Thursday, April 19, 2012

Ozzie on the Hunt


Ozzie lives life in Ahwatukee tethered to a long leash.  His restricted movement hasn't curbed his hunter instinct.  Poufy head and his friends may be safely out of Ozzie's reach in the lake, but birds landing around the pool aren't always as lucky.

This one got away, but not
before losing a few feathers.

And Ozzie?

He slipped into the water and spent the next hour licking himself dry.

I can just imagine his first day of running free on Meadowbrook Lane.

Beware bunnies, birds and mice!






Sunday, April 15, 2012

Cracking of the Egg


Today we celebrated Pascha - Greek Easter - with the cracking of red dyed eggs. The traditional game is more equitable than hunting eggs because we're all left with a cracked egg in hand - ready to peel and pop in our mouths.

The idea is the lightly tap one end of your egg against your opponent's with the goal of cracking it.  The game goes around until one person is left with at least one uncracked end - the sign of good luck.  Mallory gave our eggs a couple strong thumps, well in the lead until Summer thumped her back. 

It was nice to pass down the tradition to the little girls. They thought it was fun.

Greeks really enjoy games of luck.  The new year's sweet bread is cut and distributed one slice at a time, first to the oldest family member on down the line to the youngest.  The one who gets the coin is supposed to have good luck for the year. 

I don't know if there's any magic in the coin or egg.  I don't think so. But if you're lucky enough to celebrate the holidays with loved ones who believe, you're blessed beyond measure.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Different shades of spring in places I love

Lakewood Spring

 Daffodils in the Desert
Love Doves
 Meadowbrook Spring

Covo Hills Spring





Sunday, April 8, 2012

What are we celebrating?

Mountain Park Sunrise Celebration

Resurrection Sunday
the words touched by heart 
this morning
like never before.
Easter is a big bunny with a basket
brightly colored eggs
chocolate candy
jelly beans
all things I love.
Resurrection Sunday 
commemorates 
God's love for us manifested on the Cross
a historic event that changes everything
an empty death defying tomb that changes us
and what's important 
is not just how we respond on 
Resurrection Sunday
but on Monday morning
and all the Mondays thereafter.