"Papaw and the Hummingbird"
by, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

For the first time in all his born days,  
"Papaw the Great,"
 had the awesome experience of holding
 a "hummingbird," in his hands, today.

 It was great to see such a big smile on his face. 
Makes me love this southern humid "Home" even more.

 Having rescued many wee birds, the past 4 summers, 
I said, "Dad just pick her up in your hand."
 She lay there very still as he gently picked her up. 
"There you go" said he as she flew to her tree!" 

 We both knew it was a "Miracle."
  For the hummingbird and for us.
 A whisper from our "Heavenly Father."

"The Picnic Basket"
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

My grandma on my mother’s side, told me about her 
baby brother “Welsh Bowen." He died during WW2
 on the USS Pringle battle ship while serving his Country in the Navy.  
He perished with the ship.

He was engaged to be married to a beautiful Australian girl. 
Her name was “Inez”.

After Welsh died, Inez sent my grandmother a gift from Australia.
It was a big picnic basket, (the aussies say picnic hamper),
 packed full of goodies, exotic Australian treats. 


This basket was a true treasure to grandma who passed it down 
to my mother, who has passed it on to me. 
I too cherish this priceless treasure.

"One Hot Mess"
by, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

As I sit under the ceiling fan, having cold, seedless, 
sweet watermelon, it is,
 "one hot mess,"
outside.

 My dog "Sophie" (the oldest dog in history) is napping beside me, 
her dish full of fresh water on the hour.

The hens are waiting for a mist from the water hose. 
Before I venture out, I equip myself.

 Citronella bracelet, sunblock, bottle of water, big brim hat,
  and compassion for all God's creatures in this heat.

"Sleeping Under Cowboy Stars"
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

The "Moon" belongs to everyone! 

The best things in life are free!

In this computerized world, its hard to imagine 
a hot summer without air conditioning.

When my Dad was a little boy, in the
 dessert climate of "Bakersfield" California,
  Grandma had a remedy for this.
 She seemed to have a remedy for every crisis. 
Even with all the windows open, the cottage was too warm.

Fans didn't help much. The simple solution for a restful sleep? 
Move the "BED"
 outside under the moon & stars.

 So simple, yet so profound. 
The aroma of trees, flowers, and orange blossoms,
 filled the warm air.
 The cottage was smack dab in the middle 
of the famous "Sunkist" orange groves.

The sound of the "Night Owl,"
 against the quietness of the night. 
The slight breeze. 
 Soft cotton sheets against moist skin.
 Oh so relaxing beneath the trees, 
counting the bright stars, 
under silvery moonlight.

 Slumber at last for
 "Grandma & Grandpa"
 &
 all the little cowboys!

Maybe I will turn the air off tonight, 
after I move our bed outdoors. 
Save the planet & some money.

Nesting With No-Cost Objects of Beauty
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

I hear many families are getting
 short on cash. 
I remember when my grandmothers recycled soup cans,
washed out every sandwich bag,
 darned socks, etc.

 and they were never short on cash.
 Go figure!
 So here  are a few idea's from
 my wise mothers,
 of  free,
 but beautiful objects....

Tin Coffee Cans, they even come 
with a plastic lid. 
Not all coffee comes in tin canisters,
 but many do.


 Glass jars or bottles.
 Remove the labels by 
soaking in hot sudsy water,
 save the lids.


 Vacant bird nest.


 Pine cones. 


 Sea shells & sea glass.


  Fallen butterflies (do not kill them) 


 Pressed flowers.


 Emptied out eggs.


 Leaves.


 Rocks.


 & many many more.


 The best things in life are free!

"Downy Softness"
By Cheryl Harwell Bailey

As my grandson walks barefoot on our clover lawn, my mind goes immediately to my childhood in hot summertime "Kern County" California. My family always had soft "Dicondra" Grass. It was a bright carpet of green, tiny, clover-like blades, lives only in hot climate, and needs no mowing. Like velvet under our bare feet. Here in the "South" we have real "Clover" budding out everywhere, so hence ...... a scrumptious lawn pollinating with bees and butterflies. As cushy as a down-filled nest. No pesticides, no human effort (nature only), no cost. Only sunshine, rain & bare feet required. Soft, Short, Round Grass. HEY!!! Isn't that a description of me?

"Mama Hen's Chicks, Come Home to Nest"
By Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Not only has the "nest" been full this July, 

but my heart has been full as well.

 All the chicks were home at the same time, 

which is a rare occurrence!

The neon mountain bluebirds wake us up singing.

 Fresh eggs from our hens, pancakes,
 sausage & bacon on the griddle.

 The brood gathers for 
"Grandfathers" breakfast in our "sleepers."

 We dress, after we eat, in soft summer cottons. 
No shoes (flip flops maybe), no makeup, carefree ponytails.

 We talk, play, watch the hummingbirds.

 No calendars, no cellphones, no eating-out.

It is home-cooked summer food with no calorie counting.
 Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Angeled Eggs,
 Grilled Burgers, Hot Dogs, Ribs,
 Garden Fresh Salad, Garlic Bread, Cornbread etc.

Then as dusk arrives it is time to make 
home-made-hand-cranked ice cream on the back deck,
 as we watch the Fireflies & Fireworks.

 Our children are grown, 
our grandchildren are growing up too fast,
 but these are the memories they will cherish.

 Sometimes I think I'm dreaming. 
How could we be so very loved
 by our family, our friends? 
How could we be so blessed to live
 in the country, with our garden and our hens? 
How could we have been so honored 
to be born in the U.S.A; the land of liberty?
 God only knows!