Carol... Make Mine a Maple Glazed!

Carol, of "Claybritt Images," posted a moving piece about donuts... no, really... actual moving, as she takes us along with her, on a Saturday morning odyssey, entitled, "Debuting for Deb, It's Dangerous Driving for Donuts Day" (love the alliteration!). Click anywhere on this post, for transport to "Cal's Donuts." While you're over there, scroll down to some of her older posts, for fine photography and fresh perspectives. And I highly recommend scrolling her sidebar... great photos and you've just got to see the "Nosey Neighbor" series. Have fun! /Deb

February Dreams

It is cold. A thin February sun gradually warms
the burgundy Quonset hut. The inhabitants, newly
arrived, have settled in for a winter nap. They lie
nestled, luxuriating in the warmth, while the
howling wind serenades them. They float... filled
with hopes and dreams, drifting on spring promises
and summer visions.

Suddenly, the door is yanked open and cold February
air pours into the hut. The residents are spooning,
still slumbering, when they are unceremoniously
roused and dragged from their cozy nest. They resist -
slipping and sliding, trying to elude the grasping hand
of the anxious gardener, intent on learning the secrets
they hold. Resistance is futile, for this winter-weary
gardener will drag them inside, gleaning knowledge
from their glossy pages... sustenance to feed the spirit
until spring...

February Dreams!

Text & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2009

SIX MINUTES OF GLORY AND A VALENTINE'S WRAP-UP

On February 13th, Valentine's Eve,
I cast my eyes westward and was rewarded
with the following six minutes of glory...

Yes, that was six of the most enjoyable minutes
of the past week!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Now, as for all the Valentine's plans
I laid forth in the last post...
all that stuff about hearts and flowers,
candy and wine...

Here's the heart... my regular front door ornamentation.

I said I'd smell a flower... so, they're silk roses
at the garden center... I used my imagination.

I also said I'd have a piece of chocolate,
which, in reality, was a stale, left-over Christmas
candy cane languishing on the store counter.

But, I'm "not crying in my beer,"
nor in that fig wine I never sipped.
The reason? These gloriously red,
Valentine's-Day-red Crocs...
perfect for running around the yard
with Lucy and for gardening.
You remember gardening, right?

Lastly, I leave you with my other year 'round door heart
and the sentiment I truly embrace!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Valentine's weekend!

STOP BY GROUSE & CHORTLE'S LATEST POST,
"LET THEM EAT CAKE!"

Text & Photos: ©Deb Lambert

A Valentine's Day Break

Cheers to you, my gardening friends and writing cohorts!
I lift my glass to you, as I drink a toast to verdant gardens
And completed writing projects... to well-planned landscapes
And deadlines met.

On a day devoted to expressions of love...
A weekend of tender words and thoughtful gestures

Of fragrant roses and the whisper of a child,
An innocent kiss.

I urge you to join me, indulging in artistic fancy,
As I savor the Valentine's Day of yore.

Sweet sentiments of an earlier time,
A time of guilelessness.

The velvety fabric of a single, tender rose,
Presented so artistically.

Blushing maidens and
Delightful chatter.

It is a day of fond memories, extending back to childhood,
And I fully intend to reminisce.

I am on a Valentine's Day sabbatical this weekend.
I intend to drink in pages of old-fashioned artwork
And reams of poetry. I may even write reams of poetry.

Yes, I am GardenAuthor and I lift my glass to you!

I may break out the fig wine that Dad made in '95.
I hope to smell a fresh flower and consume a truffle,
If I survive the wine.
And if I survive the wine,
I will hug my dog.

I wish for all of you a most joyous
Valentine's Day!

Text: ©Deb Lambert 2009
Artwork: Dover Publications (free weekly sampler)/E-Cards @ DoverCards.com

Playing Possum

I am officially playing possum, as far as the remainder of winter is concerned. According to the dictionary... "play possum" #1 pretend to be asleep or unconscious when threatened (in imitation of an opossum's behavior). #2 feign ignorance. My takeaway lesson... I feel threatened by the lingering brown slush, dirty snowbanks and winter in general; therefore, I propose to feign ignorance of this season called winter and focus on spring!

And speaking of possums, can spring be far behind, when we find these hardy little souls venturing forth on a warmish winter day? These photos were taken by Steve Calef and I thank him for this wonderful contribution!

ALL PHOTOS: ©CBI 2009

©Deb Lambert 2009

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!

A little something to soothe your spring-fevered brow, over at 'Corliss Clips.' The February garden newsletter has winter musings, Valentine's Day reminders, the first garden chores of 2009, the newest hybrids from the National Garden Bureau, the All-America Selections 2009 winners, a garden center preparing for spring and a little backyard wildlife. Just click anywhere on this notice for your free issue of the February 'Corliss Clips.' (It's long, so bring popcorn!)