"Old Photographs"

Today, going through some old photographs,

I shed some tears, I had some laughs,

I saw myself at a younger age,

saw family and friends on every page.

my son's first day at kindergarten;

the smile on his face, the tears just starting,

the eighth grade dance, my daughter's dress,

I made it myself (she hated it), It stood out from the rest !

my youngest child, asleep in the chair,

an angels face, his arms in the air,

mama and Daddy , and the love they shared,

a gift they gave us, no one was spared.

Photo's in color and black and white,

some of good quality, some in poor light,

memories of a lifetime are between these old pages,

images and thoughts that will last through the ages......jen

 DREAM GARDEN :

I recieved my first garden catalog yesterday, it was filled with new flowers, tomatoes, and wonderful gardens !

Although January just got started, it's not too early to start thinking about that "Dream Garden"....Sometimes in the mornings (on a good day), the sun is shining so bright out there that it fools me into thinking"garden", and I want to get out there and get to work, but one step outside is enough to convince me otherwise !

So, I just sit here looking out the window at this "sleeping garden" of mine and watch the birds that come, the winds that blow, and on occasion the snow that falls, But eventually Spring will come, it always does, and fills our hearts with hope, and our minds with thoughts of that new garden of our dreams !

    "THE TEDDY BEAR"

Under the tree, just sitting there, is a worn and loved old teddy bear,

his brown face is quiet and content, and all this time in a box he spent;

Until this special time of the year, now under the tree you'll find him here.

There was a time when he was new, firmly stuffed a ribbon of blue;

given to a child on Christmas day, to make her laugh, and learn to play.

All that day she held him tight, and upon her bed he slept at night.

The years passed by and the little girl grew, he lost some stuffing, the ribbon of blue.

There came a time he was put away, the little girl left, she could not stay;

But every Christmas, he finds his way, under the tree and there he will stay,

among the gifts and ornaments bright, he saw the tree come to life at night,

The ornaments would dance, the lights would dim, and all the toys would come to him,

He loved this time underneath the tree, but missed the bright eyed girl of three.

Christmas morning a new child came, a small boy child upon his knees,

he picks me up and gives me a squeeze,

He smiles and makes my heart feel glad, as I look up , I'm no longer sad;

for kneeling there behind the child, is an older face, "I know this smile!",

She is the one who brought me here, who gave her heart to a teddy bear...

The face is older, it's been a long while, but in her face I see that child,

she hugs us both, and I see a tear, as she leans and whispers in  my ear,,,,,"Merry Christmas Teddy, and Happy New Year"  !

 written by Jen, 12/08

Our first snowfall; The snow that fell last night was one of those very wet snows, large flakes that had the temp been a few degrees warmer, would have been rain.

This morning there is maybe an inch of white stuff on the ground, most was caught in the trees, as I watch it falls in small or large clumps to the ground.

The evergrees in the distance have snow on their branches and are very pretty this morning, it also caught on every limb and twig in my garden.

There is barely any snow underneath the oak tree, most of it was caught in it’s branches, there is a slight breeze blowing, and bits of snow continue to fall from it’s limbs,

The sky is very white and matches the landscape this morning, no blue in sight; the dark bare branches stand out in sharp contrast against this white canvas, Our first snowfall, but I’m sure it won’t be the last, Winter has indeed made an impression this morning !

  "Second Season Deer.

"Twas three week’s before Christmas, and he’s going out of the house,

he’s up very early, as quiet as a mouse.

why is he up at the crack of dawn? putting all of his cold weather gear on?

Listen close and I’ll tell you all the reason; It’s the last day of the second week of "deer hunting season" !

OK, Yes I know, he's already got his buck, but he can get one more, with a little more luck;

and besides , this is his second permit, and it just wouldn’t be sporting not to use it....

So, he in his long johns and his orange hunting cap, and his bibs and his boots, and his coat with the nap....

went out of the door without so much as a clatter, did I spring from my bed to see what was the matter?

No, I just lay there, cause it all became clear, it’s just Denny getting ready to go get his deer......

For three days he’s been sitting up high in a tree, cold and hungry, but stalwart is he,

cause it’s the last day, and conditions are right, he knows they’re out there, they’re just out of sight;

It’s cold and it’s snowing, and from his lofty perch, theres no motion no sound, and his tummy gives a lurch....

Should he change positions, and hunt from the ground?.........

So, in the blink of an eye, he gathers his gear and moves down below, picks a good spot, makes a blind in the snow...

gets good and comfty and settled down in it....and closes his eyes, but just for a minute;

Then opens his  eyes and in his field of vision, was not one deer but nine ! and he makes his decision;

He fires off a shot, just to get their attention, did I say there was nine? did I forget to mention?

Some broke to the left, some to the right, he picked out his target, and judged it just right !

And his eyes how they sparkled, almost in glee, and the grin on his face was something to see;

It started at the nose and went from ear to ear, cause today my Denny, GOT HIS SECOND DEER !

And so with a satisfied look on his face, he could go home now, he could leave this place....

and sit at that great round tablle of hunters who, inspite of the cold and coming down with the flu....

all of those brave souls who battled the weather, and could all finally, sit down together...

and have a few drinks and bask in the glory, lean back in their chairs, and tell a good story...!!

                               Written for Denny.12/92

Just a note to let you all know that I am unable to reply to or send you a message, I do seem to be able to Recieve a random message or two, but cannot respond, but wanted you all to know it's not for  want of trying ! Hopefully this mess will be cleared up soon, thinking of everyone and wish you all well.....Jen....PS< AM NOT SURE THIS WILL POST ???

November winds are blowing, leaves are tossed around,

The skies are grey and cloudy, November wears a frown.

What happened to those bright blue skies, the warmth of yesterday?

The bird songs are silenced now, the wind has more to say!

It blows the scattered clouds around, and whispers in the eaves,

I hear the message that it sends, and feel the cold it leaves.

Oh, Keep your cold and grey November days, and give me back my dreams,

Of endless summer sunshine, and those clear and sparkling streams.        jen

Up ahead the road curves gently through the forest of October trees and foilage. You cannot see what lies ahead, which makes the drive all the more interesting.

Where will this take us? will there be wide open fields or more timber? Will the road have a creek that flows across, will the bridge be old an wooden or newer ? Will there be a farm house and a barn in the distance?

Country roads are inviting and fun to travel, you never know what you might see, sometimes you have to stop for deer crossing to the other side. It's nice to wander the country side with no real plan in mind, to glimps the beauty of nature, to leave the city and cares behind, and just follow the country road.

"Where does it lead, this road I found?

that curves so gently from the ground.

The trees grow close beside the way,

in Autumn colors, bright and gay".

Along the roadside and the hedgerows there is a burst of color, the reds of sumac, the burnt umber and subtle shades of gold, the bright yellows and orange of the soft maples; the colors used on natures canvas are many and varied and a delight to behold.

The days are getting shorter and there is a sense of urgency in the air, the gathering of crops have begun and the fields are emptied of their harvest, leaving us a wider view of the landscape beyond, and all of this against a bright blue October sky.

Along the river the trees are showing their colors,the hardwoods are the last to turn, and each day brings more vibrant color, and all of this beauty is reflected in the water and enhanced by the skies above.

All of this will change soon and a time of rest and waiting will begin; October days are harvest days, busy and short, they will be over all too soon, the trees will shed their leaves, the harvest will end and the scene will change, the skies will turn from October blue to a lavender grey and things will slow down; So take some time, take a drive, a walk, Enjoy the bright blue days of October while you can, because they will not last.