Flamingos

I have long adored pink flamingos. There is something about them that is, well, tacky - but tacky in a good way, if there is such a thing. I maintain that if I display a pink flamingo in my yard knowing that it is tacky, then it is more kitschy than tacky. When a pink flamingo is intended to be art, then it is tacky. We purchased our current flamingo several years ago at the Cotton Pickin' Fair in Gay, Georgia. Truman is constructed out of recycled propane tank parts:

My fondness for pink flamingos is fairly widely known among our friends and family. Last week in honor of our 15th wedding anniversary, we were flamingoed by our friends Mike and Kelly:

How can you help but smile when you have a flock of pink flamingos on your lawn? And I think Truman rather enjoyed the company:

The flock of flamingos had to continue their migration, but another flamingo joined us this week. James' parents came to visit for a few days and brought with them an early birthday present for me:

And he's not just a flamingo, but a PIRATE flamingo, complete with a hook and an eye patch:

He is so freakin' tacky that he is awesome. He needs a name, so if anyone can think of a good name for a pirate flamingo, let me know.

Marching right along

Today is the last day of March and time to look back at how I did with my March resolutions, and I have good news to report.

Finishing the wrap for my Aunt Eula was my first resolution and I completed it mid-month. It turned out quite lovely (I will post more about it later, including photos); I got it in the mail last week and it safely arrived in Ohio. My cousin Pam needs to sew a label with Eula's name in it before she takes it to her at the assisted living facility.

The second resolution was to continue to exercise for 30 minutes, three times each week. I was ill with the Cold From Hell during the first full week of the month and only exercised once, but I met and exceeded my goal the other weeks. While I still have to force myself to get out the door, I enjoy the walk once underway and particularly enjoy the scenery as spring has come early.

The final resolution was to stop snacking and while there were some lapses now and then, I have made remarkable progress in limiting the amounts of snacks I consume. The decreased snacking and the exercise have yielded a tangible result: I have lost five pounds! I do want to lose more but it is certainly affirming to see my work pay off.

What is ahead for April? I am going to continue with the exercise and no snacking resolutions, and add portion control at meals. It is no surprise that I like to eat but I need to learn that I can enjoy just about any food I like, just in smaller amounts. Hopefully at this time next month, there will be even less of me!