Planted by birds!

Here is a close-up of the first sunflower that's opening up under the bird feeder. It's very short, but beautiful (see the extra photo for perspective). Perhaps it's so small because it's growing right underneath the large baffle that keeps squirrels and racoons from emptying the feeder! I enjoy seeing them munching seeds on the ground, but after the feeders were emptied overnight, I had to do something! None the less, no matter how short, I love the structure of this flower and it's bright, sunny disposition. 

Also, a wonderful update on my mom. We had a good visit with her on Easter Sunday, two weeks ago. This was quite a change from earlier visits when she was angry and demanding to go home. Ever since that day, when we visit her, she's smiling, happy, laughing and even joking around! It is amazing... and so heart warming to see her this happy. 

She is not experiencing the stress of trying to do normal everyday tasks and not being able to do them. She doesn't have the stress of trying to prove to us that she can do those things when she can't. I think she has come around to her new routine and the ease of everyday things being taken care of for her. We don't know how long this will continue as Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, but we will all enjoy this bit of relief and happiness right now!