Valerie – Page 50 – Valerie's Voice

Cardinals and Other Birds

One of the sure signs of spring is opening the door and hearing the beautiful chorus of birds singing. It is truly an wonderful sound. And these days I’m excited to see cardinals back in our yard. Over the winter the birds that normally dined at our feeders had to go elsewhere to find food.

A cardinal at the feeder with safflower seeds, before the squirrels took over.

We use safflowers seeds in the bird feeder that hangs on a pole near trees in our yard. We spend a little more money to buy nutritious, white seeds for our feeder because squirrels do not like them, so the squirrels do not disturb the various birds that come to the feeder. This plan worked for many, many years.

But, for some reason, several squirrels relocated to our yard this year and built large nests in our trees near the feeder. I’m not sure why, but this year the squirrels acquired a taste for the safflower seeds and they were attacking our birdfeeder and scaring the birds away and devouring all the safflower seeds. So much so that I stopped filling the feeder. It was hard for me to stop filling the feeder, but the seed is fairly expensive and I didn’t want to use it to feed the squirrels.

We have another feeder that is suctioned to our sunroom window and we fill it with black sunflower seeds. The squirrels cannot not get to that feeder but it fell down during the frigid, freezing temperature spell this winter so we tucked it away in the garage.

A cardinal at our window feeder, with black sunflower seeds.

With no seeds in the pole feeder and no seeds in the window feeder this winter, few birds came to our yard and we missed them.

I have now re-attached the window feeder and filled it with black sunflower seeds. We put a small amount of safflower seeds in the pole feeder. So far the squirrels have stayed away…hopefully they are retrieving all the nuts they buried last fall and will leave the birds and our bird feeder alone.

A cardinal outside our window in the leafless maple tree.

I’m thrilled to see all the birds, especially the cardinals, back in our yard. I’m glad they remembered we offer food here at this location and they returned to give us another try.

Laughter is Good Medicine

Over the weekend comedian C Willi Myles was the entertainer at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, Minnesota, and we had tickets.

The marquee for the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, MN.

The description in the schedule of events brochure indicated C Willi Myles “has quick wit, and a great sense of humor to deliver high energy, side-splitting shows for all ages.” That sounded fun.

It also said “C Willi’s non-offensive humor and stories that pull from everyday life have made him a fan favorite with sell out shows from coast to coast.” Non-offensive humor was the clincher for us. We bought tickets and looked forward to this show.

It did not disappoint. We laughed out loud almost continually for an hour and a half, and it felt good. At one point I had tears in my eyes. How can six pillows on the bed, or straight roads through North Dakota, or even colonoscopies be so hilarious, but his stories and wit made them so.

We enjoyed ourselves and hopefully will have the chance to see him when/if he comes again. Apparently this was not his first time at the Paradise.

Comedian C Willi Myles, on stage at the Paradise Theater.

In his closing remarks he reminded us what we all know, “Laughter is good medicine” and then he added, “so start laughing before doctors figure out how to start charging us for it!”

Meritage

Although I love chocolate, my favorite dessert is crème brûleée. I don’t order it often, and have made it once, so I decided for my birthday to Google “best place in the Twin Cities for crème brûlée” and the Meritage popped up as number one.

My birthday, the first day of spring, was a beautiful, sunny day. Gary and I decided to go to the Meritage for lunch, on our way to Como Park Conservatory where we were going to take in the sight and smells of spring flowers.

I was impressed with the Meritage, a French restaurant in St. Paul, near Rice Park. Although we had trouble finding the door to enter, once inside a man who seemed to be in charge apologized for the difficulty in finding our way in. In the summertime the door on the street is unlocked, but in the winter they keep that door closed for warmth and redirect you with signs to an interior entrance.

The Meritage is a small, intimate restaurant in a historic building, with old wood, mirrors and a wall of windows. We requested to be seated by the window, looking out at the Landmark Center. There was a fresh tulip on each table and a server came around with fresh bread served from a basket. Our waitress was friendly and very good. We told her it was my birthday and we were at the Meritage to try their crème brûlée. She said she’d set two aside.

For lunch we split an omelet, which was delicious, and then our waitress brought out our much anticipated crème brûlée. She had placed one lit birthday candle on the side of my plate, which was a fun, added touch. I was so excited to taste the crème brûlée and it did not disappoint either one of us. It was excellent.

After such a pleasant experience, we got our bill and the waitress had listed my dessert as complimentary. What a great birthday surprise.

Como Park Conservatory with spring flowers.

One time I made crème brûlée, with a friend. The two of us would cook together occasionally, trying different recipes…and crème brûlée was one of them. I must say ours turned out well… and was very tasty… and we had fun in the process… but I’m not inclined to make it on my own. I’m happy to know about this wonderful little spot in St. Paul with the best crème brûlée in the Twin Cities.

First Ride of the Season

Last Friday, temperatures were in the 50’s and the sun was shining bright and it felt like spring had finally sprung. I went on my first bike ride of the season around our “country block” which is 9.3 miles. We start at our house and ride north, then east, then south, then west back home…we are out of town within a mile so we are mostly riding in the country, on paved roads. It felt wonderful.

The name of the bike is Verve, made by Trek.

The best part of this first ride of the season…I was on my new electric bike! I was surprised on my birthday when I unwrapped a box with a picture of this bike I’ve wanted for a season or two. We picked it up in town on Friday. The bike is a beautiful coral color. I’m excited and I look forward to this biking season. Thank you Gary.

Psalm 27 Valerie’s Version

Light, space, zest – that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?

When insecurities start to surface, when thoughts and comparisons attack me, I will turn them over to the Lord.

Though troubles rise up against me, my heart will not fear. He will change my name. My new name shall be Confidence.

One thing I ask of the Lord that is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the BEAUTY of the Lord and to seek him.

For in the days of difficulties he will keep me safe in his arms, he will call me Friend of God and lift me high upon a rock.

God holds my head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.

My head will be exalted above the inner enemies and I will be called overcoming one. I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

You are a faithful God. The Lord will receive me and fill me with joyfulness.

Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path. I acknowledge your wisdom.

Do not turn me over to my own understanding, for false lies rise up within me, breathing out untruths.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living and he will change my name.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord.

Stay with God! Take heart, don’t quit and stay with God!

London is…secretive.

Before we left Minnesota we decided on what play we would like to see while we were in London.

A promo for Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” hanging in tube station.

We chose an Agatha Christie murder mystery, The Mousetrap. playing at St. Martin’s Theatre. It happens to be the longest running play in London…It’s first performance was in 1952!

We enjoyed the play and didn’t know “who done it” until the end. I was so worried I would overhear someone talking about the ending… and I didn’t want to know! But I never heard any clues… and we were surprised when the murderer was revealed. I like surprises.

At the end of the play, as the performers were taking their bows, the culprit stepped forward and said now we were all partners in crime…and he asked us not to disclose the secret of “who done it” to anyone, so as to preserve the suspense of the play.

On a street corner in London is this memorial to Agatha Christie, an English author who wrote over 80 mysteries.

This request must work…it’s been playing for 67 years, and we didn’t know “who done it” until the end of the production.

London is…home to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Another place I wanted to visit while in London was St. Paul’s Cathedral. We saw St. Paul’s from on high, from the Sky Garden. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London. It has a long and rich history. The current cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was built in the 1700’s, but there has been a church on this sight since 604. St. Paul’s is England’s national church. After leaving the Sky Garden we walked towards this majestic building.

Outside the front entrance of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Little did we know it would be closed to tourists that day, however, “if we wanted to participate in an Ash Wednesday service we were invited to enter and join in”. Of course, we would love to participate in a service there, especially for Ash Wednesday!

It was a gift to worship in this magnificent cathedral. There were ongoing services held throughout the day with different leadership. Our sermon happened to be on The Light of the World, a painting by William Holman Hunt, which was hanging right in the cathedral so we were able to see it after the service.

“The Light of the World”, by William Holman Hunt.

There is a lot of symbolism in the painting, which was addressed in the sermon. And Rick Steves explains it this way: “In the dark of night, Jesus – with a lantern, halo, jeweled cape, and crown of thorns – approaches an out-of-the- way home in the woods, knocks on the door, and listens for an invitation to come in.”* It was inspired from Revelations 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”

It was meaningful…and remarkable…and memorable to experience one of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces, and most famous churches, in this way…an authentic worship service.

*Rick Steves London, 2017

London is…fun to explore.

After two days of graduation activities we started exploring the different sights we wanted to see while we were in London.

The “Walkie Talkie” building and an iconic double decker bus.

One highlight for me was the Sky Garden on top of the skyscraper nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” (because that is what the building looks like).

A view of the Sky Garden on the 35th floor of the”Walkie Talkie” building, which offers scenic overlooks of London.

The elevator quickly brought us to the 35^thfloor, to the viewing platform where you see terrific views of London from on high. There is also an indoor garden on top, which was very pleasant.

On a side note – I asked a question of a man standing next to me looking out over London, and after talking awhile I found out he grew up in Northfield! And the amazing thing is, the last time I was in London in 2013, when I was still working at St. Olaf, a student recognized me on a street corner in London, and came up to talk with me. It’s a small world.

Outside the gates of Buckingham Palace. The Queen was not in this day.

On this trip we also visited Borough Market, the oldest fruit-and-vegetable market serving the current community for over 800 years, but it started in a different location over 1,000 years ago*. There were many stalls with all different types of food offerings, in addition to fruits and vegetables. It was a great place to walk around and buy lunch before going to the Sky Garden.

We also walked to Buckingham Palace, toured Westminster Abbey, rode the London Eye and went to the Natural History Museum.

A partial view of the front of Westminster Abbey (north).

Inside the north door of Westminster Abbey.

The London Eye is a “revolving observation wheel.” The glass enclosed capsules move slowly and continuously. As a capsule reaches the bottom platform there are two sides: on one side people enter the capsule and on the other side people exit the capsule, without it stopping. It’s an interesting experience and offers more unique views of London. It is on the Thames River.

The Natural History Museum is mammoth (it holds 50 million specimens) and is housed in a beautiful Victorian, Neo-Romanesque building that was built in the 1870’s specifically for the museum. Although it’s been awhile since I’ve toured a natural history museum, which I enjoy, seeing this magnificent building was the highlight of the museum for me. It was stunning.

The magnificent Natural History Museum building.

An interior door in the Natural History Museum.

The kids looking at a display in the Natural History Museum.

Additional Photos:

The changing of the Horse Guards, a daily ceremony before heading to Buckingham Palace.

A view of the Tower of London, along the River Thames, from the Sky Garden.

*Rick Steves London, 2017

London is…a great place to celebrate.

I like the University of London’s branding: The world’s largest classroom Studied anywhere, valued everywhere.

We managed to get to the Barbican Centre in downtown London during rush hour traffic on Tuesday morning, via the Tube. Our son was participating in graduation ceremonies that day. This was our reason for being in London in early March. Tim earned his Master of Science degree in Public Health and graduated “with distinction”. We met up with our older son who flew in Tuesday morning for the special event. It was good to be together.

One of the many colleges comprising the University of London.

Our first two days concentrated on this special occasion…we were invited to tour buildings of the University of London, which were opened to graduates and their families, and our son attended a special reception for his college.

Ezra looking up at his daddy. One of my favorite graduation photos.

On graduation day we attended two ceremonies: one for the University of London and the other for his specific college, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

After a full day we had a delightful dinner celebration. It was wonderful to be in London to witness and commemorate Tim’s special achievement.

London is…greening up.

We left Minnesota’s record-breaking winter snowfall and cold temperatures and flew to London for a trip we planned months ago. It was refreshing to be in a place where the grass was greening up, buds on the trees were popping open, and flowers were blooming. The sun shone some, usually in the mornings, but the temperatures were in the forty’s and some days the wind made it very chilly indeed, and it rained a few times, but… that is London…and London is where I wanted to be!

We walked by this corner flower market every morning on our way to the Tube.

Outside Russell Square – these iconic telephone “boxes” are found in sporadic spots throughout London.

We had rented a house for the week…it was very unique: tall and narrow, with creaky, wooden steps and large windows in the stairwells. The first floor had two bedrooms and a bath. Our son and his family stayed on that level. Two flights up were the kitchen and living area. Two flights up from there were two more bedrooms, and the final flight of steps took you to the second bathroom at the top of the house. A very funky setup but it worked well. There was a lovely, enclosed patio off the main level but it was too cold to enjoy during our stay.

Gardens in St. James’s Park, on the way to Buckingham Palace.

Blooming flowers in a garden in Russell Square.

The house was just a half block to the London Tube system. The Tube system is so efficient. We bought a Tube Pass on the first day and took the Tube from the airport all the way to our rented house, transferring once. It took over an hour but was so easy. During the week we took the Tube everywhere we wanted to go.

A replica of a Tube car, made of Legos, in the Lego Store on Leicester Square.

One morning we did have to ride the Tube during rush hour and it was crowded! People were nose to nose…with more and more people squeezing in at each stop. We made it to our destination on time that day, but were thankful the Tube wasn’t crowded like that all the time. The Tube is used by many Londoners and it is a very good thing. We rode the Tube mostly during non-rush hour times. We “minded the gap” and rode it all around town.

White and yellow daffodils in St. James’s Park.

London is a busy city but there are a lot of parks and green spaces. It was nice to see many flowers blooming…especially the daffodils. I love perky daffodils and am always reminded of the poem by A.A.Milne (who was from London) called Daffydowndilly. In part it reads:

“She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,
She wore her greenest gown;
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down…”

Here is a link to the entire poem.

A beautiful green bird (many in the area) in St. James’s Park.

It was fun to be in London with our son and his family. The kids, ages 4 and almost 3, were good travellers. Traveling with children puts a different spin on things… it’s fun to see things through their eyes and with their excitement and enthusiasm. What joy to be in London with them.