The Blue and the Grey #SkywatchFriday

How skies can change in a matter of hours...

Yesterday, it started out sunny and cold.

I had to take a couple of quick pictures.

Later that day, clouds and some snow flurries rolled in.  Yes, these are color pictures. 

There is snow on those hills, although you really can't see it.

Now, the sun hides once more, and we are under a cold weather advisory until Sunday.

Joining Yogi and other sky watching bloggers for #SkywatchFriday.

The Kindness of Neighbors #WordlessWednesday

 Like many in the United States this past weekend, I ended up with over a foot of snow to shovel.  The snow has also resulted in this Not So Wordless Wordless Wednesday post.

Monday dawned, and it was time for snow removal.

For this year we had hired a man to do our snow removal.  My spouse can no longer help with snow removal.   The snow removal person texted us early Monday morning and advised that his snow blower had just broken down.  He wouldn't be able to help us.  Said it was too much to shovel.

We had another service on standby.  We couldn't get hold of them.  (They never did call back).

Someone spouse called recommended we try to contact one of his relatives.  No response.  I'm sure the relative was out doing snow removal.

So, it was up to me.  I bundled up and grabbed my shovel.  The snow was so fluffy and light.  It may have been what skiers call champagne snow.  I made believe it was vanilla ice cream.  I was cutting vanilla ice cream for a nice ice cream sandwich.

But it was a lot of vanilla ice cream and I was making slow progress.  I knew what to do - work in layers.  Each shovel full was to be 1/3 of the snow in front of me.  Shovel, fling snow, repeat. Repeat.  Repeat.   But then, I noticed two things.

First, my driveway had been partially plowed by someone unknown (I still don't know, incidentally.)

And, second, coming up the street on foot was one of my neighbors.  He called out, telling me to wait, he was coming to help me.

This neighbor did more than help me.  He  told me to go inside and rest.  Then he shoveled the rest of my walk.  He did the rest of the driveway.  I thanked him profusely. (Incidentally, he said he wasn't the person who plowed my driveway, but has a suspicion who did it - another neighbor just up the street).

I'm so grateful.  And I'm also hoping it doesn't snow for the next several days.

There is still kindness in this world

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.

Songs I Picked for Today #MusicMovesMe

It's an after-snow Monday and it's time for music.

Who are the Music Moves Me bloggers?

We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday 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.  

Our theme for this week is "You Pick". A lot of the United States is experiencing the aftermath of freezing rain, snow, cold temperatures.  It's a good day to listen to some songs about some topics we may not like to think about, but if you look at the number of You Tube views each song has achieved, just maybe these songs call to us in different ways.

Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads (released 1981 in the United States).

London Calling - the Clash, from 1980 

Land of Confusion - I choose the 2005 cover by Disturbed rather than the 1986 original by Genesis, but I like both.  Sadly, this song is still relevant in 2026.

 We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel, from 1989. 

Wrapping up with 1987's It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) from R.E.M.

Before I go, I have to share some sad news.  Mary Burris, a blogger that had been part of Music Moves Me for years, passed away at the age of 60 on Friday.  She had battled cancer and other complications the past 11 or so years, and is finally at peace.  

And that's a wrap.

Join me again next week for another episode of #MusicMovesMe. 

Snowy Day Orchid Shadow #ShadowshotSunday

A memory.

A beautiful flower shadow for what should be a snowy and ice-cold day. 

The orchid is starting to drop its flowers now.  I hope I can keep it alive and have it rebloom one day. 

Joining Lisa at This and That: A Blog, for her #ShadowshotSunday. 

Ordinary Week? #SkywatchFriday

Some would call it ordinary, but I wouldn't.

Friday, January 16, I took a walk in our local park.

These skies look so ordinary, except for these facts:  First, there is blue sky.  Second, you can see the sun. And third isn't about the sky, but the ground.  It isn't covered in snow.  More about that a little later.

Monday and Tuesday, we had clear enough skies to see the aurora.  I've seen pictures on Facebook from several areas of our county.

But I struck out at home.  Or maybe I didn't but it was too dim when I went outside to look.  I did capture three stars, which look like white dots if you look hard enough.

We had a warm wave earlier this month.  The snow melted.  But the bitter temperatures are returning. 

Also, this coming Sunday, we are supposed to get between six and 12 inches (15.24 to 30.48 cm) of snow. Over 200 million people are going to be affected by this storm.  For us,  it is going to get cold.  Our county is already setting up warming shelters for people who have lost power.

At least we aren't supposed to get ice. Cross fingers.

Joining Yogi and other sky watching bloggers each Friday for #SkywatchFriday.
 

More New York Quilts #WordlessWednesday

Let's brighten up a bleary New York winter's day with some more quilt pictures I took back a few weeks ago. 

These were made by members of a quilting guild who exhibited some of their artistic products back in December and early January at a local Home for the Holidays holiday event.

 

I loved them all. 

 

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

Inspired by January #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday and it's time for music!

But first, who are the Music Moves Me Bloggers? 

We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday 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.  

Our optional theme for this week is: "Learn something about this first month of the new year and build your playlist around that for your music inspiration." 

Here are some facts about January, as discovered by using AI.

January is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and doorways, looking to the past and future. 

The Anglo-Saxons called it Wulfmonath (Wolf Month) because hungry wolves roamed for food. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, where I live, January is considered the coldest month of the year.

So, what songs am I inspired to feature this January Monday?

For beginnings: Chicago and their 1969 hit Beginnings.  

For changes:  Like a Rolling Stone, the 1965 hit from Bob Dylan.  How I loved this song when it came out, especially when one of the New York City radio stations played all six minutes of it. 

Two faces:  Smiling Faces, from 1971 with The Undisputed Truth covering a song by The Temptations. 

Wolf: 1982 brought us Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran. 

Cold:  The Rolling Stones - She's So Cold 

Foreigner - Cold as Ice.    

Park Shadows on a January Afternoon #ShadowshotSunday

The sun came out for a while on Friday, and I took a walk in our local park.  I had to take a couple of pictures of the long shadows of January.

Let's compare them in color and black and white.

 Which do you like better?

I've decided I'm finally going to experiment a little with black and white, and see.

Joining up today with Lisa at This and That: A Blog, for her #ShadowshotSunday.

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day January 15 2026 and Skywatch Friday

Today is two memes for the price of one.  I hope you stay for both of them.

First, held every 15th of the month, is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, where flower gardeners from all over the world post what is blooming in their homes and/or gardens.  This is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. 

It's a winter storm day in my zone 6a Southern Tier of New York garden.  

The other day,  I was pleased to discover that the recent warming spell melted almost all of our snow, revealing my white early blooming Lenten Rose.  I took this picture yesterday, before more snow came. 

Flower buds count, right?

As for my indoor flowers, call it January sparse:

Phalaenopsis, purchased several weeks ago in a membership warehouse.   I've killed several orchids over the years but the one that did the best for me, lasting several years (purchased one Black Friday), finally died late last year.   

Chocolate solder, one of my small succulent plants in my home office.  It has a flower stalk (see middle of photo).  Sorry for the blurriness. I tried retaking this three times and best I can seem to do.

Finally, (cheating, perhaps but it's January), dried flowers on one of my two African violets.  Now, today is also #SkywatchFriday, hosted by Yogi.

Last Sunday, during our relatively warm spell, I took some puddle pictures.

Looks like black and white, but this is in color.

Nice to have puddles, which mean it's above freezing.  No puddles today, though.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Footprints #WordlessWednesday

Our snow has melted, but will be back later tonight.

In the meantime, I wanted to show you some animal footprints from my yard after one of our earlier snows.

Isn't it interesting to know who walks on your property?

 I had to convert these to black and white so you could see the prints better.

Enjoy! (and if you can ID any of them, I'd enjoy knowing.

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

A Cure and Two Inductions #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday and it's time for music!

But first, who are the Music Moves Me Bloggers? 

We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday 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's  theme is:  You Pick!  Sadly, I must begin with two inductions into Rock and Roll Heaven.

I just couldn't think of music I wanted to feature so I decided to let You Tube decide for me.  You Tube, I found, has something called My Mix, which they base on music videos you have listened to.  Even though some of the music picked is not from genres I prefer, I found an interesting mix to cure (no pun intended) my blogging block.

Interestingly, the first song was by the Cure.  I had forgotten I was going to write up the induction into Rock and Roll Heaven of guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte, who died on December 24 at age 65 after a short illness.  So, let's start with what You Tube picked as my tribute.

You Tube's pick for me was 1987's Just Like Heaven.

As I was writing this post, the news came about the death of Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, at age 78 from lung issues possibly related to his battle with cancer.

This is his final performance of the Dead's classic Touch of Grey. 

Now, back to You Tube's picks for me. From 1986, Higher Love - Steve Winwood

1982's Mad World - Tears for Fears was chosen for me, although I must say that I slightly prefer Gary Jules' 2001/2003 cover.

Finally, from 1985, Something About You - Level 42

I am closing on a somber note today.  One of our former Music Moves Me members, Mary, of the music blog JingleJangleJungle, is declining after several years of battling cancer. If you are so inclined, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Mary was always so upfront about her health battles on a different blog devoted to same, and had a great sense of humor.   I am reminded of this post from another Music Moves Me member from several years ago.

And that's a wrap!

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me. 

Floor Rainbow #ShadowshotSunday

 Back in October, I saw this rainbow shadow on my living room floor. 

Perhaps it isn't technically a shadow but I think the reflection in the center of the photo could count as one.

The rainbow comes from prismatic stickers we have on our window that are said to keep birds from striking the windows.

Joining Lisa at This and That: A Blog for her #ShadowshotSunday. 

Early January Sunrise #SkywatchFriday

The sky has been so dreary this week where I live in the Southern Tier of New York State. The norm is white skies with little sun or blue showing.  So I was surprised when I looked out on January 5 and saw a beautiful sunrise already in progress. 

I apologize for the blurry pictures.
 

It was a treat seeing this, although we ended up with still another dreary day.

But then again, it's January, and we also have a break from our colder than normal weather.

At least yesterday we finally got some sun.  I even took a puddle picture yesterday, which I hope I remember to post later this month.

Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday. 

New York Quilts #WordlessWednesday

I've always admired quilters.  My mother was an excellent sewer until Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) took that skill from her many many years ago (before there were really effective treatments), but I'm not sure she ever worked on a quilt. It wasn't part of our heritage. But she could do beautiful hand sewing work before the RA took that from her, and I got a glimpse of how much skill it takes.

I did not inherit her sewing talents, although I have crocheted for over 50 years. 

The quilting guild who made the following quilts is known for its charity work.  They display some of their works each year at an event called Home for the Holidays, held at a local museum.

Enjoy!

 

What lovely work. Are any of my blog readers quilters?

 

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

New Year, New Songs #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday, and it's time for music!

But first, who are the Music Moves Me Bloggers? 

We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday 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's optional theme is:  
"It’s a new month, new year. Share a once new song from any era that you immediately loved or share a more recent new release that tickles your fancy or share music by an artist that’s new-to-you. The point is it’s a new year! "

Yes, a new year, and I want to share with you several songs that have not previously appeared on my blog. A couple of these are songs from genres I normally don't listen much to, but have appealed to me.

Taylor Swift and The Fate of Ophelia, which I heard for the first time on another blog.

Not a new song, but I just love this Cher cover, which I heard on a recent Saturday Night Live TV show.

Chappell Roan and Pink Pony Club (I chose a live performance).  

Finally, 50 years ago this week, this song was #1 on the Cash Box Top 100.  Here's Barry Manilow and I Write the Songs.  Manilow underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung last week related to his recent diagnosis of lung cancer.  We wish him the best.

And that's a wrap!

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me. 

Outside and Inside for Shadowshot Sunday and The Weekend in Black and White

Outside and inside...

Joining up with The Weekend in Black and White.

Courthouse, Binghamton, New York.

For inside, orchid in bloom.  Joining up with Shadowshot Sunday.
 

Downtown Sky #SkywatchFriday

 Earlier this week, I got a phone call from my sister in law.  Did I want to go to see an event?  I did, and on the way home, we drove past some buildings that were so familiar from when I used to work in a downtown office, but I rarely see as a remote worker.

I didn't expect to be in that area but it was a good opportunity for some sky watching. 

Our local courthouse.

The sun came out for a few seconds.  Don't blink!

Sky reflections in second story building.

Our former train station, repurposed.  There is a highly regarded steakhouse in that building now, but I wish we had Amtrak service instead.  We haven't had train service in over 40 years.

Hoping all of my readers had a Happy New Year.  Skywatcher Yogi blogged "I am wishing all of you a peaceful, healthy, rewarding, and prosperous 2026." and I second that thought.  Thank you, everyone who makes Skywatch possible.

Joining Yogi and other sky watching bloggers for #SkywatchFriday.