Day 247: How about some flowers?

Since it is Spring, the last day of March and Easter ...

I thought some flowers might be in order?

Flowerpots by jacki long


But since I don't know your preference ...

I'll deliver an assortment from my files.

So many to choose from. And if you visit often,

you know I have a problem with moderation.

But there's more than enough

left for next year.

Day 246: A quick introduction ...

In my random ramblings, today ... a brief introduction.

Meet Ping and Pong Long.

These brothers did everything together. Everything.

For those who aren't cat people ... theses are your cats. 

Nothing delicate or demur about these two.

This shot happened when I cleaned a kitchen drawer. 

When I turned back they had staked their claim.

They particularly liked to torment our dog.

"Shogun" was large even for a Great Dane.

Shogun once chased Ping and cornered him under a chair.

This huge dog spread his long legs to try to look under the chair, 

just as Pong came from behind and nipped at Shogun's back leg.

Shogun turned around to Pong, as Ping ran by, free.

They were like that.

Day 245: Why I am so well behaved.

I am going to let you in on the secret.

The reason I am so well behaved.

I remember it clearly ...

When I was 4, we went to Indiana to visit.

We were on Aunt Fern's farm.

The grown-ups were talking about the meal.

They decided on chicken for supper.

I followed my Mom out to the chicken pen.

She picked one, and in a split second...

snapped it in a half-circle with one hand.

The chicken's body ran around, without a head!

I still remember thinking ... I better behave!

Day 244: "By the Sea, by the Sea ..."

Today, after day class and a trip to Seal Beach ...

I decided to take the long way home.

  

The freeway is faster, usually.

But, Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful!

So I pulled over in Huntington Beach ...

to take a few shots on this glorious day.

It doubled my time 

in getting home, 

but look!

Nice to see people enjoying the beach.

Next time I am going to walk the pier and eat at Ruby's.

It's important to take time, right?

Next time.

Day 243: Our little dojo ...

In a desperate attempt to keep brain and muscles working ...

I train in day class at our hombu dojo ...

with Demura Sensei.

It's a small, old structure ...

nameplates

weapons

filled with many treasures and history.

Demura Sensei's many magazine covers ...

celebrity co-workers ...

and awards fill the walls.

An atmosphere steeped in accomplishment and learning.

Thank You Sensei!