Welcome! I hope I bring a spot of calm and happiness into these uncertain times. I blog about my photography adventures, flowers, gardening, the importance of chocolate in a well lived life, or anything else on my mind.
This white Lenten Rose has been buried under snow in my Southern Tier of New York garden since late December (more or less).
Finally, this weekend, with snow melting, it made an appearance but the buds already weren't looking good.
After these pictures were taken, a cold front came through, and the temperature dipped down to 11 degrees F (-11C). Because we had freezing drizzle yesterday, I haven't gone out to see if the buds survived.
But now the temperatures will be warming up again.
Sometimes, when there is no snow cover, this plant's buds die and there are no blooms for another year. The next few days will tell the story.
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join!(Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
Today, our theme is: "the early Roman
began the calendar year with March because it brought the first day of
spring and new beginnings. The approaching changing seasons with the
evidence of life’s return is visible in our area and perhaps where you
live, too. Pick songs that reflect the mood of sunny spring weather." But, my mood isn't sunny today because I have to report on another induction into Rock and Roll Heaven. (I'm delaying my theme post until next week).
Neil Sedaka, singer, songwriter, and a favorite of my childhood, died Friday at the age of 86. His musical career spanned several decades, from the 1950's to the present day.
He was an original member of the Tokens before leaving for a solo career in 1958 (before the Token's iconic hit The Lion Sleeps Tonight). His first solo hit was Breaking Up is Hard to Do (see more below), but his career stalled when Beatlemania arrived on our United States shores. But he returned to the chartsin the 1970's, encouraged by Elton John, with Laughter in the rain.
Sedaka collaborated with many greats, including Connie Francis, Tom Jones, and Frank Sinatra. One songwriting partner was Howard Greenfield (a neighbor). Sedaka usually wrote music, but could also write lyrics.
Written or co-written by Neil Sedaka:
Connie Francis and Stupid Cupid.
The Captain and Tennille - Love Will Keep Us Together.
The Monkees - When Love Comes Knocking (At Your Door).
And his own hits: first, Happy Birthday Sweet 16.
Calendar Girl.
Laughter in the Rain.
I'm closing with a song that created two hits for Neil. Here are both versions of Breakin' Up is Hard to Do. First, the original, from 1962.
Finally, this is the slow version from 1975, which I am more partial to. I chose a live version.
May you forever rest in peace.
And that's another sad wrap.
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Back in July of 2023, my spouse and I visited Plymouth, Massachusetts, a historic city in a beautiful, scenic location.
If you went there today, it would be scenic, but for a different reason.
Snow, and a lot of it from a recent storm that created blizzard conditions, blankets Massachusetts. Portions of the county the city of Plymouth is in got up to 36 inches (91.4 cm) of snow.
I don't have pictures of the snow but I do have pictures from my July 2023 visit.
No snow here.
Do February snowstorms create July flowers?
What a difference several months will make. Hang in there, Plymouth!
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join!(Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
Today, our theme is:You Pick. Sadly, it's time for another induction into Rock and Roll Heaven.
William Endfield Steinberg, who wrote or co-wrote the lyrics to some of the biggest hits of the
1980s, died February 16 from cancer. He was 75.
Here are some of those songs:
Like a Virgin - Madonna, from 1984.
A beautiful song from Cyndi Lauper -True Colors, from 1986. I do love the 80's.
One of my favorite Heart songs. I chose a live version of Alone, a song released in 1987.
I Drove All Night has been sung by many artists. I chose the cover by Roy Orbison. This was actually recorded (1987) before Cyndi Lauper's original, but wasn't released (1992) until after her recording was released.
Last but not least, one could call this song off color, but, well, this was a hit for the Divinyls and it's tame compared to some hits that have come after. Here, from 1990, is I Touch Myself.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Much of our snow has melted in the past few days, but Nature has determined we need to get a snow refill. Hopefully, the nor'easter hitting the East Coast won't bring
too much snow to my inland area.
And, here's a bonus for you for this historic Sunday.
Years ago, February 22 would have been a holiday celebrating our first President, George Washington. Here's a picture I took of a Gilbert Stewart painting of George Washington while my spouse and I were visiting Arkansas in 2013. This portrait was painted in 1797.
