Thursday, January 15, 2026

Reactions and Attractions

 


Our first Hellebore is opening! I wish they weren't so shy. You have to get down low to see their faces. So I did. 

I have pondered the reactions to the closing statement of my last post. There weren't many, and one was private. This is not a political blog, but in my comments on daily life, my strong feelings about what is going on in our nation do creep in. Most of us are of a like mind, but some are not. While I would like to know more about their thinking, this is not the forum for that. I honor all politely stated points of view, and appreciate those who have the courage of their convictions to go against the tide of the majority.

Sometimes rainbows help. 
On sunny days at just the right time we get them on our kitchen floor as sunlight streams through the beveled glass on our front door. 

I have been going for walks in the park, sometimes with Tom, sometimes alone. I play music from my phone through my hearing aids. It is peaceful. 


The catkins are lengthening on the wild hazelnut tree. 



Here in our maritime climate spring tries to push winter away early, but balmy temps now may bring a deep freeze to come. Like life, seasons here are uncertain. 

The snowdrops will soon be opening.

Tom has been using the dry weather to get work done in the garden.
On the hall tree the Seahawks gear is ready. I might wear some of it when we go to a local protest rally at noon on Saturday. We haven't been to one since before the holidays, and I need to go and be counted among the resistance. Then at 5:00 we will be settled in front on the TV for the playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. Jill and Jake will be there in person. Just like in politics, we have family on both sides. 

Go Hawks!



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11 comments:

  1. RedJanuary 15, 2026 at 3:49 PM

    Keep on walking. It's hard to do but will bring results.

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  2. Granny MarigoldJanuary 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM

    Seeing the catkins and the snowdrops is a real encouragement for me. Take care.

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  3. Far Side of FiftyJanuary 15, 2026 at 4:38 PM

    Nice catkins! I like your Snowdrops much better that our anything snow:)

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  4. DrumMajorJanuary 15, 2026 at 5:58 PM

    Thanks for the walking tour. I've never seen catkins. They look like hanging pipes used to make music with a wooden mallet that hits the top of the hanging pipe. I presume they have seeds in them like another kind of tree with seedpods that dry up and when you shake them, the seeds rattle inside the pod. Linda in Kansas

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    Replies
    1. Linda ReederJanuary 16, 2026 at 1:26 PM

      Catkins are the pollen bearing flowers of some types of trees, especially not trees and alder trees.

      Delete
  5. DJanJanuary 16, 2026 at 4:53 AM

    I need to take a look at the catkins here, which are always the first sign of spring to come.

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  6. sillygirlJanuary 16, 2026 at 6:38 AM

    Yesterday on my drive to my walk (yes, i know that is not right but i like walking there) I saw the first pink trees in bloom! That made my heart sing.

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  7. maryJanuary 16, 2026 at 8:05 AM

    As a fellow teacher, middle school, I agree with everything you have to say. Hellabores are my favorite flower although it will be a while before the first bloom appears here in Missouri. I also deal with walking/mobility issues but am working hard to be able to demonstrate my beliefs that democracy must be preserved.

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  8. MaebemeJanuary 16, 2026 at 10:51 AM

    The hellebores are so lovely!
    As for your comments on your last post, I happen to agree with what you said, but only speak as an outsider looking in.
    Go Seahawks! I've been cheering for them since Jon Ryan was the punter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Honolulu AuntyJanuary 16, 2026 at 11:04 AM

    My son-in-law is such a Seahawk fan and he flew up to Arizona that year they played in the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos, without a ticket and cheered outside of the Stadium (but they lost). If the Seahawks make it into the Super Bowl again (highly probable) I wonder if he will again fly up to San Francisco. I looked up the prices - $16,000 was the cheapest seat! Crazy.

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  10. gigi-hawaiiJanuary 19, 2026 at 1:04 PM

    David watches the playoffs. Such a rabid fan unlike me. I hope you’re doing well.

    ReplyDelete

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