Squint and you can see them

More travels with Cassie:
On my way home recently, a family of four rudely ran out in the road in front of me.
But there was no skidding, no squealing brakes, no horn blowing or shouting, because I'm usually a rational driver. And no, I didn't hit them.
Indeed, this stop had me saying, "Oh, how beautiful!"
Wearing what could be mistaken for burglar masks Papa and Mama waddled across Kings Road, with two fuzzy babies pattering behind.
Look closely, because as I stopped to capture them (digitally, of course) they intentionally kept a fairly non-photographable distance.
Just one more of God's little surprises in my life. Thanks!

How much is that doggie?

Driving to the office and back home again is usually the same-old-same-old. So I really slowed down to look when I saw a big brown object by the roadside.
I still couldn't tell exactly what it was, so I stopped, turned around and went back a few driveways. Still not completely sure, so I got out of the truck and walked up to this adorable soft creature with a piece of paper stuck to his head.
For Sale - $20.
That was a week ago, and I saw him a few times since, but not this morning. Hope he didn't run away.

De-bugged

The little things that bug me are becoming less and less important.
And the little things that fascinate me are getting moreso.
Take this little lady bug, for instance. Yes, she's there on the rose - look more closely.
I cut some blooms from a sprawl of roses in my back yard. I didn't plant them, but inherited them when we moved to this house about four years ago. I have helped them a little by giving them space and getting competition out of the way, but they truly are a gift.
Nestled in a bulb vase on my kitchen table, the flowers made me happy. The day after I brought them in, I noticed something moving on a glossy green leaf.
She mesmerized me as she trailed along every petal edge in her quest for I-don't-know-what. She kept at it so long, I fetched my cellphone camera, then propped on the table edge waiting for just the right moment to capture her - digitally. She eventually made her way to the window, where she camped out a few days, then disappeared.
I remember her fondly.

A time to sow and a time to reap

All was quiet as I drove by the Northeast Shelby Weed and Seed Community Garden about an hour ago. By 6 p.m., the site should be buzzing with activity. Anyone interested in helping weed, clear, plant more or just hang out with neighbors is welcome to join in the second annual official planting day. Brings your rakes, hoes and gloves and the community spirit!

Life grip

Dying versus staying alive. It’s a win-win situation, Dr. Carl Naman told me in
September 2006.
“If we live, we get to be with family and friends,” Naman said. “If we die, we get to be with God.”
The beloved surgeon went "to be with God" Friday night, May 30.
In his three decades caring for patients in and around Cleveland County, he demonstrated a feverish tenacity for life by keeping vigils with and staying close to the people he served. That same life grip carried him through years of illness with the same zest for living.
Friends and colleagues remember him with love. Read what they say here and in Wednesday's Star.

For the full September 2006 story:
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/naman_3774___article.html/hospice_mcswain.html