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This Is What Passes for Spring in the City Random 5 Friday

I know yesterday was Happiness Day, but I'm happy today, too. It was sunny, warmer and it's time for Random 5 Friday. That's an unbeatable combo for me.

1) Pussy willows have always meant spring to me, even when they're stuck in a bucket in one of the most crowded urban settings on the planet. This isn't the prettiest picture I've ever taken, but this was my first pussy willow sighting this year and it's spring to me.

Yes, that's a shadow selfie in the bottom right corner. 

2) I started to do some research on sights to see in Dublin this summer. I'll be there for not quite three days and I compiled a list today that could fill a week easily. I want to leave some time to enjoy a cup of tea, take lots of pictures and do some walking. If anyone has been to Dublin I'd appreciate your thoughts. 

3) I don't think I say this often enough, but I love the comments I get. I'm still laughing over the thought of being rescued by a "hunky fireman" during my chair almost-disaster. My thought at the time was that I was going to be humiliated by a fire truck racing to yoga. But on reconsideration, if they promise to send cute firemen -- aren't they all! -- I'm willing risk intervention by the FDNY.    


4) While we're on the topic of blogging, I'm wondering what happened to my page views this month. I was getting about 200 every day and in the last two weeks the number has dropped to closer to 120. I did a little research and all of the page views from the Ukraine are gone and most of the ones from Russia are gone, too. I never could have predicted that the Ukraine crisis would have an effect on my blog. Has anyone else noticed this trend?

5) I'm looking for a favorite and easy chicken slow cooker recipe. I'm in a cooking slump and need to get out my slow cooker and make something easy and yummy for the tomorrow's dinner and the freezer. I know there are creative cooks in Buttercupland and I welcome your suggestions. 

These five just flew by and I've really enjoyed chatting. As always, thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

20 comments

TARYTERRE said...

Smiled over the cute fireman intervention. That would be a charming rescue, for sure.

Marie Rayner said...

I am playing catch up this morning Carol. I have loved reading it all. YOU lead a fascinating life and I just adore these glimpses you give us into New York City, a place I hope to one day go. I switched my blog to a new one a month or so ago and my reader visitors plunged to almost nil. That's ok. I don't do it for them. I do it for me. Selfish as that may seem! It's interesting what political unrest can do. I don't get a lot from that area anyways, so I would not have noticed. Happy Spring! xxoo

Theresa said...

Spring is showing up around here too:) I am excited to have some fresh blooms soon! I haven't noticed any change in number of viewers, I will check that out! Enjoy your day up there dear friend, HUGS!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

We have a pussy willow tree in our yard and it is starting to pop open with those fussy little catkins. It is always a welcome site every spring. Hope you have a super Saturday!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Being rescued by a hunky fireman for something small might be worth it. Thrills like that don't come our way too often.

All of a sudden, I notice that I am getting quite a bit of hits from the Ukraine. Russia and all it's bots are still going strong. Lucky me!

Linda said...

Oh dear friend..our blog viewerships etc are only going to get worse..I am afraid..please excuse my funk..ANYWAYS--I enjoy coming here and seeing your posts. Blessings

Sarah Huizenga said...

I am hoping to get to Dublin for my 50th in 4 years. That has always been on my bucket list.

White Lace and Promises said...

When I was working in another county, we had a hunky fireman who became a regular customer. woo! I had a hot flash every time he walked in. When a recent tornado dropped down there was a photo on fb that since this old woman's heart beating. No real, the Christian woman has purposed in her heart not to defile herself, but one can look as long as we don't lust??? How do you define lust??? JK I had dreams of being in an accident and his having to tear the clothes off of this fat body. LOL The hunky fireman made me laugh at my memory.

Sola Scriptura said...

My views have also gone way down, but I think that is because I have a new blog (and compare the views to my old blog).
Do you plan on touring the Guinness Factory in Dublin or the National Botanic Gardens? Also, the National Museum of Ireland is an amazing place!

Melinda said...

Sounds like you had a fun week.
I love comments to but the are down also. I chalked some of it up to Pinterest. I also think blogging is something from the past.
BUT I will carry on.

M : )

Mevely317 said...

Gosh, I'd not thought of pussy-willows in forever! Definitely, a harbinger of Spring ... a concept we're not real familiar with in Phoenix (lol).

So, it's not even 10A and your mention of slow-cooker chicken has me salivating. Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to Pinterest I go!

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Nellie said...

No help here on what to see/do in Dublin. I've never been, but would love to join you!:)

I've not paid attention to my page views statistics. Perhaps I should begin to do that.

Enjoy your week-end, Buttercup!

Elizabeth C. said...

Good morning. I found your blog becasue of the A-Z Challenge. I too am part of the challenge. I have a arts and crafts blog called http://flowerchilddesigns.wordpress.com and a gardening blog thetomatoladyblog.com.

I live on the opposite side of the country from you. Not Seattle but the second largest city in WA, Spokane. I enjoyed reading your take on New York City.

Susie said...

Buttercup, So you are going to Ireland.Oh I wish I could come along. Do get tons of pictures. You know what you said about hunky firemen....well the gas company in our area was working around my daughter's house..(sorry boys) they were lacking in the cute and suave department...but everytime my SIL was home it would be the knock-out( male modals) crew...so my SIL started teasing my daughter about them. Now he comes home and pulls the shower curtain back with my daughter in there and yells, "Gas Man !" My daughter told me this story. I laugh every time I see the gas men working.. xoxo, Susie

Lynda said...

I have so enjoyed your posts - - especially you 40 Bags. It's encouraging and fun to see us retirees having time and excitement about recreating our environment. I will send you a couple of slow cooker recipes we like. Sorry I haven't commented on everything - - - been super busy and also sick for 10 days - - but we are almost better now.

Nancy said...

Never a dull moment Carol! Thanks for joining in this week. xo

Elizabeth Edwards said...

sorry to hear of the drop in numbers. i hope they will return soon. i have had a busy weekend. lots of baking & cooking too. i hope you have a lovely one. so ready for spring. it is time. well, past the time in my opinion. but i think they are calling for some snow this week. we will see. ( :

Kerin said...

Yes.. pussy willows are a sure sign of spring. Ahhh... love this time of year; shaking out the stuffiness of Winter, and letting sunshine and fresh air in :)

Check our Pinterest for some great recipes.

Smiles :)
~K.

Pam said...

Oh, I love pussy willows and can't wait to see some green here! Stats are the same here and kind of funny, none from Russia, etc. that I have seen. Have a good week ahead, I'm wrapped up in March Madness right now!

Annesphamily said...

Why are fireman so hunky? Sigh! Even the older fireman who helped my hubby cut the cord when Hannah was born at home was a cutie! LOL! That was some evening. And one we never planned that way!
Oh gosh you have signs of Spring all around. I don't get a lot of blog traffic, just the usual good buddies I love seeing! I will have to ask Darragh about Dublin. He is Nick's friend and former room mate who is a native of Ireland. Do you know Jenny Matlock at Alphabe Thursday? Her kids moved to Ireland and she and Steve are heading there in April. My daughter Noelle also has a friend Mary who is native to Ireland! I will see what they say!
Hugs, Anne