Wish I could nap like that

Now that Nick's Mom is home full-time, he no longer requires my visits. Apparently, he is so relaxed and happy, he's chosen to take deep afternoon naps like this. That's one passed out pup.

Sunshine makes me happy

Another example of walking by a house a million times and not noticing something wonderful. In my defense, the little tree in front of this beautiful mosaic does screen it from view. Not to mention that it is in a more secretive location than right in front of the house. The homeowner just happened to see me one day and invited me for a close look. He explained the mosaic was done by youth VOLUNTEERS and it is awe inspiring.

Alas the sun was making things a bit difficult photo wise, but you get the idea. The attention to detail is remarkable and the colors are awesome.

Another view:

Another derpy rescue

A friend who has had to move away (temporarily) because of the huge fire last year, has decided to make things better in his family's life by rescuing yet another dog. This now makes three. Though he failed to give me the new family member's name, he did send pictures and, yup, another sweetie. Coming home:

 Now, this is an interesting take on how to take a nap, but to each her own.

And what would doggie life be without a game of tug-a-war.

Some sketches are spot on

Scotty, Nellie's dog park best pal, lends himself beautifully to caricature sketches. The ears standing very tall while the longest tongue on the planet hangs out it too good to keep secret. 

The original:

The sketch:

I rest my case.

 

This is the saddest thing

There are always circumstances that force people to do what it takes to make ends meet, but this is just incredibly sad. A flower vendor is set up at a busy intersection and when I glanced over, there was something heart stopping. A very young toddler is in a stroller next to her. The day was unseasonably hot and even with the umbrella's shade, it wouldn't be comfortable. Not to mention breathing in all the toxic fumes of passing cars and the risk of some inattentive motorist crashing into them. I suspect the mother had no choice but to be there and to bring her baby, but it is gut wrenching that those were her only choices. The picture isn't very clear because it was taken through a closed window, but if you click on it, you can just make out the stroller and the child's cute top knot. Mom is behind the large bucket of flowers.

Ducks weren't enough? Now it's bunnies too!

It's getting serious now with the random acts of cuteness in the neighborhood. Throw bunnies in the mix and you can't help but say awwww.

Invasion of the ducks

Just when you think you've seen it all, something new, and in this case, enchanting, crops up. Someone in the neighborhood has decided that ducks should rule and has released them in multiple places. They are adorable and so small, you can go right by without noticing them. How, you ask. Well, because they are glass.

The duck fairy even put a minuscule duck on my mosaic bowling ball that is a garden ornament in the front yard. Sad to say, the bowling ball tile work is coming off, so it needs to be replaced, but in the meantime, this little speck of a duck has a home.

Not promising anything, but it is Spring so...

Yes, your observation is correct. It's been non-stop blossoms lately. Though I would love to promise these will be the last, there most likely will be more. So, moving on. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm not fond of the color pink. Even as a child, that color was a definite no go. However, we all know there are exceptions to every rule, and the exception for pink is flowers. While I certainly wouldn't choose a bouquet of pink roses, for example, if there are clusters of pink blossoms, that's a different story. This lively display is too good to pass up.

On the other hand, yellow and red are absolute winners. These blossoms are sheer perfection:

Viva la Spring.

Plump and thriving and not mine

Whenever someone walks past my overgrown yard and says something kind about my garden, I weakly protest that gardening is not exactly what I do. Since my knowledge of different plants and their care is almost nil, succulents are the go-to as they have a tendency to live in spite of me. Okay, geraniums and spider plants do well in my care, but pretty much anything else is a non starter. Even succulents, which are supposed to bear up under the harshest conditions, will often manage to survive in my care, but not exactly go for broke. One example is my pot of whatever this beautiful red rimmed plant is. It's okay, and still alive after many years, but it doesn't inspire confidence that it will suddenly explode in bounteous glory.

This same plant I see daily on my walk with Nellie, is plump and massive. 

Then there are the amazing blossoms that pop up everywhere but in my garden. Well, at least they make our walks interesting and fun, and I don't have to put the work in. So there's that.

Another sign that says it all

No need for further discussion.

Nature is just plain weird

This is a conundrum I pass by almost every day. This tree has a growth on it that I cannot figure out. Was it started by a person who was trying to add personality, or was it grown by the tree itself? Mind you the tree looks nothing like the growth. Inquiring minds want to know.

Beauty exposed

Haven't a clue what this bush of beautiful blossoms is called, and they are in a sad and dingy parking lot to brighten it up. They succeed.