Time to reflect and to embrace the beauty of this wonderful blue green planet that man continues to want to destroy. Easter personifies renewal and pray for rational men and women to prevail over what is transpiring globally and here at home in the USA.
"Liquid smoke." Boy do I have egg on my face. THAT was the alibi I, age 10, should have thought of when Mom caught me with a lit cigarette. 64 years later, the Get Out of Jail card arrives. I'd have better luck with the Pony Express!
I was out yesterday morning working in the yard, the sun was out and it was warming up nicely. By the end of the day the wind had picked up and the temperature began to fall. It was a tough winter for me as I’m sure for others as well. I turned 61 in March, much of my work this past winter was outside and when the 4:30 alarm went off and it was 5 degrees outside it was tough to get motivated to stand out in that cold for 8-10 hours.
Here in the northeast spring is struggling to forgive what winter has left. With 2 inches of snow predicted in some places on Tuesday I guess winter is not letting go, it’s struggling to accept the inevitable and finally move on. Spring will come though like a new beginning.
When I look at the work left from last fall that didn’t get done I know what I have to do, I have to bear down and again clear away the past messes. Some that I myself made, and some that others left here in my life. It’s a constant struggle to forgive and to accept forgiveness. Accepting forgiveness for things that I created is for me the toughest, but it is the most powerful gift given to us, we just have to be willing to accept it. It’s amazing as I clear away all the leaves left from last fall I see the Hostas beginning to sprout up out of the ground. It’s a great feeling of renewal when you are really able to clear out the clutter of the past. Easter, Springtime and redemption, they all seem to go so well together. We just have to be willing to accept it, move forward and appreciate the beauty of this world and this life that we’ve been blessed with.
James, I look forward to you responses to Dr. Malone's 'funnies'. God gave us seasons for a reason, and you are right spring is a new beginning. I am also in my 60's and it is difficult to let go of past 'mistakes', but we have many broken roads before we can look at life as a journey. As they say, hind sight is 20/20, the trick is to learn to reflect, think of how we can do/be better, and move forward. Have a blessed day and know He has risen and saved us from our sins, if we ask for forgiveness and receive forgiveness. God Bless
We had 3 inches in the rain gauge when I got up yesterday morning (T storms that night) and cool windy day. Today it is sunny - perfect for Easter Sunday. We have an Amaryllis that woke up early in the house decided to bloom putting up 2 stalks that reached 28 inches tall that is in full flower today for Easter = 6 flowers on one, 5 on the other. What joy! Even nature is celebrating the resurrection with us. Happy Easter to you all.
🤔 I think that would put you in a tertiary position - although, what is a 2nd of a 2nd, a quaternary⁉️ tbh, don’t think it matters (much) - I bet it’s like being on a totem pole, it’s not your position that matters, it’s being ON the totem pole 😉
[I wonder if that holds true for being the 2nd of the 2nd of the 2nd of t…]
Oh my gosh, Happy Belated Birthday as well…! Some days I feel 35 again, & as my Daughter lets me know, I’m still 35 in her eyes. I’m Blessed to be here on God’s Green Earth, & I will turn 75 this May, & my bones sure let me know that every morning I wake. Have a beautiful, Blessed Sunday as well.
I hope that if you are flagging traffic that it isn't windy. Whenever we would put up signs that read "ROAD CLOSED", I could almost swear that when we walked away it would change to "TURN HERE TO WATCH GASMEN WORK".
Today might be a good time to reflect on many of the parables of Jesus and what he emulated in his life, so we might do the same. And to dig deep into the esoteric knowledge that he had, telling the people that they too had the same abilities. This rising from the dead we celebrate is not only metaphysical in that we don't die either, but the actual reality of what happened to Lazarus and Jesus. The miracles he performed were so plentiful and public as to give us the courage to raise our consciousness and vibration to the level needed to allow the same incredible Love he had and faith to overcome fear. Whew, I feel inspired and hopeful for peace in our hearts and actions.
Thank you. The Friday and Sunday funnies are worth my subscription ever since I heard of Dr Malone from Darkhorse podcast. I do look forward to Fridays and Sundays funnies. The substacks between hmmm depends on my mood. I enjoy reading the farm stories and its challenges. It is vicarious experience for me.
Happy Easter. Here's a short story I wrote a few years ago:
The Easter Squirrel.
It was the day before Easter, and Mrs. Bunny was hopping around in a fury trying to finish with the final preparations. She was at wits’ end. What was typically a very difficult task was being made nearly impossible by Mr. Bunny. It seemed every time Ester would turn around, Easter would come crashing through the kitchen, hobbled by one paw over his mouth, and the other pressing over his tail. Easter Bunny was sick.
“What are we going to do?” she said. “Mgmff…I…don’t…mgmff...know…” replied Easter, as he ran for the toilet. This was a real crisis. It was the day before Easter, and Easter Bunny was sick. He did not know whether he was coming or going. “Coming through….” Said Easter bunny, as he did his two-step-lurching Waltz through the kitchen. Mrs. Bunny was so worried that she fell over a chair, and knocked ten baskets from the kitchen table. Suddenly, the grim reality of the situation hit her, and she began to cry.
The Bunny family lived in a cozy hole at the base of an old Oak tree. High in the branches lived the Squirrel family. As you know, Squirrels collect nuts. Lots of them, and they stash them everywhere. Mr. Squirrel was no exception. Since tomorrow was Easter, as was the tradition, he was preparing a special meal for the family. A few years ago, he started keeping the most special nuts at the Bunny’s house.
As Ester was reaching for her calico handkerchief there was a knock on the door. It was Mr. Squirrel. He was rocking back on his heels, and whistling a merry tune. His bushy tail was punctuating every note, flipping with the infinite vigor of a man in a good mood. He stopped in mid note, tail shooting erect at the sight of Mrs. Bunny. She was a fright. Her eyes red at the rims, one ear flopped at a strange angle, the other strangled with a bizarre garland of plastic grass. “Please come in” she said, her voice varying in timbre, and barely above a whisper. My goodness! The kitchen was a wreck. Baskets on the floor, candy, eggs and grass everywhere. He knew today was hectic, but never before had he seen it like this. Before he could ask what was wrong, he was nearly knocked over as Mr. Bunny careened past. Samuel just caught a glimpse of Easter as he disappeared into the toilet. One paw pressing the cotton tail and the other over the mouth, a display of spastic ballet.
He turned to Ester. As their eyes met in understanding, he watched her wilt into a slump of defeat. She started to sob. “W-w-what c-c-can we do-o-o-o? T-t-to-m-m-morro is Easter!” Completely broken, her limp shoulders shook like laundry on the line in an itinerant breeze. “Now, now, Ester, there must be something that can be done. We have known each other for years. Perhaps I can help find a solution. Easter has told us all about his route, and the logistics every Christmas dinner. He sure does admire Santa, and I bet their routes are about the same…” His thoughts interrupted as Mr. Bunny came crashing through the kitchen again.
“No, No, Santa is on Holiday, and I do not know where to reach him. Easter already thought of that.” “Hmmn, then perhaps I could help in some way,” said Samuel, tapping a thoughtful finger on a chubby cheek. “There is no list of naughty and nice, right? But how do I carry all of these baskets?” he said, looking around. There must have been hundreds, stacked in every corner, on shelves, over cabinets, under and on the kitchen table, and who knew where else. Ester steadied, and seemed to calm as the spark of hope grew in her eyes. Oh, it is quite simple really. Easter has this special bag, pointing toward the table. All Sammy could see was what appeared to be a large cherry tomato, out of place amidst the mountain of baskets. “What, the tomato?” Samuel gave her a quizzical look. “Ah, yes the tomato.” She said as she put her finger on her nose, and gave him a wink. It was a gift from the Tooth Fairy to Easter last year. He thinks it will be much safer than the basket, and will not scatter so many eggs. “Here watch.” He could not believe his eyes, as she opened the tomato, and started putting basket after basket into its open top. In a matter of seconds, she put at least fifty baskets inside. Amazingly, the sides did not bulge a bit. He was so shocked; it took him a minute to understand… “Here, let me help.” In no time, he and Ester had all of the baskets stored carefully in the tomato.
Ester explained the route, and where to start, and finish. “Ok, I understand, it should not be any problem” said Samuel. “See you tomorrow” he said as he picked up the near-weightless bag and returned to his house.
Samuel Squirrel was quite pleased with himself. Except for a wrong turn at Sydney, and the damned birds near Paris, it all went rather smoothly. He was nearing his last stop, and hopped along the telephone wire on Zepp Road. Reverend Kriebel was working in the Garden house. He looked out the window to see a squirrel hopping happily along the wires. “Be-jeepers!” he almost roared. Just last week the doggone squirrels had chewed a whole in the wood of the new outhouse. Now they were taking his tomatoes! He reached around the corner for his .22, took aim, and POP! The tomato went flying from the mouth of the squirrel and into the bushes. The squirrel erupted from the wire, and landed with a thwap, on the road. After a few spasmodic jerks it lay all but still, the last remnants of life escaping in gentle wisps of its bushy tail.
And that my friend is why there were no Easter baskets at the Kriebel farm in 1983, and why, to this day, you always see the Easter Bunny with a basket.
Happy Easter to our wonderful Robert, Jill and Malone Substack community 🪻🐣🌷🐰🩷
Time to reflect and to embrace the beauty of this wonderful blue green planet that man continues to want to destroy. Easter personifies renewal and pray for rational men and women to prevail over what is transpiring globally and here at home in the USA.
04/05/26: Bravo and Amen!
"Liquid smoke." Boy do I have egg on my face. THAT was the alibi I, age 10, should have thought of when Mom caught me with a lit cigarette. 64 years later, the Get Out of Jail card arrives. I'd have better luck with the Pony Express!
And to you, Bettina!
Happy Easter Bettina.
I was out yesterday morning working in the yard, the sun was out and it was warming up nicely. By the end of the day the wind had picked up and the temperature began to fall. It was a tough winter for me as I’m sure for others as well. I turned 61 in March, much of my work this past winter was outside and when the 4:30 alarm went off and it was 5 degrees outside it was tough to get motivated to stand out in that cold for 8-10 hours.
Here in the northeast spring is struggling to forgive what winter has left. With 2 inches of snow predicted in some places on Tuesday I guess winter is not letting go, it’s struggling to accept the inevitable and finally move on. Spring will come though like a new beginning.
When I look at the work left from last fall that didn’t get done I know what I have to do, I have to bear down and again clear away the past messes. Some that I myself made, and some that others left here in my life. It’s a constant struggle to forgive and to accept forgiveness. Accepting forgiveness for things that I created is for me the toughest, but it is the most powerful gift given to us, we just have to be willing to accept it. It’s amazing as I clear away all the leaves left from last fall I see the Hostas beginning to sprout up out of the ground. It’s a great feeling of renewal when you are really able to clear out the clutter of the past. Easter, Springtime and redemption, they all seem to go so well together. We just have to be willing to accept it, move forward and appreciate the beauty of this world and this life that we’ve been blessed with.
The older I get everything starts to make sense!
Happy Easter Everyone, J.Goodrich
James, I look forward to you responses to Dr. Malone's 'funnies'. God gave us seasons for a reason, and you are right spring is a new beginning. I am also in my 60's and it is difficult to let go of past 'mistakes', but we have many broken roads before we can look at life as a journey. As they say, hind sight is 20/20, the trick is to learn to reflect, think of how we can do/be better, and move forward. Have a blessed day and know He has risen and saved us from our sins, if we ask for forgiveness and receive forgiveness. God Bless
We had 3 inches in the rain gauge when I got up yesterday morning (T storms that night) and cool windy day. Today it is sunny - perfect for Easter Sunday. We have an Amaryllis that woke up early in the house decided to bloom putting up 2 stalks that reached 28 inches tall that is in full flower today for Easter = 6 flowers on one, 5 on the other. What joy! Even nature is celebrating the resurrection with us. Happy Easter to you all.
THAT is a lot of rain!
Happy Easter to you too, James. And, a belated Happy Birthday!!
I second that thought Debra and wish a happy Easter to all the fellow stackers
Love this community of such thoughtful & insightful individuals. Happy Easter & Happy Spring to one & all!
uuuh, I would like to second Michael's second!
Happy Easter ALL.
🤔 I think that would put you in a tertiary position - although, what is a 2nd of a 2nd, a quaternary⁉️ tbh, don’t think it matters (much) - I bet it’s like being on a totem pole, it’s not your position that matters, it’s being ON the totem pole 😉
[I wonder if that holds true for being the 2nd of the 2nd of the 2nd of t…]
Pisces? That's my 2nd son. I'm gonna do 3rds on the 2nd of the 1st. Wheee!
Happy Easter to you and everyone. Let’s pray for a rebirth of this nation and the world.
Oh my gosh, Happy Belated Birthday as well…! Some days I feel 35 again, & as my Daughter lets me know, I’m still 35 in her eyes. I’m Blessed to be here on God’s Green Earth, & I will turn 75 this May, & my bones sure let me know that every morning I wake. Have a beautiful, Blessed Sunday as well.
Happy Easter to you James…:), thank you.
Happy belated Birthday James and Happy Easter!
I put away my snow shovel yesterday…. I hope it doesn’t jinx us here in the NE 🤞🤞
Western Montana here - we may take the blades of our trucks and tractors, but the snow shovels never get "put away."
I move mine from near the front door over to the old garage/shop - still handy but not gonna trip over them.
Happy Easter and a belated Happy Birthday.
I hope that if you are flagging traffic that it isn't windy. Whenever we would put up signs that read "ROAD CLOSED", I could almost swear that when we walked away it would change to "TURN HERE TO WATCH GASMEN WORK".
It was supposed to be that as I got older everything starts to make more cents!
Seems inflation always wins that boxing match! Hahaha RMS
Who is Andrew Cane????
Excellent!
I’m throwing a red flag - that don’t make sense.
I came up with Aman, "I met Aman on a bridge…"
How do you get "Andrew Cane" out of "and drew his cane"?
Yeah yeah, it’s a riddle and I’m not a riddle person - possibly ‘cause my brain is now riddled with lacunae 🤷♀️
Still⁉️
I got the Cane part but missed the Andrew (aka - and drew). I was thinking Abel and Cain. As in Abel Cain, as in able to use a cane. Oh, well.
I like your answer - probably better than mine (at least the name makes sense. Aman⁉️ really 🙄)
I was was waiting for some to post the correct answer
I don't know. . . likely also why I had no clue on the answer!
I second the question.
I got it before I even clicked on comment.
Hi Shelley
Oooh. Okay.
You earned your Ph. D. today, Michael. Put on my best ‘The Riddler’ hat & still no where close. How?
....and drew....cane
soooo simple, ha!
As I said above - makes no sense to me
Happy Easter and blessings to all!
That poor, poor bunny. They'll try to convince you it was a lab accident. But I see intent in those eyes.
That's what happens when stealing eggs from chickens
Happy Easter all! So glad I am not in the UK so I can say - He is risen!
He Is Risen Indeed!!!
Even in the Soviet Union people still were saying “Christ is Risen.” Has the UK become even worse than the USSR?
Had to laugh at the crushed rabbit. A nice (and pertinent) reminder that Easter is *not* about bunnies and candy.
And, oh, the British film collage. Brilliant! (And wouldn't be surprised if it were true, given OFCOM!)
Happy Easter! He Is Risen!
Today might be a good time to reflect on many of the parables of Jesus and what he emulated in his life, so we might do the same. And to dig deep into the esoteric knowledge that he had, telling the people that they too had the same abilities. This rising from the dead we celebrate is not only metaphysical in that we don't die either, but the actual reality of what happened to Lazarus and Jesus. The miracles he performed were so plentiful and public as to give us the courage to raise our consciousness and vibration to the level needed to allow the same incredible Love he had and faith to overcome fear. Whew, I feel inspired and hopeful for peace in our hearts and actions.
Thank you. The Friday and Sunday funnies are worth my subscription ever since I heard of Dr Malone from Darkhorse podcast. I do look forward to Fridays and Sundays funnies. The substacks between hmmm depends on my mood. I enjoy reading the farm stories and its challenges. It is vicarious experience for me.
Happy Easter Malone's!
Luv them Deviled Eggs, Worth trying the tiny Hickory smoke flavor extra.
A gal gave me some Chocolate Brownies made from sweet potato and not flour.
Talk about a home run taste explosion.....Oh my goodness!
Happy Easter to everyone. Have a wonderful, Blessed Sunday…:)...
Wishing everyone here a Blessed Easter Sunday!
You rascals - thank you for the smiles and grimaces.
Poor GB! May we learn from it. Never let the tools we elect get ahead of us. Have (develop) the means to send 'em packin' !
The video clips are exceptional !
The thing about Kamala is she's likely a gift that will keep on giving. An Emanual might lend more cred to the effort.
Yours truly, a satisfied with myself, as a dedicated extremist.
So who is that man? Personally, the clues aren't helping.
OFF TOPIC:
A few days ago got a like from "Shelley." Hoping it was our Shelley! If it is - Welcome! Good to have you among us. Thanks for the tip!
Happy Easter to all!
The man on the bridge is Andrew Cane.
A Brave search does reveal his was a long ago comic? Should I be getting more out of this? If so what?
Whose sacrifice?
Who's mistaken about usage?
Happy Easter. Here's a short story I wrote a few years ago:
The Easter Squirrel.
It was the day before Easter, and Mrs. Bunny was hopping around in a fury trying to finish with the final preparations. She was at wits’ end. What was typically a very difficult task was being made nearly impossible by Mr. Bunny. It seemed every time Ester would turn around, Easter would come crashing through the kitchen, hobbled by one paw over his mouth, and the other pressing over his tail. Easter Bunny was sick.
“What are we going to do?” she said. “Mgmff…I…don’t…mgmff...know…” replied Easter, as he ran for the toilet. This was a real crisis. It was the day before Easter, and Easter Bunny was sick. He did not know whether he was coming or going. “Coming through….” Said Easter bunny, as he did his two-step-lurching Waltz through the kitchen. Mrs. Bunny was so worried that she fell over a chair, and knocked ten baskets from the kitchen table. Suddenly, the grim reality of the situation hit her, and she began to cry.
The Bunny family lived in a cozy hole at the base of an old Oak tree. High in the branches lived the Squirrel family. As you know, Squirrels collect nuts. Lots of them, and they stash them everywhere. Mr. Squirrel was no exception. Since tomorrow was Easter, as was the tradition, he was preparing a special meal for the family. A few years ago, he started keeping the most special nuts at the Bunny’s house.
As Ester was reaching for her calico handkerchief there was a knock on the door. It was Mr. Squirrel. He was rocking back on his heels, and whistling a merry tune. His bushy tail was punctuating every note, flipping with the infinite vigor of a man in a good mood. He stopped in mid note, tail shooting erect at the sight of Mrs. Bunny. She was a fright. Her eyes red at the rims, one ear flopped at a strange angle, the other strangled with a bizarre garland of plastic grass. “Please come in” she said, her voice varying in timbre, and barely above a whisper. My goodness! The kitchen was a wreck. Baskets on the floor, candy, eggs and grass everywhere. He knew today was hectic, but never before had he seen it like this. Before he could ask what was wrong, he was nearly knocked over as Mr. Bunny careened past. Samuel just caught a glimpse of Easter as he disappeared into the toilet. One paw pressing the cotton tail and the other over the mouth, a display of spastic ballet.
He turned to Ester. As their eyes met in understanding, he watched her wilt into a slump of defeat. She started to sob. “W-w-what c-c-can we do-o-o-o? T-t-to-m-m-morro is Easter!” Completely broken, her limp shoulders shook like laundry on the line in an itinerant breeze. “Now, now, Ester, there must be something that can be done. We have known each other for years. Perhaps I can help find a solution. Easter has told us all about his route, and the logistics every Christmas dinner. He sure does admire Santa, and I bet their routes are about the same…” His thoughts interrupted as Mr. Bunny came crashing through the kitchen again.
“No, No, Santa is on Holiday, and I do not know where to reach him. Easter already thought of that.” “Hmmn, then perhaps I could help in some way,” said Samuel, tapping a thoughtful finger on a chubby cheek. “There is no list of naughty and nice, right? But how do I carry all of these baskets?” he said, looking around. There must have been hundreds, stacked in every corner, on shelves, over cabinets, under and on the kitchen table, and who knew where else. Ester steadied, and seemed to calm as the spark of hope grew in her eyes. Oh, it is quite simple really. Easter has this special bag, pointing toward the table. All Sammy could see was what appeared to be a large cherry tomato, out of place amidst the mountain of baskets. “What, the tomato?” Samuel gave her a quizzical look. “Ah, yes the tomato.” She said as she put her finger on her nose, and gave him a wink. It was a gift from the Tooth Fairy to Easter last year. He thinks it will be much safer than the basket, and will not scatter so many eggs. “Here watch.” He could not believe his eyes, as she opened the tomato, and started putting basket after basket into its open top. In a matter of seconds, she put at least fifty baskets inside. Amazingly, the sides did not bulge a bit. He was so shocked; it took him a minute to understand… “Here, let me help.” In no time, he and Ester had all of the baskets stored carefully in the tomato.
Ester explained the route, and where to start, and finish. “Ok, I understand, it should not be any problem” said Samuel. “See you tomorrow” he said as he picked up the near-weightless bag and returned to his house.
Samuel Squirrel was quite pleased with himself. Except for a wrong turn at Sydney, and the damned birds near Paris, it all went rather smoothly. He was nearing his last stop, and hopped along the telephone wire on Zepp Road. Reverend Kriebel was working in the Garden house. He looked out the window to see a squirrel hopping happily along the wires. “Be-jeepers!” he almost roared. Just last week the doggone squirrels had chewed a whole in the wood of the new outhouse. Now they were taking his tomatoes! He reached around the corner for his .22, took aim, and POP! The tomato went flying from the mouth of the squirrel and into the bushes. The squirrel erupted from the wire, and landed with a thwap, on the road. After a few spasmodic jerks it lay all but still, the last remnants of life escaping in gentle wisps of its bushy tail.
And that my friend is why there were no Easter baskets at the Kriebel farm in 1983, and why, to this day, you always see the Easter Bunny with a basket.