Sunrise, Sunset, and Thoughts in Between

Resisting the urge to stop my car and capture this sunrise was impossible this morning. I still made it work on time.

My mind is tired during this busy time of year at the college but it was on overdrive today about recent happenings and current events while I stopped to admire colorful weeds during my daily walk. Mundane things, like, "What will we have for dinner tonight? What’s the status of my laundry? I wonder how the baby finches are doing?” Foremost in my mind was what happened yesterday.

I know the media is haunting and killing us with too many details about VA Tech and we are getting tired and annoyed with it all. It’s time to be quiet and let the issues take their course with those closely involved and to quit reminding us of the horrid incident. Privacy to those families matters now. In advance, I apologize for once again writing about an unpleasant matter but this one is very close to home for me.

While I was on my campus walk yesterday and thinking about the scent in the air and the beauty around me, something very critical was happening during those minutes. I was unaware. Less than one-half mile away from where I was walking, four schools were in lock-down, including a high school, middle school, elementary school, and a charter school.

On the high school parking lot, a sixteen-year old male student carried a handgun and threatened to use it on two students. Supposedly, he had an issue with a girlfriend. Police followed him to a nearby gas station and when the boy was asked to release his gun, he refused, and shot himself in the head. He died later at the hospital. My daughter works in the same company with that boy’s Mother.

Did I deserve a nice walk in the park at the very same time a young boy took his own life? It seems so unfair…

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On to more happy thoughts!

This afternoon when I was sweeping my mailbox, I saw and heard some little kids near me stomping on caterpillars for fun. Sweet little kids but obviously clueless. After their lesson from “Miss Mary”, they promised never to harm a caterpillar again. No one told them. I think they really got it and also realized their Moms wouldn’t appreciate caterpillar guts imbedded in the soles of their sneakers!

I’ve been eyeing up this arrangement for a while. It’s “Nature’s Arrangement”.

Before the clouds rolled in tonight for expected storms, I was breathless when I saw a new visitor at my house. I saw Chipping Sparrows on campus last week but I never saw them in one of my trees! I thought I heard a familiar song… If these tiny little birds had cheeks, I’d want to pinch them. I think they are the cutest sparrow on Earth.

Many times over the years I said that if I didn't have a full-time job, I'd be bored and would spend too much money in my spare time. Now I know it isn't true.

Chloe watches TV. She’s gained interest in TV in the past few months. Shows like COPS and commercials really intrigue her. Last night she enjoyed American Idol for a while. Does anyone else have a dog or cat that watches TV?

Bella has no interest in television. Her main interest is putting her mouth around something edible and her waistline confirms it.

The rain and cold will return tonight. This sunset is chilling, I think.
All around the world we have different views from our front porch but we all share the brightest star in the universe.

Sherry at Q’s Corner has a way with the camera that is so beautiful. For some smiles and wonderful photos, scroll down to “Mating Doves” she posted on April 15. Enjoy her bees and butterflies, too!