Author: Neal Saye

Posted in Humor

Does Anybody Else?

Posted on by Neal Saye

Does anybody else take photos while you’re waiting in the exam room when you go to see the doctor?

No? Really? Why not?

Is this against HIPPA rules or something?

Well, this morning brought my yearly appointment at my ophthalmologist. Since it’s a new year, I’ve been making my rounds to various specialists. Haven’t you?

For some reason (reminder: talk to therapist about this), while I am waiting for the doctor—any doctor— to make her/his appearance, I get all giddy nervous and therefore anxiously try to figure out how to pass the time before she/he enters and aggressively takes my blood pressure or sticks a needle in me.

The answer? Intra-medical-office photography!

My eyes have just been dilated, so I can’t really see you.

And I can’t quite figure out how to interpret this writing on yonder wall …

Huh?

“E.T. Phone home” maybe?

I’ll probably be getting a new eyeglass prescription.

Posted in The Artful Dodger, Unexpected Art

“The Artful Dodger“ #26

Posted on by Neal Saye

A blog category about finding “art” in unexpected places and situations.

So the other day Robert and I were over at the Savannah Botanical Gardens, minding our own business, and enjoying some of their early Spring Beauty …

… when I decided to meander down to their little peaceful pond …

… when out of the blue, I saw her, hiding in the not-quite-yet-blooming irises …

… a cute brown puppy, in her own world, meditatively stretching back, yoga-ish, toward the quiet fountain beyond.

She paid my approach scant attention, a single silent shake of her head, so not wanting to impose further on her pose, I slipped past the pines, quietly bidding my adieu.

Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 3/21/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.

1. The delicious simplicity of a good hot dog.

Slaw Dog, Hot Dog Alley, Saint Simons Island GA

2. Completing 1800 meditation sittings with my Happier app.

SURELY I should be a little more enlightened by now?!

3. The ability to … Stretch. I’m having some arthritis issues, and simple stretching often helps with the pain.

4. My old front door. It has welcomed us home many a time.

5. Benny needing his rest this morn (on my I’m-still-wearing-them Christmas jammies).

May you have a Merry Weekend

Posted in Savannah Joy

First Day of Spring in Savannah

Posted on by Neal Saye

I don’t know what it’s like in your stretch of the woods on this First Day of Spring 2025, but Savannah is …

Bursting into Bloom.

Azaleas at Savannah Botanical Gardens

Dogwood around the corner from us.

And a Galleria of Azaleas we just saw on our First-Day-of-Spring Morning Walk …

Red Tip Photinias dazzling in the morning sunshine …

And a Miscellany of Marvelous, also on our Morning Walk …

Our sweet little Green Japanese Maple coming back to life …

Happy, Happy First Day of Spring, whatever you see today.

Posted in Beauty, Holiday Joy

Taizé Two 3/19/25 “Into Life”

Posted on by Neal Saye

This evening brought the second Lenten Taize service at our church, Asbury Memorial here in Savannah.

I love the almost somber beauty of Taizé.

Here’s the simple quiet chant we sang meditatively several times during the brief service:

“Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

(And if you, like me, from time to time have difficulty embracing the concept of a faithful God, perhaps just switch the wording of Lord to “greater than me” or “universe” or whatever works for you.)

We also recited together the powerful Prayer of St. Francis:

Posted in One-Word Wednesday

One-Word Wednesday 3/19/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

“Zeppole”

This morning, Robert and I headed over to our favorite Savannah bakery, Sweet Patricia’s, for a quick breakfast.

Walking up to the glass display case, filled with all sorts of Italian pastries, as well as savory delights …

… my eyes immediately went to these …

The beautifully delightful co-owner explained to us that they were Zeppoles, a traditional Italian treat served on March 19, Saint Joseph’s Day.

I had never heard of the treat or the day before.

“Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17th, is a day of celebration filled with parades, parties, and lots of fun, food and drink. Right on the heels of this Irish-inspired day of celebration is the Feast of Saint Joseph, which is celebrated on March 19th. Although this day may not be honored with parades, songs and green beer, it is celebrated with one of my all time favorite Italian pastries, Zeppole di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph’s Cakes).” domskitchen.com

“Zeppole is an Italian cream filled pastry, similar to a cream puff. The cream fillings most often used are chocolate, vanilla, or ricotta. The pastries are usually topped with a candied cherry, and you must not forget the dusting of powdered sugar to finish it off!”

Beyond delicious!