Strike Up The Band!

Did you know that Carolyn Gail at  Sweet Home and Garden Chicago
hosts a meme on the first day of each month?

Garden Bloggers' Muse Day!
Visit her site to see her post and those of other participants.

(The first few performers assemble)

So... Strike Up The Band - There's Music at hand!


We're all
in a group
where we'll watch this fine troupe
Perform
when they're finally gathered!

They give
a fine show
Once-a-week and you'd know
our town's
small enough for tradition!

Yes there's
homemade ice cream,
children laugh, dance, and twirl ---
And we
end with the National Anthem!

All's there
from a March
to an Air, and we clap
along with
the Sousa! D'you wish you were here?


by Yours Truly

This is our Municipal Band that plays for several weeks during the summer. The participants are local musicians; a few professionals, a few that play for "the fun of it," a few that have brought their old high school/college instrument back out of the closet, and a few high school students. There's always one Monday night, two-hour practice and the Tuesday night concert! A very enjoyable tradition.

This post is the property of http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com and cannot be copied.

Monday's Child is Fair of Face

Monday's Child is fair of face,

("ain't no flies on me!" My orchid does have a pretty face)

(this photo taken earlier in the year)

Tuesday's child is full of grace,

(tiny katydid nymph on 'Summer Wine' Hemerocallis)

Wednesday's child is full of woe,

(a beetle on Pussytoes - Antennaria neodioica)

Thursday's child has far to go,

(Black Swallowtail caterpillar on parsley)

Friday's child is loving and giving,

(one of life's pleasures! a Question Mark anglewing butterfly)

Saturday's child works hard for a living,

(Click on the photo to see the honey bees on Matrona sedum. How many can you find??)

But the child born on the Sabbath day

Is fair and wise and good and happy.

(even if there Are little pesty ants!)

Have a Great Day - no matter which day it is! :-)

'Twas the 17th of December, and All Through The House..

'Twas the 17th of December
and All through the House,
Not a Creature was stirring,
not even the Spouse!

The House was all festive
with tinsel and cheer,
In hopes that the "cold bugs"
would leave and stay clear.

We'd taken our cough syrup
and bundled in bed,
While visions of tissues
wound round in our heads.

The next morning arrived
before I'd expected,
The pleasure I witnessed ...
my cold? Undetected!

I gave a notice at
the lump still in bed,
whose blankets were wound
clear round his head.

My goodness!
Good gracious!
Mercy!
and Me!

Do you think it's quite possible...
Could it honestly be
that my cold's about gone,
but had settled on "he?"

I drew on my robe,
slipped into my slippers
and wove my way down the hall
towards the paper and scissors.

As the wrapping and taping
and bows had begun
I knew it'd be soon
that we'd all have some fun.

Meanwhile 'His Coldness'
came into sight
with redness of eyes, nose
and sore throat -- no delight.

With tissues and jammies,
and my mess all about,
Don't 'cha know it's the memories
that Christmas's about?

First we'll top off these germs,
and Fight this old cold,
So we can spread the good word
of the Good News of old!

Then you'll hear us exclaim
and you'll hear a wee shout,
as we all look towards Christmas
--- family and friends 'round about!

by Yours truly, with apologies to Clement C. Moore)

Thank you for your tolerance! ;-)

Randy and Meg's Video

I just couldn't help myself! I visited Randy and Meg's Garden Paradise today... and found the Youtube video below. You will enjoy the video. I hope you don't mind my reaction, below! :-)

One little ladybug, looking for fun,

Decided the dragonflies needed a run!

She got their attention, I'd say, rather heartily
When on their heads, acorns dropped smart-ily.

Offering the challenge, she presented "raspberries,"
And led them a chase, more intensely than merry.

Her pursuers, outfoxed, they dropped here and there
While our little ladybug, it seemed, tired nare.

When at last one lone dragonfly had pursued her,
She dropped down to gather her breath.
Our little dragonfly lighted beside her,
And wondered, I'm certain, "What's next?"

All of a sudden, out of the blue,
a small band of ladybugs appeared, it is true.

The poor little dragonfly took off like a shot,
and the ladybugs chased him... and likely as not,

They'd gained a victory o'er that fly, But
A thousand more dragonflies just happened by...

You might wonder what, as this sonnet does end,
lesson those li'l red bugs might just rend?

Perhaps they would tell us,
"Hey! When you go out to play,
Don't tease the big fellows---
They might chase YOU away!"

PS There are quite a number of related little videos you may enjoy over there...
Thanks, Randy and Meg!