A Groundhog's Tea

 Goat and Turtle are the best of friends. They love cake and tea! Especially sharing them together, that's their favorite place to be.  

 

Goat made a new friend at the pool one day. She called Turtle to see if this friend could join them for fun and to play. "I think she is like us, you see," Goat said, "I just learned she loves cake and she also loves tea!"

 

"Really?" asked Turtle, "Can this be? Another friend like you and me?! Please ask her to join us. What great fun for us both! I agree."

 

The next day there was a knock on Turtle's door. Poor Groundhog was a little scared, she'd never been there before. Turtle opened the door with a smile. "Do come in, Groundhog, please join us for awhile!"

 

Goat was already there pouring some tea. "Would you like milk, sugar, or honey, Groundhog? I will serve you, please tell me." 

 

Groundhog sat down, feeling more than a little shy. She smiled at Turtle and Goat, then began to wonder about her feelings, asking herself why? Silly me!" she thought, there was no need to feel nervous, scared, or shy. "Milk and honey for me, please," she replied.

 

The two best friends made a new friend that day. Sometimes they shared cake and tea. Other times they went to the playground to run and play. 

 

Sometimes, Turtle joined Groundhog and Goat at the pool. They would splash and swim for hours on end. When the days are filled with so much laughter and joy, you know that you have found a good friend.

New friends are gifts to be treasured close to your heart. They bring sunshine to your life, that is the best part. 

 

That day Turtle and Goat found a new friend for them to share. Having one dear friend is a blessing, indeed. Finding two friends who care, that is a gift beyond compare. 

A Cardinal in Winter

 

A beautiful cardinal sits,

so red and bright.

On a tree branch

in the winter sunlight.

He chirps and preens,

waiting to he be seen.

Such a chilly crisp

in the air!

Our friend is not cold,

he is quite happy there.

There are icicles hanging

in the bare trees,

All the other birds watch to see,

where he will alight.

The cardinal sits,

so red and bright.

He reminds us of

the beauty that surrounds us,

even in the midst of

the snow and cold.

I love watching him,

so beautiful and bold.

Before too long,

the snow and ice will thaw.

The winter will be no more.

But the cardinal will stay.

through the spring.

I take great joy

In hearing him sing.

And he reminds me that

each season holds beauty,

in its own way.

Today, I urge you to stop.

And listen,

to what our friend

has to say.

A cardinal in winter,

beautiful and bright.

Let’s watch and listen together,

as he sings in the sunlight.

Turtle & Goat: Summer's End with a Best Friend

 

The first day of school was done,

carrying books and homework,

Turtle felt far away from all the summer fun.

 

After school, he grabbed the phone.

He couldn’t wait to call Goat,

who was already home.

 

Goat picked up right away, 

having had the same idea.

“Turtle!” she cried hearing his voice,

“You are such a dear!”

 

Turtle asked, “Can you come over now

for some tea and lemon cake?

I cannot wait to hear about your

summer adventures at the lake.”

 

“Yes, I simply must come 

and see you right away,”Goat replied, 

“Once I hang up this phone, 

I will be on my way.”

 

Goat hurried over, she could not wait,

Filled with joy at seeing Turtle,

plus, tea and lemon cake!

 

These best friends each had 

wonderful summer adventures,

filled with fun in the sun.

But together again in friendship,

they were still united as one.

 

Laughing over delicious cake 

and cups of tea,

Goat shared her stories 

of summer spent at the lake,

while Turtle shared his stories 

of swimming in the sea.

 

They drank their tea, 

giggled, and smiled;

best friends are still best friends,

even if apart for a while. 

 

At summer’s end spending time far away

mattered not a bit.

Goat loves Turtles kindness,

and Turtle loves Goat’s wit.

 

The afternoon went by in a flash,

Goat looked at the time 

and saw she had to dash.

“Thank you, dear Turtle, 

for your friendship and fun,”

Goat said with a hug,

“You are the most precious friend

I could ever find under the sun.”

 

Turtle smiled shyly, 

he hugged Goat tighter,

whispering, “Your friendship always 

make my days so much brighter.”

 

Friendship is delicious,

just like good cake and tea,

For without our dear best friends,

wherever would we be?

 

Remember bestest best friends 

hold you close in their heart,

It does not matter if you are together 

or far apart.

 

The greatest gift is a friend 

who makes us feel

that being with them is coming home,

No matter where life takes you,

or however far you choose to roam.

 

A Spring Tree

 

A spring tree stands outside my door,

Its beautiful pink blossoms

touching the floor.

(Or in this case, grass.)

 

The blooms herald spring’s awakening,

its vivid vale of pastel hues

as time is hastening.

(Or springing ahead.)

 

I love watching the tree,

the branches gently swaying.

in the soft, spring breeze.

(Or in the rain.)

 

Trees in spring know they’re special,

they take on various hues,

as their blooms nestle.

(Or cluster together.)

 

Spring trees remind us all.

that time is always moving, 

yet they remain until fall.

(Or sometimes winter.)

 

Spring trees make us stop in awe,

we look and smile,

they leave us happier than before.

(Or they bring us joy.)