http://www.flickr.com/photos/66542489@N00/9521488617/

Click above. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titlis

Looking back while on the revolving cable car on the way to the top of Mt. Titlis.

Clink link above photo for information about this mountain in Switzerland. 

Me on the bridge in the fog at the top of Mt. Titlis

 

A scene from along the Reuss River in Lucerne which is situated along the river and connects with Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. 

Interestingly, while eating my morning breakfast I read this column in the local paper.  

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/aug/10/sam-venable-austrians-love-of-the-outdoors-is-on/

The author’s view (he must have been visiting Europe about the same time as I) states exactly what I thought about the walkers and bikers crowding the streets of Lucerne.  Much of the city is car-free!

The photos is taken with and i-phone using an app, consequently the small landscape shot (even though I posted it as large).  I did not expect to find Xanga still open when I returned but am glad that it is although apparently not getting much traffic.  

PS — I will be back to catch up on reading recent posts as soon as I catch up on my sleep.

 

 

Visited the National Historic Site in Atlanta, photo of MLK’s boyhood home.

http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm

We also spent some time at this center.

http://www.cartercenter.org/index.html

If you ever get a chance to visit these sites please do so.  The Martin Luther King National Park is free and the Carter Center has a reduced admission for seniors.  

Tiger Swallowtail on butterfly bush in bloom. 

Serving It’s Intended Purpose 

Wonderful to see

Swallowtail drinking nectar

From butterfly bush

Shiny wings 

Immersed in fragrant blossoms

Busy bee

Positive Illusions* 

His voice echoes loud across the porch.

She sits attentive to her morning gmail and Facebook. 

He scans Huffington Post his source 

of news and education since retirement.

My god, he says, this research article

details the source of a lasting, loving relationship.

Couples who still love after many years

maintain “positive illusions!”

They think their partner is hot

even though they have added 

30 pounds since marriage. 

  

Sorry dear, I was listening until 

this gmail from Echo arrived 

saying shoes are 30 per cent off

plus free shipping!

 

Obviously, at some point in life

shoes become more important

than lasting love. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/lasting-love-long-term-relationships_n_3530293.html

http://www.almanac.com/plant/gladiolus#

Nothing much to post except this new visitor to the garden. 

Random thoughts about Xanga

1) Since I have a lifetime membership does that mean I should be dead by now.  

2) Or does it mean I will die this month?

Note:1 I still think Xanga’s Premium has been a bargain.

Note: 2 I was hoping to some day soon learn about all of the features of Xanga but I guess I had better focus on WordPress

PS – random thought…..if I do die today or sometime soon how would Xanga know?

I enjoyed part of Tuesday on Market Square in Knoxville, TN.  Seems there is a movement to keep Knoxville scruffy.

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/204681/2/keep-knoxville-scruffy-stirs-new-pride-with-old-nickname

The news link gives you information about the idea and the movement.  I guess it is similar to “Keep Portland Weird.” 

 

Not a Jiffy Man*

From behind her desk

over gold rimmed glasses

her voice crackled an announcement.

 

You will have your ham hocks

next time you come in.

 

His smile spread on his bearded face

from below a crooked nose.

 

Then I must bring you something in return,

perhaps one of my desserts.

 

He ambled into her office and

placed a savory pie atop her desk.

 

Here is one made with fresh strawberries.

I hope you like it.

 

His step had more bounce 

his gait quicker from injections

into his withered spine.

 

A gigantic ham hock 

peaked through the glass cover

of the ceramic casserole dish.  

Its shear size startled him

and activated his seldom wet salivary glands.

 

I brought some cornbread too.

I figured you liked corn bread

but your not a “Jiffy Man.”

No sir, you look like a man 

who likes it from scratch.

 

His smile was wide as a flooded river.

Ham hocks in one hand, cornbread in the other

he pranced out the door

proud not to be a  “Jiffy Man.”

 

* Jiffy is the name of a popular corn muffin mix.

Note:  This poem is NOT about a personal experience — I did not get ham hocks and cornbread.