best part of all : sitting beside my daughter whom I had not seen in over a year.
Before too long we heard the whistle announcing our arrival and we were taking our cabooses off the train.
I was visiting Quebec City for the first time in my life.

Coffee 4 Kids

Today June 3rd is Tim Horton Camp Day across the nation from sea to shining sea. Rev up your day with Tim's coffee and jumpstart a child's life into a new and brighter future.

Total proceeds from coffee are directed to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation where deserving children from your neighborhood will attend a Tim Horton camp this summer.

One cup of coffee can make a difference. 

Buy up.

Ma @ The Spa

This one was for the girls. On Mother's Day weekend my daughter , my sister and I headed for the little hamlet of Astorville , just outside of North Bay , to the Spa & Country Retreat at Hummingbird Hill.http://www.hummingbirdhill.ca/

We were long past due for a little pampering and girlie time. We were met by the two greeter cats one which mildly attacked me after I petted it. Once inside we were to forget our troubles and ply ourselves with mini chocolate cheesecakes, strawberries , and champagne orange juice.
It worked. I was tanked in no time. Not bad for 10 am.
We had a package deal of manicures , pedicures , and an aromatherapy wrap of lavender or lime. Seems we all chose the lime because we were thinking tequila sunshine. The subsequent massage left each one of us zoned out and vacantly happy.
The staff were professional and lots of fun and I thank our estheticians for their kindness and patience for putting up with three northern gals on a no stress quest.
We left feeling pretty oh so pretty ..with smiles on our faces and colorful toe nails.

This is for all you girls about 42 ( give or take )
Tossin' pennies into the fountain of youth
Every laugh, laugh line on your face
Made you who you are today



The Hummingbird Spa
Greeter cat #1
Greeter attack cat #2 ...no tail because he is a Manx cat and no, I did not take a tiger by the tail.
Self explanatory
The three amigos ready to be spaaaaaaaaed
My sister has her very first pedicure.
Manicuring Ma
Sweet Elizabeth working on my footsies
I forgot to tell Lizzie that she needed a goalie mask for protection when she worked on my pedicure.
Two estheticians brace me for the foot massage .
Not a CSI episode but my lime aromatherapy wrap or my secret life as a baked potato.
Two of the best , Darlene and Elizabeth .
These toes were made for walking .

An Oinker

For those of you worried about the possibility of an imminent pandemic and the rampant media reports of the swine flu ....rest assured there are no side effects save for this one.

( ya, ya I am bad .)

Rocker Shocker

After watching the entire season of American Idol , I am once again disappointed that the aspiring young singer with the total package did not take the crown. There was not an episode where Adam Lambert did not outshine and out sing every contestant on that stage. Week after week , he proved himself to be worthy of the title. This morning , I wonder how much a homophobic America had in deciding this fiasco. The tweenyboppers must have been out in full force texting like crazy to assure the rocker topple. The Danny votes headed to the underdog. The new Idol judge proved her lack of class and song writing capabities with her stripshow and the so called Idol hit song 'No Boundaries '.
I have bought several Adam videos from the iTunes site to remember how this Elvis lookalike owned the stage and every song he sang. The future is his.
It is a Mad World.

Say Cheese

I was around three years old playing with my cousins and my aunt Ruth said say 'cheese' and I did.
Funny how the mind remembers these things and yet I cannot find some paper that I put away for safe keeping a week ago. I should be glad I have a mind today since it is my birthday. 58. I do not feel as old as that number implies. I do not think my mind will ever be in sync with my chronological age. I will be like my father, defying the odds of aging with a smile and my middle finger.
PS. Woke up to snow to this morning . Wouldn't be the first time I had snow on my birthday.
Happy Birthday Me .

Happy Birthday to My Dad

Dear Dad,
It has been said the apple does not fall far from the tree. That could be true as I was born the day after your own birthday. You use to say that I was almost your birthday gift. Truth be told, I think you were were mine. Throughout my childhood unto this day, your loving heart and generosity have led the way with strength and humor. There is no doubt who it is when your laughter and smile light up the room. Your dancing blue eyes and indomitable spirit have taught this girl a little about life and a lot about love.
Today we celebrate , love and honor you. Today we are all blessed.
Love you Dad.
Thumbs up.
Darling daughter #1.

Another Exciting Episode of : Where In The World Is Ma ?

Here are the clues :

1. Hummingbirds

2. My Feet

3. Champagne and Wine

4. Mud

5 ...and last but far from least Live , Love & Laugh

P.S. Happy Mother's Day from Ma !!

Rain

I love the rain. I love the sound of it. I love the smell of it. I love the way the robins come out to play in it looking for peekaboo worms in the soil. I love the way it nourishes the crocuses and tulips to grow tall after winter's shadow. I love the way it feeds the grass and transforms the yellow to brilliant green. I love the rain drops catching the twigs to remind them that it is spring and they need to turn over a new leaf. I never mind the gray clouds that pour the cleansing rain for they bring a promise of a better day.
So if you see me skipping through the puddles today in my bright red rain boots, remember, it is okay to sing and dance in the rain. It is a good thing.

Spring In A Northern Town

First sign of spring in a northern town ... not the return of robins , but houseflies.
Let me out.
Dirty mountains of snowbanks block your view.
Sad Santas need to go back to bed for another year.
.... and so do the lights of Christmas.
Unless you like sandals in the snow , these will sit sans feet for a while yet.
Shovels need a vacation and so do I .
The ghosts of winter long to feel the sun again .. to be free and green.
Real pavement ..hurray !
This is and will be again my lilac bush.

Karma's ball sits idle waiting for her joyful play.
Running water is a welcome sound .
The cranky ravens say spring is nevermore ...but the hardy robins in the snow say otherwise.


I do not want to speak too soon but there is a few signs that spring may finally be here after a very long, cold and snowy winter. Although our temperature promises to climb to 18C today there is a forecast of light snow for the weekend. Keep it light.