Sleigh Bells Ring

Over here!

I got to learn how to down load my drawings so the type is not soooooo farrrrrrr away.

Okay,

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND GREETINGS to one and all!

That includes you.

I grew up listening to Mitch Miller and Chorus.   I love their music especially their Christmas songs.   I sang Sleigh Bells as a Webster Singer at Webster Junior High School in Mar Vista.

Miss. Korney was our music director.   Webster Singers were a group of 7th-9th grade girls.

We wore felt cut out notes on white shirts and black skirts.   We sang and sang.   And one of my favorites was Sleigh Bells.

I hope you enjoy the winter scene I drew.

With love,

PM

SCARECROW

ODE TO A SCARECROW and A CROW
By PM

Once I saw a lonely scarecrow
hanging from a pole.
His black eyes seemed so empty as if he had no soul.
Then one day a feisty crow perched upon his arm.
Delighted by the little crow's charm,,,,
The scarecrow was king of the farm!

Greetings,
Happy November!!!! I love scarecrows. Don't you? 

Especially when I see a flock of crows sitting
joyfully upon them.
Sorry I have been away so long but there were many ups and downs at the Cottage this past summer.
Everything seems to be on the mend or on the right path!
We hope you are happy.
Enjoy each day.
With delicious wishes for your dreams to come.......
xxx000
PM

STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER

GREETINGS!

Happy Fourth of July!

This is Crooked Stick Cottage's favorite holiday.

The cottage is decorated and everyone is getting their favorite outfit ready for the big day.

This is Edna, one of the cottage bears.

With a twinkle in her eyes she charms everyone with her delicious smile.

Enjoy the holiday everyone.

Be safe and remember most critters don't like loud bangs so take the necessary precautions.

With love,

PM

Snorkel The Fourth 2003-2009

Our beloved Snorkel passed away, May 13, 2009, last Wednesday.

He was seven years old.   I have had many fish, fresh and salt water species.

Snorkel had a big personality.   He played tag with the cats and kept the turtles

entertained with aquatic ballet dances.   Snorkel's aquarium was in the center of the 

kitchen and enjoyed visiting with company.   He was a good friend and always

available for a late night chat when needed.   We will miss you Snorkel.

With love, always.

PM     

 

YIPPEE! THANKS FOR VISITING! KEEP COOL!

CHEERS!

MAY 12, 2009 in the late afternoon we are celebrating 1000 visitors

to Crooked Stick Cottage!  Thank you for your interest and support.

We continue to rescue furry and feathered friends that need a hand.

Crooked Stick Cottage is a home filled with joy for those that were orphaned

or abandoned.   

For the past two days we have been tending the needs of Snorkel The Fourth.

He suffered nitrate poisoning.   It's so important to keep water and filters 

clean and working.   Like most homes at the cottage we share turns taking care

of each other.  Sometimes mistakes are made.    A good web page is www.goldfishemergency911.com

Snorkel is seven and his life expectancy is 20 years.   Take good care.

We will say our prayers.   God Bless.

PM

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL MASCOT

Easter Pigeon

Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring!

This is a drawing of Crooked Stick Cottage's most recent

house guest. 

 

He arrived at dusk on April 2nd.   I had just released

a little Hummingbird (see blog below).   

Up on the balcony sat the most beautiful white pigeon.

He has two I.D. bracelets on each leg.  

And two small black spots on his back.   

He looks very official with his bracelets, royal white feathers and perfect posture.   

His eyes pierce your gaze....almost James Bondish.

We quickly put out some water and bird seed.

He found a perch on our Nova Scotia whale weathervane

tucked in the corner under the balcony between the kitchen and the 

dining room and across from the aviary.

He has stayed nearly seven days.   However, for the past two days he disappears and

then arrives in the early evening.   Today he left mid morning and has not returned.

Every morning he puts on the most beautiful aerial show that would make the Blue

Angels weep.   He weaves and flutters, tossing and turning, tumbling and rolling.

It's like white lightening.

In the afternoon he would perch on the balcony rail or whale in the sun watching

the hummingbirds and finches bath in the fountain.   He would stroll in the grass 

and graze on the broccoli and seed we left for him.

He is a perfect visitor/ house guest. 

   

They say that racing pigeons travel up to 600-800 miles stopping sometimes for a 

few days to rest.   I don't know much about pigeon racing.   I know that homing

pigeons were used to carry messages across enemy lines between the English

and the French during World War II.   

It's nearly midnight.   Our house guest has not returned.

Last Saturday night he did not return.   But Sunday morning when

I looked out the window and he put on a magnificent aerial show.

Wherever my new friend is....may God Bless him and keep him safe.

May all of you have a safe holiday.

PM

AN APRIL HUMMINGBIRD IN MY HAND

Chirp, chirp, buzz, buzz, chirp......

Greetings,

Yesterday, in the garden we found a shivering fledging

ruby throated hummingbird.   He was about an inch tall.

Tiny feet, a long beak and the most beautiful red glistening

feathers around his throat. 

I brought him inside and made a cave like tent out of a dish towel.   

I put the dish towel in a heating pad on my lap.   

He could see me and I could see him.

I kept the heating pad on my lap so I could regulate the temperature.

He stood hunkered down with his eyes closed.   He was so frail and 

beautiful.  I prayed he would be okay.   

After a couple of hours and lowering the temperature of the heating pad his feathers dried out.

I had some nectar and offered it to him. 

I took him outside twice cupped

in the dish towel.   But the little tike was going no where.   Finally,

I fixed up a cage for him.   

But once inside he thrashed against the 

wire walls.   I felt his little chest and it seemed plump and

his wings looked fine.  His poop was also good looking.

So I took him outside one more time.  It was forty

minutes before sunset.    I knew he needed to leave

before dusk.   He would be lost in the darkness of night.

I sat with him for a few minutes.  I told him about the great life he was going to have.

The adventures ahead, the garden characters he would meet and the

family he would have.   He took a long long look at me with his 

big black eyes.   My eyes filled with tears.   I held my hands up above my head.

He lifted his tiny wings and whizzed off above the roof towards the front garden.   

He swooped down once to look back but then he disappeared over the house top.

Today we set up two hummingbird feeders.  One next to my desk.  

Perhaps, he will come and visit me.  I would like that.  But if he 

doesn't I will understand.   I enjoyed the pleasure of his company if

only briefly. 

  

One of my favorite books is 

a "Hummingbird In My Hand."   It's a great read!

Take a moment to share yourself with another.

Shortly after our little visitor left, a new guest arrived.

More tomorrow.

PM

 

CUPCAKES FOR SPRING

Greetings,
Happy April Fool's Day Everyone!
Today was my Grandfather's Birthday.
The one I am suppose to take after.
"Big Granddaddy," as I called him.
As a young girl, my grandfather would sit
with me in front of a large canvas surrounded by
oil paints and brushes. He would point to the window
and tell me to "imagine, dream and create!"
I hope my grandfather would be proud of my work.
Love to all of you.
And to Big Granddaddy who is painting rainbows in the sky.
Kiss.
PM

MARCH MADNESS DOWN TO SWEET 16

NCAA BASKETBALL :

At the cottage we are watching

the college basketball tournament.

It starts with 64 teams from around the

country.  Down to 32 and this weekend

goes down to the "Sweet Sixteen."

We root for UCLA and USC, Utah and 

Arizona teams and then whoever is left.

Have a fun day.

PM

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY

FRIDAY!

IT'S NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY.

CELEBRATE.

HAVE A PARADE!

DELICIOUS....

PM

HELEN AND FRANK

THURSDAY,

AND IT'S THE LAST DAY OF WINTER.

SO I DECIDED TO SHARE MY DRAWING OF

HELEN AND FRANK IN THE CROOKED STICK

COTTAGE GARDEN WATCHING ALVIN FLY.

IT'S FROM MY BOOK "ALVIN HOPPER" ---

BASED ON A TRUE STORY ABOUT OUR

FAVORITE CROW.

WITH LOVE,

PM

BUOY TIME

AHOY MATES,

IT'S BUOY TIME!

A GREAT SPRING DAY IN

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

WISHING YOU ALL SAFE HARBOR.

PM

IRISH JIG

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!

WHAT A FUN HOLIDAY!

WEAR GREEN, LOOK FOR A RAINBOW,

FIND A POT OF GOLD AND CELEBRATE!

IRISH SMOOCHIES,

PM

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday, Yippee!

It's American Red Cross month!

Crooked Stick Cottage has a very

special place in its heart for the

Betty R. Plotkin

Ventura County American Red Cross

Headquarters.  

http://www.arcventura.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=62485O0VT3

Visit the web page!

PM

SCHOONER EDWARDS HANEY 2009

Sunday....

The cottage had company last night.

It was a festive affair with Eric, John, Judy, and

Judy's nephew, Colorado Jeff.   

We played Wii and had a splendid

time.  Eric and Dianna's dog, Darla had 

puppies a few months ago.   This is one of the

baby pups.   He looks remarkably like 

our Schooner (ah, a rabbit).   After a few chats,

our Schooner decided to give one of his favorite

paper boat hats to puppy.  

Laughter feels good all over.

PM   

Lilly

Howdy,

Meet Lilly!   She was adopted from a shelter by my

oldest niece, Shelby.  So many dogs and cats need good

homes.   Adopt a pet and your life will be blessed.

With love,

PM

Ceasar coral

Friday!

This is Ceasar Coral, a very clever

fellow that comes to life in one of my stories.

Can you find his smile?

Smiles light up a room.

PM

Old Bear, Wii and Slalom

Greetings,

Everyone at Crooked Stick Cottage

was thrilled to get a Wii last Saturday.

WiiFit is a blast, too.

Old Bear practiced the ski slalom over 

and over and over until he beat everyone

with 32 sec. downhill time.

Yeah!  Three cheers for Old Bear.

Enjoy the wind in your face!

PM

PLEATS

"Good Morning,"

I thought it might be fun to 

introduce some of the Crooked Stick Cottage

family.   This is Pleats.  A nickname he earned

because ....he loves to wear "pleats."   He is a 

toe tappin, fun lovin guy with a huge 

personality.  Hugs are like sunshine....

Always enjoyed!  

PM

SHARE A CUPCAKE AND SHARE A SMILE

Cupcakes have been around since

the early 1800's.   A cup of the three main

ingredients:  flour, butter and sugar may be

responsible for its name.  Or because the

little cakes were cooked in tea cups or 

small clay cups.   I bet it all started 

when a cook made to much batter for

the cake pan and put some in a small

bowl.  However they were born, the little

cakes are more popular then ever.

Share a cupcake and share a smile.

Enjoy

PM

Bundle of Giggles

Sending You A Bundle Of Giggles!

Hope you are having a splendid Monday.

This greeting card was created from an old picture of me

and a little imagination.  My bear is hugging me!

Give someone a surprise "hug" today and share a smile.

PM

International Women's Day

March 8th is International Women's Day:

I have posted a drawing of our beloved Matilda.

She was a a wonderful lady that shared our joys and sorrows for nearly 17 years.  She was smart and beautiful (a natural blonde) and personality filled with laughter.  We shared many adventures together.  Each one a treasure to be shared with others so her memory never fades.  We love you Matilda.

Below are some brief facts about

International Women's Day.

"International Women's Day is sponsored worldwide by the United Nations. 

The roots of this celebration goes back to the late 1800's to early 1900s. 

It grew from women's socialist movements and early women's trade union groups.

The first International Women's Day was held March 19, 1911. 

Women socialists and trade unions held an earlier Women's Day on the last Sunday in February, 1908. 

The event grew from there and has been celebrated annually since. 

The focus is upon women workers, and advancing women's rights in  the workforce, politics and society."

More information about the day can be found here:

http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=3160&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

MARCH MADNESS AND BIRTHDAYS

Greetings,

Happy St. Patty's Month at Crooked Stick Cottage.

I hope you enjoyed the music.

The CD is "Irish Drinking Songs."

The song is "Whiskey In The Jar,"

by The Dubliners. 

Scroll down if you would like a copy of the words to sing along....

Metallica also has a version of the song

and you can find a video of them singing it on

SingingFool.com.

We are celebrating a Birthday at the cottage today.

So everyone has been running around wrapping each other and tying bows to tails.

"Where's the scotch tape?" complained Edna.

"Who took the scissors?" cried Cousin Mae.

"We have the scissors...." laughed Sails as Paddle covered him with ribbons.

And so it goes.....it's all fun here.

It's a Grateful Dead theme Birthday so we are pulling out old posters and tie-dyed shirts.

So Keep Truckin'

PM

Whiskey In The Jar

As I was a goin' over the far famed Kerry mountains
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my rapier
Saying "Stand and deliver" for he were a bold deceiver

Chorus:
Mush-a ring dum-a do dum-a da
Whack for my daddy-o. Whack for my daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar

I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in me pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy

(Chorus)

I went up to my chamber, all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure 't was no wonder
But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with water
Then sent for captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter

(Chorus)

't was early in the morning, just before I rose to travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced me pistol for she stole away me rapier
I couldn't shoot the water, so a prisoner I was taken

(Chorus)

Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

(Chorus)

If anyone can aid me 't is my brother in the army
If I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll go with me, we'll go rovin' through Killkenny
And I'm sure he'll treat me better than my own a-sporting Jenny

(Chorus)