Life A Little Sideways

Issue 1

April, 2022

April comes from the Latin word aperire, “to open,” it’s the season where flower and leaf buds begin to unfold.

Welcome to the 1st edition of

Life ... A Little Sideways

. Here you'll find out what's been on my mind recently and connect with me on a more personal level by sharing your feedback and starting a conversation. 

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

I have never been a morning person. For some strange reason my brain cells kick in at precisely 1:45 p.m. each day. Not that I’m a late sleeper. I have been able to rise to the early call of duty most of my life. Out of necessity I developed rules to seem as though I’m one of those bright, bushy, chipper early birds –– whom I secretly despise.Years ago, getting my little darlings off to school began with my breakfast rule –– don’t talk to me. Commuting on the early morning train –– hide behind the newspaper and merely grunt to the friendly conductor. Early business meetings –– no problem. Just stare intently into the eyes of those speaking, nod, smile and memorize what’s said with the standard –– great idea. We’ll discuss it later.Given this information, it should come as no surprise how delighted I am at our Senate voting unanimously on making daylight saving time permanent year-round, which finally may eliminate our annual back and forth wake-up time. I doubt the sleep scientists persuaded this movement by the Senate, as science logic never has swayed them in the past. This group agreeing on anything unanimously is nothing short of a miracle. While little things count, perhaps they’ll become motivated to address the big stuff.

UKRANIAN EASTER EGGS

Ukrainian Easter eggs, called PYSANKY, a form of folk-art dating back to the 1st century A.D. The word “pysanky,” meaning to write or inscribe –– if you study these eggs you’ll see why. They are covered with painstakingly intricate hand-drawn designs, religious motifs, nature –– a tradition handed down through generations. I labored over one as a surprise for my Bob one Easter which we kept on a little stand for years –– alas, it was crushed during our last move.

You can find many tutorials on the net –– check “how to decorate pysanky eggs.” No talent or time? –– go to eBay or Esty and purchase a beautiful Ukrainian egg –– from $12.00 to $200.00. These are little works of art which make an extraordinary Easter gift –– while helping a humanitarian cause. 🇺🇦 Make sure your purchase goes direct to the artist in Ukraine.

CAT CHAT 😻 

Mr. Adorable “forgets” he has a litterbox … Most often it’s not Mr. Adorable –– it’s his box. You may have neglected to clean it with frequency –– or he may dislike the litter you’re using. Most cats prefer non scented and clumping litter. Location –– another problem. Dark, smelly bathroom, noisy street, no privacy? If you attend to all the above and the problem persists, the cause could be medical. Schedule a physical with your vet.

MY GARDEN 🌼 🌸 

Time to cut (out) the lawn! Yes, I’m eliminating my lawn piece by piece each season. Think about it. Fertilizer, weed killer, mowing, weed whacking, do we need it? That’s not the only reason. What does green grass do other than look boring day after day. I intend to convert as much as I can to wildflowers. Why? With all our chemical-treated perfect suburban lawns we’re losing the natural habitat for birds, butterflies, and bees.Last year was my start and I enjoyed a summer of hummingbirds, several kinds of butterflies, not to mention my bees. A rabbit nested with its young hidden in the flowers. In the fall, all kinds of birds fed on the flowers gone to seed.In case you’ve forgotten, Black-eyed Susan, Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Poppies, only to name a few. Try a little patch of going back to nature. I have had the best luck with seeds from AMERICAN MEADOWS. No grass filler, just flowers.

BACKYARD BIRDS  🐦 

NESTING BIRDS –– Woodpeckers can chisel their own holes in tree trunks with their sharp bills, but unfortunately suitable nest cavities can be hard to find in our backyards. More than 50 species of birds will appreciate artificial cavities –– called a birdhouse. It’s April and mine are already hung in trees and posted on my fence.A great source for information and adorable bird houses is the artisan’s unique selections at THE BIRDHOUSE CHICK. By the way, they have kits –– super spring project for the kids.

MY BOOK  

I would like to invite you all to check out my first of many books to come. I wrote this as a memoir in honor of my late husband and the many heroes of WWII. 

A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to

WOUNDED WARRIORS PROJECT ––

in support of those who served and met with tragic physical accidents.

A FAVOR –– POR FAVOR 

🌺

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“Be The Goat in a World of Sheep.”

Nancy Hungerford

Author + observer of people, nature, and stuff.