No getting around it, a little sunshine does wonders for the northern spirit. We have company, and this afternoon we were all over at Barnes Park enjoying the little dab of balmy weather. Rob the Firefighter and the Lady Alicia went cross-country skiing on the groomed trails with Lucy the Sleek. Susan (mother of the Lady Alicia) and I walked sedately around the circle with the Disreputable Duo and told each other outrageous stories that we will never share with our children.
The late afternoon sun set fire to the shrubbery. I’m pretty sure this is bittersweet, although I would be glad to be corrected. Susan thinks that if the birds haven’t eaten these pretty berries by now, they must be poisonous. The berries, not the birds. I have no idea myself.
The dogs have pretty much exhausted themselves chasing each other, Susan and I have talked nonstop for a day and a half, and we have all eaten a great many excellent treats. We are going to bed now. Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about the remodeling at Sonny’s and the new birdhouses at the Day Park and who knows what all. I hope that you, too, are having a wonderful weekend, and that you have both sunshine and good stories in abundance.
Torch Lake Views 
Preston Surface
January 17, 2010
The red berries are beautiful. Your focus is fantastic. Your conversation a piece of art.
Gerry
January 17, 2010
Preston, were you listening to the Mothers tell outrageous stories? You rascal. Don’t tell the kids. Mothers have to have some secrets, even in Torch Lake Township.
Kathy
January 17, 2010
Oh your red berries are beautiful, beautiful! (I don’t know about their poisonous possibilities.) As for Lucy the “Sleek”…I am wondering if you have names like this for all of your on-line friends as well. Names that you only think in your head. Or if Susan has another name after you’ve spent such long enjoyable time in her company? Just wonderin’. 😉
Gerry
January 17, 2010
Lucy has become “the Sleek” because, sadly, Miss Sadie has become “the Portly” and the Cowboy . . . we won’t even discuss his physique. As for Susan, for the last 20 years or so, I’ve called her Sue, but if in the blog she’s going to be referred to as the Mother of the Lady Alicia “Sue” seemed a bit informal.
I am pondering an appropriate moniker. Time Will Tell.
flandrumhill
January 17, 2010
Gerry, I agree that this is likely bittersweet. The berries are considered edible by some but not all. They’re supposed to be very bitter, hence the name. That is certainly a beautiful image of them.
Gerry
January 18, 2010
Thank you ma’am. Nothing enhances this place like the combined knowledge of its readers.
Anna Surface
January 19, 2010
We’ve had thick fog day in and day out for three days and it is getting a bit sniffling. Need sunshine! Beautiful bright berries!
Gerry
January 19, 2010
Oh, I’m glad I posted the berries. I know just how important it is to have a splash of color on a foggy winter day.