Cork

Son John has been keeping busy this winter.   He tells me he has to buy a new shovel as he wore the last one out.    

This happens often around here as our storm weather is back.       

Just think I would have the figure of a Barbie doll. 

Corks.   I had one in my hand last evening and looked at it with a little more respect after seeing the attachment on making them. 

Cork Trees grown in Spain and Portugal;  planted by great, great grandfathers, some of the trees are two hundred years old.   They have to have at least twenty five years of growth to make corks, forty years makes for premium corks.  They are harvested every nine years.   It takes strength and gentleness. 

Cork is used as heat shields in our space crafts.  It is Eco friendly and recyclable.

Some modes of transportation never change.   

The start of a new week, are you ready for this one . . . Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday . . . pancake Tuesday, one of my favorite treats.  I have the blueberries all ready.   Wednesday starts the forty days of lent and it is called Ash Wednesday;  a day to go over to church and get some ashes placed on your forehead .   I wonder if that is still prevalent in the Catholic church these years.   Some of the old traditions went by the wayside so I'll have to check foreheads when I go out today.    I visit the church here to light my candles so will have to see if the 'purple' is on display.  The wonderful old traditional ceremonies come to mind as I remember the old practices of my childhood.   

Speaking of tradition, the Oscar Award was on last evening  and I did have it on and heard and saw some of the hoopla that goes along with it.    I have not seen any of the movies but have hopes of seeing a couple of them.   As much as I believe in awarding recognition for a job well done, I couldn't help but wonder at the money spent on fancy dresses, jewelry and cosmetics when there is such a need in our own country for the men and women of the armed services who came back in pieces and are in need for themselves and for their families.   I know a wet blanket, but there is such need for compassion for those who gave so much .

We take pride in those who work hard to achieve their goals and rightly so.   I just want them, and each one of us, to be more thoughtful, graceful, and helpful in making our county the best it can be.   Our problems begin and end with us;  so today lift yourself up and do one good deed and two if you have a mind to.    Share YOU, that is a blessing in disguise.  Hugs to all.