Heat Wave in Indiana...4C or 40F

Yes...we had a heat wave today. 40F, or 4C. The light snow that was on the ground melted - but the pond was still frozen enough to have a dusting of snow on it. During the heat of the day (remember - 4C) which was about 1pm, I took a walk around the garden to see how things were - it was a relief to be outside (bundled up in coat, hat, scarf of course) and for it not to hurt to breath! I took this photo - a critter has been sniffing around the pond... I suspect it is a raccoon, perhaps looking for my fish! Maybe next time he ventures on the ice, he might get a cold surprise!~!! The next couple of days are supposed to be warm as well (5oF...woo-hoo...that's 10C) so the ice may melt completely.

The sun has been shining.......that's what I need!!! I don't mind these cold temps, as long as the sun is shining. The endless days of gray cold are what is so depressing.

Maureen turns 50

My good friend Maureen turned 50 this month. Her sister Katie (and husband Dan) featured in their best 70's threads, threw a groovy 70's party for her....fun time.

Joel the Choir Boy

This past weekend Joel participated in the Indiana All-State Choir Conference. 300 High School kids from around the state are selected (by audicien) to perform for all High School Choir teachers, who assemble for this annual conference. Joel can provide more detail, but here he is in his Heritage Christian School choir robe.

He and two freshmen girls (9th grade for all you Aussies) were selected from Heritage. This is Joel's second year at All-State and last year was the first time in 13 years that a boy was selected from Heritage (and the first FRESHMAN boy).

All the kids stay downtown in closely supervised accommodations at the same hotel that holds the conference.

Big Black, the guard cat

Eli and Joel are spending the week with me. Todd had to go to France on a business trip. Last night(Eli's first over-night here in months) I turned Eli's bed down and immediately both cats made themselves at home! You can see them both in this photo. Eli went to bed without any problems and slept a nice long night...but Big Black sat outside his door all night...on guard. Big Black is very protective, especially of E! Animals are so instinctive.

Fickle Indiana weather

Indianapolis temps were well below freezing for several days this week. These photos show the fountain in the pond frozen into an ice sculpture! Look closely at the lower left corner...there is a small, shivering fairy not unlike the fairy spotted in the fern forest at Mooloolah.

Friday the temps took an upward turn - today reaching 52, hence a big melt down. I spotted a couple of orange moving objects under the ice around the pump - gold fish weathering the chilly temps.

Post-Op Success

This represents Post-op success to the max! I have not been able to eat eggs for over 2 years without miserable stomach discomfort. This Bob Evans Sunrise Skillet lump of lard with cholesterol clogging, fat depositing, put the gall bladder into overdrive functions....I enjoyed the brunch and have NO, yes I say NOOOOO pain. I am cured!! Thanks Dr Pabvlik