An unexpected surprise came our way early Saturday morning when a pair of trumpeter swans appeared on the little lake behind our home.  For more than thirty years, we’ve watched geese, ducks, and colorful birds appear out our window.  Swans we saw only in books.

Before long, neighbors appeared lakeside, and wide-eyed children couldn’t comprehend what they were witnessing. Photos aimed at capturing this phenomenon could not totally grasp the feelings of this incredible happening. For almost an hour, we watched these amazing creatures glide across the water and eventually take flight.

In doing a bit of research, we discovered this pair probably mated for life. In the 1930s, fewer than 100 trumpeter swans remained south of Canada. More recent efforts have focused on reintroducing the species to areas thought to be part of the former breeding range which includes Minnesota.  In 2015, an estimated 17,000 trumpeter swans were spotted …
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No one knows exactly where the much loved Irish blessing “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You” came from. Some trace it back to St. Patrick because it is similar to his other writings. This blessing was originally an Irish prayer, first written in the Irish Gaelic language and then translated into English.

The Irish are said to have a deep appreciation for all things nature and outdoors. The Celts often used wind, sun and rain as symbols or to show how God is connected with His people.

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So very much appreciate all of the beautiful birthday wishes from around the world yesterday!

An afternoon activity, planned by my always-thoughtful husband and daughter, allowed us to create 50 gift bags for the homeless.  Each one was addressed “To Someone Special” and contain a variety of treats, notepads and pens.  Those staying at the Higher Ground shelter in St. Paul are soon to be smiling.

No better way to celebrate a birthday than with the gift of giving!

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The vast majority of people, in America and around the world, love pizza and eat it on a regular basis. This holiday is always held on February 9, according to Holiday Insights.

Some interesting trivia on the ever popular pizza:

• Pepperoni is the most popular, preferred by 36% of  people.
• Over 3 Billion pizzas are sold in the U.S. each year.
• More pizzas are sold on Super Bowl Sunday, than any other day of the year.
• Halloween is the second most popular day for eating pizzas.
• Over 17% of restaurants serve pizza.
• The first pizza was sold in Naples, Italy in 1738.
• Americans consume over 23 pounds of pizza per year.

And if you really want to practice scattering kindness today, you could order some pizza for a local shelter.

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A group of writers were asked what we can do to scatter more kindness this year. One responded with poetry.

KINDNESS SCATTERED
by EsterFlowers1

Empathy takes little heart;

Coins in cups to pay your part,

Scattering, like chicken feed

To fellow human beings in need.

– Or so I was told, at corruptible age,

By one who I always considered quite sage.

Now I know kindness is not coins in cups;

It’s the laughter that cures the ill of hiccups.

It’s a sharing of honest reflections and ken.

It’s the nod which passes between two worthy men.

It’s the dog that comes sniffing at trembling hands.

-All those big little things humankind understands.

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