Who am I not to say?

haiku

2012-01-25T17:14:00.008-05:00

The water closes

over me, warm, soft, scented.

This bath is quite deep.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2011-04-19T14:00:00.004-04:00

Forsythia turns

from bloom to leaf while I wait

for the rain to stop.

Photo by: Osquer April 11, 2003

haiku: Happy PI day! 3.14

2011-03-14T18:53:00.004-04:00

It's a wonderful

day for Pi! March fourteenth. I

remembered to bake!

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Jay)

2011-02-03T16:00:00.002-05:00

I place my morning

spoon in the spoon rest with yours.

The cup warms my hands.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2011-02-02T16:32:00.006-05:00

Quite literally

howling at my back door, Wind

keeps me company.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2010-08-20T12:29:00.003-04:00

Sun bakes bare roadside

trees so toxic even the

kudzu won't touch them.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2010-05-14T20:46:00.003-04:00

A robin, singing

between storms, shelters beneath

the broad maple leaves.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2009-11-03T18:33:00.003-05:00

I listen to the

wind wooing my windows and

hope they won't sucumb.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Max - Rest in peace.)

2009-11-02T20:57:00.009-05:00

Our cat has left us

along with Summer's warmth, but

we must carry on.

Photo by: Osquer - April 4, 2009

www.oneword.com - one word, so little time [certain]

2009-11-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

I was certain that the cat was dead, but I was afraid to pet him one last time. Part of me thought if I touched him he would move. I don't know why that frightened me because it would have meant that he was alive. I will miss him. He welcomed me into this home with love and enthusiastic affection. I petted him goodbye for that.

haiku

2009-01-20T17:42:00.000-05:00

I feel encased in

the winter ice. The cold has

seeped into my bones.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2008-12-04T20:26:00.012-05:00

The threat of weather

keeps me indoors, but fails to

materialize.

Photo by: Osquer - Nov. 27, 2008

www.oneword.com - one word, so little time [hover]

2008-12-04T13:51:00.003-05:00

I tried not to hover over his shoulder as I remembered how much that annoyed me when people did it to me, but I was fascinated by the skill of his hands as he manipulated the tiny wires, disks and crystals in the model. "If I can just figure out the dimensions, I can get the entire space/time continuum up and running again."

haiku (for Jay)

2008-11-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

I enjoy the crunch

of leaves underfoot, knowing

they'll be raked up soon.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-10-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

Helicopter seed

lands on the windowsill while

I make myself lunch.

Photo by: Osquer

Pittsburgh 250 Photosynth

2008-10-04T11:00:00.002-04:00

Photos by: Osquer and Jay

haiku (for Jay)

2008-09-05T21:07:00.003-04:00

Sunset slices through

preoccupation, and I

hurry home to you.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-08-13T13:54:00.003-04:00

A pigeon's toilet

shows little respect for the

king of the forest.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2008-07-17T18:42:00.002-04:00

Butterflies and I

like oregano blooms for

different reasons.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (with a nod to Billy Crystal)

2008-07-16T18:02:00.001-04:00

Green tomatoes hang

in the sultry air. I slice

zucchini to grill.

Photos by: Osquer
Grilling by: Jay

haiku

2008-07-15T19:16:00.005-04:00

Late blooming Black-Eyed-

Susans wink shyly from their

shadowy corner.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-07-11T18:44:00.007-04:00

A large bumble-bee

rests from her long day's labors.

I leave her alone.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-06-16T21:47:00.002-04:00

The garden is in

it's young glory. All is green

with golden blossoms.

Photo by: Osquer
Garden by: Osquer and her Dad

haiku

2008-06-13T18:42:00.002-04:00

Bread dough rises more

quickly in June than it does

in January.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2008-06-12T20:55:00.003-04:00

Geraniums grow

pink in the sun like tourists

without their sunscreen.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-05-29T09:07:00.003-04:00

With a little sun

to bake them, rosebuds will pop

like pink corn kernels.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku (for Luke)

2008-05-28T13:42:00.000-04:00

The scent of new-mown

grass and the sight of my new

son both make me smile.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Pendragon)

2008-05-27T22:30:00.000-04:00

My parrot dubs in

sound effects for my life and

his own amusement.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Mom)

2008-05-26T15:00:00.002-04:00

New rhubarb's new leaves

emerge shyly. They know that

next year we harvest.

Photo by: Osquer

(This is Osquer's Mom's new rhubarb patch. Rhubarb takes two years to reach maturity. Patience, Mom! Pies next year!)

haiku

2008-05-25T22:15:00.003-04:00

Jasmine's elusive

scent caresses my nostrils

and my fantasies.

Photo by: Osquer

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Jay!

2008-05-17T12:00:00.004-04:00

haiku for children

2008-05-09T09:42:00.004-04:00

I remember when

love was a pop can full of

water and tadpoles.

* * * * * * *

Don't worry. I poured them back into the pond before we left camp. No, I don't remember the name of the boy who gave them to me. Give me a break. It was almost 30 years ago!

haiku (written at 11pm last night)

2008-04-26T13:50:00.003-04:00

A fan belt on the

evening breeze stands in for the

crickets yet to come.

.

haiku (for Max the cat)

2008-04-18T22:03:00.005-04:00

If you tell me cats

have no sense of irony

I won't believe you.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Jay)

2008-04-12T22:06:00.005-04:00

Thank you for calling

me out to share the first of

the cherry blossoms!

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-04-07T22:30:00.004-04:00

Trying to blossom

too soon in this cold world can

shatter fresh flowers.

Photo by: Osquer

Feta Flatbread with Pesto

2008-04-03T19:13:00.005-04:00

Recipe by: Osquer

Prep time: about 5 minutes
Cook time: about 15 minutes

Pillsbury French Loaf Bread Dough
Pesto
Crumbled Feta Cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Remove the bread dough from the can and unroll it onto the parchment.

Using a basting brush, thinly brush with pesto.

Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese.

Bake at 350 until the underside begins to brown (Lift a corner every few minutes with a spatula to check.) approximately 10-12 minutes.

Place under broiler for a few minutes until the top turns golden brown and the feta begins to toast.

Cut into triangles. (This way each piece has a really nice crispy edge.)

This is great served with salsa or chilled diced tomatoes. I can’t wait to try it with some wedding soup!

Pesto Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_30509,00.html

haiku (in memory of Tally-Dog)

2008-03-26T11:24:00.007-04:00

I resist the urge

to save the dust bunnies that

are made of your fur.
.

haiku

2008-03-16T21:44:00.004-04:00

Come, let me whisper

sweet nothings in your shell-like

ear, "It's almost Spring!"

Photo by: Osquer

R.I.P. Talamasca 1995-2008

2008-03-09T17:21:00.008-04:00

Talamasca, better known as Tally, The Great Mole Hunter is at peace.

I can think of no better obituary than the words we repeated to him over and over during his final days:

"Tally's a good dog!"

haiku

2008-03-07T21:44:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I wonder

what the Chinese who make our

stuff must think of us.

Photo by: Osquer
(The dog toy above was labeled as a "Sea Lion.")

haiku

2008-02-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

The Rose of Sharon

cradles snow and recalls fields

of summer cotton.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-02-22T17:08:00.003-05:00

I pine for last year's

barbecues, and microwave

last night's leftovers.

Photo by: Osquer

tonight's dinner

2008-02-21T20:36:00.008-05:00

Ham and Havarti with Dill en Croute
suggested by: Bea, modified by: Osquer

1 (8oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls
2 Tablespoons finely chopped green
onions
6 oz. Havarti with Dill cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked ham
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350.

Separate dough into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.

Spoon 1/4 of chopped green onions onto center of each rectangle; top with ¼ of cheese. Top each with 1/4 of ham, pressing into cheese.

Fold short ends over ham, overlapping slightly. Fold open ends over about 1/2 inch to form rectangle. Press all edges to seal.

Place seam side down on ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan or cookie sheet.

Cut three 1-inch slashes on top of each roll to form steam vents. Brush with egg, sprinkle with dill and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 21 to 26 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

haiku for children

2008-02-21T20:19:00.002-05:00

Do you think that the

power in the lines keeps their

little bird feet warm?

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (with apologies to Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

2008-02-20T15:11:00.005-05:00

In the winter an

old maid’s bitterness darkly

turns to thoughts of youth.

Photo by: Osquer

"In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." --Tennyson

haiku

2008-02-16T22:08:00.004-05:00

Snow ploughs make mountains

out of parking lot mole hills

that may last 'til Spring.

Photo by: Osquer

Tonight's Dinner

2008-02-03T21:10:00.000-05:00

Photo by: Osquer
Dinner baked by: Osquer

ROSEMARY CHICKEN and BRIE en CROUTE
by: Mary Lou Cook, Fallbrook, CA
©2007 General Mills, Inc.

1(8oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls
2 Tablespoons finely chopped green onions
6 oz. Brie cheese, rind removed, cubed
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary leaves
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350.

Separate dough into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.

Spoon 1/4 of chopped green onions onto center of each rectangle; top with ¼ of cheese cubes. Top each with 1/4 of chicken, pressing into cheese.

Fold short ends over chicken, overlapping slightly. Fold open ends over about 1/2 inch to form rectangle. Press all edges to seal.

Place seam side down on ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan or cookie sheet.

Cut three 1-inch slashes on top of each roll to form steam vents. Brush with egg, sprinkle with rosemary and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 21 to 26 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

* * * * * * *

This is a yummy and versatile recipe. I've used different cheeses and want to try ham and cheddar next. I may choose an herb other than rosemary for that one. Hmmm. What goes good with ham? --Osquer

haiku (for Mom)

2008-01-27T16:23:00.000-05:00

The right broiler temp.

and timely advice from Mom

crisp my parmesan.

Photos by: Osquer

Parmesan Crisps:

Spray cookie sheet with butter flavored cooking spray.

Using a round cookie cutter as a guide make thin circles of shaved or grated parmesan on the cookie sheet.

Place under broiler on high until golden and crispy. Watch carefully! They only take a few minutes to cook.

Remove from cookie sheet and use as garnish for chili or soup or just enjoy as a yummy snack.

Thanks, Mom for teaching me to make these!

Dolphin Play - bubble rings

2008-01-26T14:35:00.001-05:00

Don't Panic! Enjoy this relaxing video.

haiku (for Jay and Tally)

2008-01-17T19:47:00.001-05:00

Is that the dog's nose

in your pocket or are you

just glad to see me?

Photos by: Osquer

magnetic haiku (for Jay)

2008-01-10T20:44:00.001-05:00

winter rain dances
drunkenly down our windows
wet languid kisses

haiku

2008-01-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

"Optimist!" laughed Mom,

while I walked to the garden

to pick brussel sprouts.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-01-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

Shouldn't this be a

cop, an Indian and a

construction worker?

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2008-01-04T17:06:00.001-05:00

If you have a god

to pray to, speak comfort for

those who are in pain.

magnetic haiku (for Tally)

2008-01-03T18:48:00.001-05:00

I have sad news for anyone who knows our beloved dog, Talamasca, better known as Tally. He was recently diagnosed with a tumor that will soon take him from us. The longest we can hope he will remain with us is six more months. He is not suffering and we will do our best to keep it that way. He is still happy and, as he has always been, a very good dog!

haiku

2007-12-29T19:31:00.001-05:00

No matter how old

or young, who can resist a

boatload of baubles?

Photos by: Osquer
Chihuly at Phipps

haiku (for Dad)

2007-12-13T20:44:00.001-05:00

Chocolate arts and

crafts make pretty delicious

Yule decorations.

Photo by: Osquer
Chocolate Pretzel Wreath by: Osquer's Dad

haiku

2007-12-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

Snow falls almost as

quietly as my tears. I

got laid off today.

magnetic haiku

2007-11-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Vegetables from my

garden boil down to thoughts of

summer in a can.

Photo by: Osquer

magnetic haiku

2007-11-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

spring shivers through my

autumn dreams to whisper to

our sleeping garden

haiku (for Mom and Dad)

2007-11-05T20:03:00.001-05:00

As the days shorten

sunshine grows around your door

in potted flowers.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-11-04T18:24:00.001-05:00

Leaves pale and shiver

as the cold weather sets in.

Soon they'll be falling.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Jay)

2007-11-03T19:37:00.000-04:00

Leaves fall like snow and

I bake bread to keep warm while

you paint the bathroom.

Photos by: Osquer
(Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Pesto Swirl Bread)

Magnetic Haiku (for Jay)

2007-11-02T21:58:00.001-04:00

Warm under fluffy

down blankets our embrace holds

our dreams together.

haiku

2007-10-31T15:54:00.001-04:00

There’s a diference

between art and graffiti.

One is destructive.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

You've heard of Kitchen

Witches? Of course I had to

have a kitchen gnome.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-29T20:41:00.001-04:00

Like gorgons doing

battle, my spider plant and

plush dragon engage.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-28T12:56:00.001-04:00

Frost warnings bring a

hasty and perhaps final

seasonal harvest.

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-27T15:06:00.001-04:00

While baking bread in

jars I learned there's such a thing

as too much success.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

There's so much I could

say, but I think I'll let the

tag speak for itself.

?

?!

Photos by: Osquer

haiku (for Paperback Writer)

2007-10-25T18:17:00.000-04:00

I think Paperback

Writer cursed my brussel sprouts

with little green worms!

Fear not! All is not

lost. There are still sprouts to be

found in the garden.

Photos and video by: Osquer

haiku (for all those struggling in California)

2007-10-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

Seeing gray rain clouds

above still green hills, I think

of California.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-23T20:13:00.000-04:00

Somehow, lemons smell

like Summer even when they're

in sauce in Autumn.

Fresh Yellow Tomato Sauce with Tarragon, Butter and Lemon

Photo and video by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-22T21:30:00.001-04:00

A potted daisy,

taking advantage of warm

autumn weather, blooms.

Photo and video by: Osquer

Torchwood: Anything Goes

2007-10-22T18:07:00.001-04:00

This is a delightful performance by John Barrowman of the fantastic television show Torchwood.

haiku

2007-10-21T19:30:00.001-04:00

Fall colors sprinkled

under an Autumn blue sky

but it feels like spring

photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Mary Christina)

2007-10-20T17:49:00.001-04:00

Cinnamon fills the

kitchen with its scent. I'll be

damned! You can can bread!

Photos by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-19T21:26:00.001-04:00

The sky, cried out, sighs,

a twinkle back in her eyes,

though the gloom lingers.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (in memory of Pgh Guy)

2007-10-18T22:16:00.001-04:00

Some improbable

locations can produce strong

and beautiful lives.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-17T17:43:00.001-04:00

Think if I give the

gnome a rake, he'll do something

about all these leaves?

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-16T18:40:00.001-04:00

We find indoor homes

for patio plants as cold

weather approaches.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-15T20:29:00.001-04:00

Bold-as-brass squirrel

surveys our yard. As far as

he's concerned, it's his.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-14T17:09:00.001-04:00

More and more pumpkins

appear in the neighborhood.

Halloween's coming!

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-13T22:36:00.001-04:00

He got a glazed look

in his eye when he thought of

eating her cookies.

Photo by & Anginetti baked by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-12T18:13:00.001-04:00

Video by: Osquer - Bessemer Court Fountain

I dance along with

the fountain, shivering in

rhythm to keep warm.

Photo by: Osquer

Photo by: Jay

haiku

2007-10-11T20:30:00.001-04:00

Raindrops rest on the

morning glories after their

long journey to earth.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-10T20:38:00.001-04:00

Who knows what dragons

may treasure? Not all hoards shine

with silver and gold.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Jay)

2007-10-09T20:19:00.001-04:00

Photo by: Osquer

I lost myself in

the city’s layers until

you found me again.

Photo by: Jay "Where's Osquer"
(Click here for a hint.)

haiku

2007-10-09T20:01:00.001-04:00

Lost in observing

layers of humanity,

I forgot I'm one.

haiku

2007-10-08T17:09:00.001-04:00

Human art is nice

but cross-pollination puts

our paintings to shame.

Photo by: Osquer
Morning Glory by: Nature

haiku

2007-10-07T15:29:00.001-04:00

Herbs slipped under the

chicken’s skin get into the

air and my senses.

Photo and roasted chicken by: Osquer
(The herbs are sage and rosemary.)

haiku

2007-10-06T20:54:00.001-04:00

Like so many small

suns, black-eyed-susans shine to

deny autumn’s chill.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-05T19:57:00.000-04:00

Flambe may not be

required for a great lunch, but

it does add some zing!

Video by: Osquer
Lunch at Nakama

Now there's something you don't see every day...

2007-10-05T19:56:00.000-04:00

haiku

2007-10-04T20:52:00.001-04:00

I look deep into

the deep pink face of the rose

and take in its scent.

Photo by: Osquer

haiku

2007-10-03T17:39:00.000-04:00

Bright round pumpkin, if

you only knew what's going

to happen to you!

Photo by: Osquer

haiku (for Jay)

2007-10-02T21:44:00.001-04:00

Muffins overflow

with extra of that secret

ingredient...love.

Photo and muffins by: Osquer

magnetic haiku

2007-10-01T19:46:00.001-04:00

haiku

2007-09-30T14:42:00.001-04:00

One look from my lunch

shows that Halloween is on

my mind already.

Photo by: Osquer