I don't think the weather could be any better than it was yesterday and this morning in Central Kentucky. We are having the most wonderful cool mornings and evenings and the rest of the day is sunny and pleasant. We can think back on these days this coming January and February. Walks have been especially enjoyable. I've even been able to get Taffy out for her walks after the other four go on their walks, because it remains comfortably cool. I've had wonderful opportunities to meet and talk with neighbors on these walks and also enjoy all the latest critters and wildflowers along the way.
Some of my neighbors and I have been recently discussing flower gardens, trees and such. We're even beginning to share some of our flowers. I'll be a real gardener before you know it. As soon as I manage the time, I've got some more planting to do. I'm currently trying to either find or grow a Mimosa tree. My neighbor, Dawn, has been successful growing one from seed. If I could, I'd like to find a small tree to plant. I don't think we'll be here long enough to wait the necessary amount of years to enjoy one that has to start from seed. I am, however, growing a cherry tree that way. It's currently in the fridge, per the instructions with the Cherry Tree Kit that Christina brought me back from Washington, D.C.
As always prior to the Fourth of July, I've been watching Wimbledon. Unfortunately, no Americans are left in either the men's or women's competition. Mardy Fish was the last American and he got beat by the defending champ, Raphael Nadal. England would sure enjoy it if Andy Murray, the lone Brit, could pull off the needed upsets and win the title. They've been desperate to win this ultimate British Open of tennis so to speak for so very long. In the past, it was always nice seeing one of the Williams sisters or Andre Agassi, or another American, win the tournament during the Fourth of July weekend. Rather fitting, I thought. But, not this year, I'm afraid. Although, I guess I need to check out how the Bryant Brothers are doing in doubles.
I enjoyed today's UpperRoom reading today. Reading in Colossians is always inspiring and uplifting for me. I'm somewhat amused because I just went to a health food store Tuesday evening to hear a holistic food speaker discuss how we could get more energy from the foods we eat. I'm always wanting to know how to be energized. It was a very informative presentation. This morning's peach smoothie with chia seeds is delicious, in fact. However, this mornings Bible reading reminded me that God gives us energy to accomplish His purposes for our lives. I can attest to this because when I am doing something that I feel like God is leading me to do, I actually feel energized and enthusiastic about getting it accomplished. Colossians 1:29 in Paul's writings expresses, "...I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me". It is an awesome experience when we feel His energy, also referred to as His Holy Spirit, working through us.
I know I have a lot planned for today, so I'm gonna get going. I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days wherever you are. Take care and have a great day. Stay safe, luv, Susan
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Long, Leisurely Summer Days
Today has been near picture perfect for an early Summer day. I've been enjoying Wimbledon tennis and doggie-time indoors and my walks and bluebirds outdoors. Before going in last night, I could observe three of the baby bluebirds all cuddled up together on a branch of a tree that is very near our deck. Mama and Daddy Bluebird are always nearby. I'm glad they have managed to get them into the trees in our yard. That makes possibly nine children to this couple. They have also begun on their third brood as Mama is spending a lot of time around and in the bird box.
We had a storm hit Louisville last night in Central Kentucky. I heard about it before I went to Bible study, because we thought it would be coming this way. However, as we left the church, we were commenting on how beautiful it was, didn't see a storm anywhere on our horizon. When I watched the eleven o'clock news I was surprised to see all the damage done to Louisville, more specifically, Churchill Downs. Thankfully, there were no deaths or injuries to man nor horse, even though nine of the barns on the backside were destroyed or nearly so. Horses were running loose on the track and simulcast racing was cancelled for today. Pictures of a tornado have been on TV and in the newspaper. Again, we were lucky to have dodged another bullet here in the Lexington/Georgetown area.
My morning walks today included seeing many deer. I think they are getting used to having me walk by them now. Most times, they simply look up from where they are grazing or eating leaves and just watch until I pass by. When they are in the road or right by it, they will pause and take their time before heading into the nearest cover of woods or high grass. I was even given the opportunity this morning to see five baby swallows sitting on a wire. I wasn't sure what kind of species the babies were until Mama Swallow decided to swoop menacingly over my head. She then lit on the wire protectively above them. It's amazing how many baby birds you can hear and see this time of year when you take the time to watch and listen for them.
I wanted to say something about today's UpperRoom, but I see it's already time to get ready for my lunch date, so that will have to wait. I remember enjoying it, as usual, and flipping around in my Bible to read the verses that were highlighted. I know it had to do with being Holy because God is Holy. It reminds me of that comment about doing what someone says, not what they do. When God's people didn't want to always do what he said, He knew it would be more powerful to let the people do what He did. That's why he came to earth as a newborn. As this baby grew, he showed us the example of God's word through his life. So, in essence, through Jesus God is telling us to do, not just as he says, but as he does. We can be Holy, like God. We can do that by living our lives as our one and only role model did. Jesus Christ lived a Holy life. Let us go and do likewise.
I hope you're having a beautiful summer day. Stay safe, luv, Susan
We had a storm hit Louisville last night in Central Kentucky. I heard about it before I went to Bible study, because we thought it would be coming this way. However, as we left the church, we were commenting on how beautiful it was, didn't see a storm anywhere on our horizon. When I watched the eleven o'clock news I was surprised to see all the damage done to Louisville, more specifically, Churchill Downs. Thankfully, there were no deaths or injuries to man nor horse, even though nine of the barns on the backside were destroyed or nearly so. Horses were running loose on the track and simulcast racing was cancelled for today. Pictures of a tornado have been on TV and in the newspaper. Again, we were lucky to have dodged another bullet here in the Lexington/Georgetown area.
My morning walks today included seeing many deer. I think they are getting used to having me walk by them now. Most times, they simply look up from where they are grazing or eating leaves and just watch until I pass by. When they are in the road or right by it, they will pause and take their time before heading into the nearest cover of woods or high grass. I was even given the opportunity this morning to see five baby swallows sitting on a wire. I wasn't sure what kind of species the babies were until Mama Swallow decided to swoop menacingly over my head. She then lit on the wire protectively above them. It's amazing how many baby birds you can hear and see this time of year when you take the time to watch and listen for them.
I wanted to say something about today's UpperRoom, but I see it's already time to get ready for my lunch date, so that will have to wait. I remember enjoying it, as usual, and flipping around in my Bible to read the verses that were highlighted. I know it had to do with being Holy because God is Holy. It reminds me of that comment about doing what someone says, not what they do. When God's people didn't want to always do what he said, He knew it would be more powerful to let the people do what He did. That's why he came to earth as a newborn. As this baby grew, he showed us the example of God's word through his life. So, in essence, through Jesus God is telling us to do, not just as he says, but as he does. We can be Holy, like God. We can do that by living our lives as our one and only role model did. Jesus Christ lived a Holy life. Let us go and do likewise.
I hope you're having a beautiful summer day. Stay safe, luv, Susan
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
BLUEBIRD BLESSINGS
I feel like I have died and passed on to Bluebird heaven. Honestly, I don't think I have ever been able to enjoy Bluebirds like I have this spring. Around late March or early April I spotted what appeared to be babies in one of the trees just about twenty feet from my deck. As these bluebird babies have grown into juveniles, they have been practicing their flying skills from tree to tree in the yard, very easy to spot as they zip around. They look more and more like adults now, but they fly like teenagers, once two of them nearly knocked into my head as they drag raced down the driveway. Really, I actually had to duck. And as reckless as their flying can be on occasion , at dusk, you can usually find them all snuggling closely together on a branch up in one of the leafier trees in the yard.
As these juveniles have grown, the parents' attention turned back to the bluebird box. As each week went by, I figured they were going through the courtship, the egg laying, the egg sitting, the hatching and finally, the unending feeding of the small featherless baby birds. Again, weeks went by, until I estimated it was time for the growing babies to leave the box. After three weeks, they are getting fat, fluffy and probably spilling out of the nest in the box. Mom and Dad can barely keep up with the unending feedings and removing the fecal sacs from the box. Being a Bluebird parent is definitely a full-time job.
I was expecting to see the mom and dad start feeding them from the peg outside the box. I'm used to seeing the babies stick their heads out and receive their yummy insects and worms from their "driveby window", so to speak. Then, I'd expect to see their heads pop out, looking for mom and dad and their next meal. Well, that didn't happen at all. Instead, Mom and Dad Bluebird got very agitated one evening last weekend. They were making all sorts of noise on branches just above the box. Mark and I were sitting under the deck observing all this flurry of activity. Pudge wandered down to see what all the commotion was about and this merely increased the parents' agitation. So, we put all the dogs inside to be safe. Not two minutes later, the babies started literally spilling out of the box, one right after the other. Mark saw the first and alerted me, as I was reading a book. I looked up to see four fall from the opening in the box and land in the grass below.
I could not believe that there had been five babies in the box! I also could not believe the parents' had prematurely coaxed them out, as they, apparently couldn't yet even fly a short distance. Past experiences have always included babies flying right from the box to the nearest tree. So, now there were five little fluffy grey baby bluebirds hopping all over our yard beneath their box. We watched as they fell off a rock wall and onto the grass below. Eventually, the parents corralled them, through swooping and chirping, into one part of the front yard. Next thing I know, I see five little grey tufts of fluff hopping up the driveway hill. As dusk settled, and darkness fell, I could only pray that God would protect this little family from all the predators that are capable of snacking on baby birds on the ground.
Well, I am happy to report, that after days of seeing the babies in various parts of the yard, mostly on the ground, but always clustered close together, they are finally up in the trees. This morning I watched Dad Bluebird feeding one of the growing babies on the fence wire across the street. After the feeding, he flew directly over the babies head, practically knocking him off the wire as an encouragement to have him fly behind him up to a safer, higher wire over the horse pasture. When I sit quietly under our deck, I can witness all sorts of feedings and flybys. Yep, I think I'm in bluebird heaven.
I've been taking note of the changes going on in the horse pasture concerning the horses as well. There have been four this past year or so. Recently, someone came and got one of them and took him away. In the last two days, one has injured it's back leg and has it wrapped. Now, I was told that one of them had gotten tangled up with the fence somehow and was hurt. So, this morning, as we took our first walk by the pasture, I noticed that only one horse remains in the enclosure and he is visibly wounded on his front. The other two have been moved further past the farrier's home and up a hill. They whinnied to me as we walked by. The injured horse has been entertaining us, galloping back and forth as he gets the dogs all stirred up. I guess he's bored and missing his two friends.
Today, the news has reported that it is Prince William's 29th birthday. Next year, Dustin and the Prince will be celebrating the big 30. You may remember my mentioning before that when Dustin's birth announcement was in the local Rhode Island paper we received, the front page was headlined with the birth of Prince William to Charles and Diana. I enjoy noting the comparisons between this version of the Prince and the pauper, so to speak, even though I'm sure that they will never meet. Christina always dreamed of marrying a prince, but she gave that up years ago as well. I'm content to let my children take their time and hopefully, make wise decisions all their adult lives.
Well, for the first day of Summer, this is starting out to be a perfect season. Finally, the weather has lined up with it's season of the year. I will just be sad that whereas the days have been getting longer and longer, they now will peak with the longest day, possibly today, and now get shorter and shorter. Sigh. I'm going to enjoy this season of Summer while it's here.
I hope you're having a great first day of summer. Stay safe, luv, Susan
P.S. Mark told me why the Mom and Dad Bluebird had probably been so agitated that day when they coaxed the babies prematurely from the box. He killed a four foot snake just an hour or so after the five left their nest. It was sunning itself on a rock just ten feet or so beneath the box. No wonder they were agitated and wanting their babies out!! I thank God for my Bluebird Blessings.
As these juveniles have grown, the parents' attention turned back to the bluebird box. As each week went by, I figured they were going through the courtship, the egg laying, the egg sitting, the hatching and finally, the unending feeding of the small featherless baby birds. Again, weeks went by, until I estimated it was time for the growing babies to leave the box. After three weeks, they are getting fat, fluffy and probably spilling out of the nest in the box. Mom and Dad can barely keep up with the unending feedings and removing the fecal sacs from the box. Being a Bluebird parent is definitely a full-time job.
I was expecting to see the mom and dad start feeding them from the peg outside the box. I'm used to seeing the babies stick their heads out and receive their yummy insects and worms from their "driveby window", so to speak. Then, I'd expect to see their heads pop out, looking for mom and dad and their next meal. Well, that didn't happen at all. Instead, Mom and Dad Bluebird got very agitated one evening last weekend. They were making all sorts of noise on branches just above the box. Mark and I were sitting under the deck observing all this flurry of activity. Pudge wandered down to see what all the commotion was about and this merely increased the parents' agitation. So, we put all the dogs inside to be safe. Not two minutes later, the babies started literally spilling out of the box, one right after the other. Mark saw the first and alerted me, as I was reading a book. I looked up to see four fall from the opening in the box and land in the grass below.
I could not believe that there had been five babies in the box! I also could not believe the parents' had prematurely coaxed them out, as they, apparently couldn't yet even fly a short distance. Past experiences have always included babies flying right from the box to the nearest tree. So, now there were five little fluffy grey baby bluebirds hopping all over our yard beneath their box. We watched as they fell off a rock wall and onto the grass below. Eventually, the parents corralled them, through swooping and chirping, into one part of the front yard. Next thing I know, I see five little grey tufts of fluff hopping up the driveway hill. As dusk settled, and darkness fell, I could only pray that God would protect this little family from all the predators that are capable of snacking on baby birds on the ground.
Well, I am happy to report, that after days of seeing the babies in various parts of the yard, mostly on the ground, but always clustered close together, they are finally up in the trees. This morning I watched Dad Bluebird feeding one of the growing babies on the fence wire across the street. After the feeding, he flew directly over the babies head, practically knocking him off the wire as an encouragement to have him fly behind him up to a safer, higher wire over the horse pasture. When I sit quietly under our deck, I can witness all sorts of feedings and flybys. Yep, I think I'm in bluebird heaven.
I've been taking note of the changes going on in the horse pasture concerning the horses as well. There have been four this past year or so. Recently, someone came and got one of them and took him away. In the last two days, one has injured it's back leg and has it wrapped. Now, I was told that one of them had gotten tangled up with the fence somehow and was hurt. So, this morning, as we took our first walk by the pasture, I noticed that only one horse remains in the enclosure and he is visibly wounded on his front. The other two have been moved further past the farrier's home and up a hill. They whinnied to me as we walked by. The injured horse has been entertaining us, galloping back and forth as he gets the dogs all stirred up. I guess he's bored and missing his two friends.
Today, the news has reported that it is Prince William's 29th birthday. Next year, Dustin and the Prince will be celebrating the big 30. You may remember my mentioning before that when Dustin's birth announcement was in the local Rhode Island paper we received, the front page was headlined with the birth of Prince William to Charles and Diana. I enjoy noting the comparisons between this version of the Prince and the pauper, so to speak, even though I'm sure that they will never meet. Christina always dreamed of marrying a prince, but she gave that up years ago as well. I'm content to let my children take their time and hopefully, make wise decisions all their adult lives.
Well, for the first day of Summer, this is starting out to be a perfect season. Finally, the weather has lined up with it's season of the year. I will just be sad that whereas the days have been getting longer and longer, they now will peak with the longest day, possibly today, and now get shorter and shorter. Sigh. I'm going to enjoy this season of Summer while it's here.
I hope you're having a great first day of summer. Stay safe, luv, Susan
P.S. Mark told me why the Mom and Dad Bluebird had probably been so agitated that day when they coaxed the babies prematurely from the box. He killed a four foot snake just an hour or so after the five left their nest. It was sunning itself on a rock just ten feet or so beneath the box. No wonder they were agitated and wanting their babies out!! I thank God for my Bluebird Blessings.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS
Spring weather is back! It is wonderful! Mornings are cool, abundant sunshine warms the afternoon, cool breezes are refreshingly pleasing and evenings are so very pleasant. How can anyone not want to be outdoors, especially out here in the country. Even the wildlife is loving it, I see deer all times of the day. Yesterday I even saw the little deer next door walking across the horse pasture with her one fawn, no, make that her two twin fawns. How cute!! She tried to turn around when she saw me and the dogs coming, but her two little fawns just continued across the pasture and crossed the road in front of us. She followed suit, as they all jumped into the brush in our neighbor's yard and disappeared. Wow, what a start to a walk. We saw numerous deer and even a turkey in the woods. Glad that I saw him first, because he really scared the dogs when he took flight as we passed him. Today is another beautiful morning and I look forward to getting back outside soon.
In the meantime, I hear that they're getting ready for a news conference with Anthony Weiner, who has finally decided to resign his Congressional seat. I think the American public has it's fill of all this juvenile behavior from it's politicians. The man evidentally needs to get some sort of help for his narcissistic and exhibitionist tendencies. Then, he needs to work on his marriage. I hope she forgives him and is also able to work on their marriage. I hope things work out for them both. I kept looking at this guy thinking he looked so familiar. I think I finally know who he resembles. Put short curly blonde hair on him and you have the spitting image of Eddie Haskell. Remember Eddie from Leave It To Beaver? I practically expect him to especially apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver during his news conference today. Maybe it's just me that sees the resemblance.
I've been really enjoying my UpperRoom readings of late. Yesterday's highlighted Bible devotional was about Jesus and Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha is so busy with all the preparations for company, yet Mary is reclined at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teachings. Martha tells Jesus how unfair this is for her sister to leave her doing all the work, yet Jesus tells her that Mary has made the correct decision and it will not be taken from her. I absolutely love that story. I used to feel guilty if I had dishes to wash, clothes to launder or a house to clean and the only thing I really wanted to do was read or relax. Now, I know that it is okay when we choose spending time with God over doing worldly tasks. Reading my Bible and the UpperRoom, enjoying a book about Biblical based stories or studies, even taking my walks and enjoying nature all are what I consider to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. The housework can wait a while, the laundry can be put off and the dishes will get done at a later hour. My time is better spent with God.
Yesterday's highlighted Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, which states,"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things( what we eat, drink and wear ) will be given to you as well. God will take care of our needs when we are faithful and put Him and His kingdom in our lives first. This really works in my life.
The UpperRoom story also was fun reading. The writer was weeding her garden and noticed all these little plants she had not sowed. They turned out to be pumpkins from the compost soil. I, too, have had some volunteer plants from my compost soil around some azaleas. Mine, however, are not pumpkin, but probably germinated seeds from either watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe. I think I also recognize a tomato plant. I may have to replant them in the vegetable garden where, I believe, a little chipmunk has eaten many of the seeds Mark planted for zucchini, yellow squash or cucumbers. At this point, they all look alike, so I don't know which ones are so thinned out.
And, as you may have presumed, I was absolutely delighted by the six game Championship win of the Dallas Mavericks. The team's faith in God was expressed by Jason Terry, who had an awesome game. Thank you, God, for lifting up your believers through sports.
Well, I am going to try to get outdoors before it gets hot this afternoon. I've got clothes to launder and hang out on the line. Have a great day and I'll get back to reporting on the Bluebird population in my yard next time. luv, Susan
In the meantime, I hear that they're getting ready for a news conference with Anthony Weiner, who has finally decided to resign his Congressional seat. I think the American public has it's fill of all this juvenile behavior from it's politicians. The man evidentally needs to get some sort of help for his narcissistic and exhibitionist tendencies. Then, he needs to work on his marriage. I hope she forgives him and is also able to work on their marriage. I hope things work out for them both. I kept looking at this guy thinking he looked so familiar. I think I finally know who he resembles. Put short curly blonde hair on him and you have the spitting image of Eddie Haskell. Remember Eddie from Leave It To Beaver? I practically expect him to especially apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver during his news conference today. Maybe it's just me that sees the resemblance.
I've been really enjoying my UpperRoom readings of late. Yesterday's highlighted Bible devotional was about Jesus and Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha is so busy with all the preparations for company, yet Mary is reclined at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teachings. Martha tells Jesus how unfair this is for her sister to leave her doing all the work, yet Jesus tells her that Mary has made the correct decision and it will not be taken from her. I absolutely love that story. I used to feel guilty if I had dishes to wash, clothes to launder or a house to clean and the only thing I really wanted to do was read or relax. Now, I know that it is okay when we choose spending time with God over doing worldly tasks. Reading my Bible and the UpperRoom, enjoying a book about Biblical based stories or studies, even taking my walks and enjoying nature all are what I consider to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. The housework can wait a while, the laundry can be put off and the dishes will get done at a later hour. My time is better spent with God.
Yesterday's highlighted Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, which states,"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things( what we eat, drink and wear ) will be given to you as well. God will take care of our needs when we are faithful and put Him and His kingdom in our lives first. This really works in my life.
The UpperRoom story also was fun reading. The writer was weeding her garden and noticed all these little plants she had not sowed. They turned out to be pumpkins from the compost soil. I, too, have had some volunteer plants from my compost soil around some azaleas. Mine, however, are not pumpkin, but probably germinated seeds from either watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe. I think I also recognize a tomato plant. I may have to replant them in the vegetable garden where, I believe, a little chipmunk has eaten many of the seeds Mark planted for zucchini, yellow squash or cucumbers. At this point, they all look alike, so I don't know which ones are so thinned out.
And, as you may have presumed, I was absolutely delighted by the six game Championship win of the Dallas Mavericks. The team's faith in God was expressed by Jason Terry, who had an awesome game. Thank you, God, for lifting up your believers through sports.
Well, I am going to try to get outdoors before it gets hot this afternoon. I've got clothes to launder and hang out on the line. Have a great day and I'll get back to reporting on the Bluebird population in my yard next time. luv, Susan
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
OH, DEER
I've been reminded recently that you must be careful of what you wish for. Last week I was thinking, during one of my morning walks, that I hadn't seen any little fawns yet this year. Previous years I'd even got the opportunities to take pictures of twin fawns in my back yard. Yet, this year, even though seeing many deer, I hadn't yet spied one of those little spotted creatures with it's mama. It was, in fact, the very next morning when I saw a mama deer and her little baby walking across my neighbors driveway as I was about to complete my morning walk. I was delighted to get a glimpse of them as they bounded off into the woods and whispered a thanks to God for finally seeing this woodland baby.
The next morning, as I was again walking early, I passed by an area that is rather heavily wooded, yet has a wooded plank fence along the roadway. I had already made it to my turnaround point and was heading back in the direction of home when I glanced over to my left side along the road. There was a little tiny baby fawn curled up next to the fence just a couple feet from the road. Wow, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought it best not to stop, hoping mama deer was close by. My two dogs neither saw nor smelled the little deer and we just kept heading for home. As is my routine, I took my second two dogs and headed out again, hoping that by now, the mama deer would have the little fawn relocated to a safer, more secluded area. However, as we passed this stretch of road , there it was, just all curled up and watching us as we passed by. Again, my dogs didn't notice this small newborn by the road, just mere feet from the edge of the pavement.
As we continued toward our turnaround spot, I remembered that previously I had noticed a small deer that was eating leaves ahead of us next to the road and it had bounded off into the woods as it saw us headed that direction. So, I'm thinking, that must have been this baby's mama. So, this time, as we're heading back toward the baby again, I see this small deer coming across a neighbor's yard. I noticed it actually looked a bit frantic, and when it spotted us, it again bounded off into the woods. Just as it disappeared, I could hear it making the familiar warning sounds that deer make, presumably telling the nearby baby to stay still. As we passed it the last time on our way home, it was remaining quiet and still, just watching us once more as we passed. Just before moving completely out of sight, I stopped to chat with a neighbor and while we were talking, the local trash truck drove right by where the little fawn was nestled. We practically held our breath as this huge truck passed on by.
It was difficult to not think about this helpless little creature and want to go and scoop it up, but I knew best to let mama take care of it and get it out of harm's way. The next morning, it was gone and I was thankful to not see any evidence of it ever having been there. I was especially grateful two mornings later when I spotted both mama and baby crossing a horse pasture just a short distance from that previous spot. Surprisingly, the plank fence was too high for her to leap over, so she did something like a limbo move and crawled under the fence, baby stepped gingerly through the planks and they bounded off into the safety of the woods. Again, I whispered a little thanks to God for the opportunity to witness such beauty.
Well, it's time for my walk. I hope to check in soon to give the update on the ever growing bluebird family in my yard. Have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan
The next morning, as I was again walking early, I passed by an area that is rather heavily wooded, yet has a wooded plank fence along the roadway. I had already made it to my turnaround point and was heading back in the direction of home when I glanced over to my left side along the road. There was a little tiny baby fawn curled up next to the fence just a couple feet from the road. Wow, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought it best not to stop, hoping mama deer was close by. My two dogs neither saw nor smelled the little deer and we just kept heading for home. As is my routine, I took my second two dogs and headed out again, hoping that by now, the mama deer would have the little fawn relocated to a safer, more secluded area. However, as we passed this stretch of road , there it was, just all curled up and watching us as we passed by. Again, my dogs didn't notice this small newborn by the road, just mere feet from the edge of the pavement.
As we continued toward our turnaround spot, I remembered that previously I had noticed a small deer that was eating leaves ahead of us next to the road and it had bounded off into the woods as it saw us headed that direction. So, I'm thinking, that must have been this baby's mama. So, this time, as we're heading back toward the baby again, I see this small deer coming across a neighbor's yard. I noticed it actually looked a bit frantic, and when it spotted us, it again bounded off into the woods. Just as it disappeared, I could hear it making the familiar warning sounds that deer make, presumably telling the nearby baby to stay still. As we passed it the last time on our way home, it was remaining quiet and still, just watching us once more as we passed. Just before moving completely out of sight, I stopped to chat with a neighbor and while we were talking, the local trash truck drove right by where the little fawn was nestled. We practically held our breath as this huge truck passed on by.
It was difficult to not think about this helpless little creature and want to go and scoop it up, but I knew best to let mama take care of it and get it out of harm's way. The next morning, it was gone and I was thankful to not see any evidence of it ever having been there. I was especially grateful two mornings later when I spotted both mama and baby crossing a horse pasture just a short distance from that previous spot. Surprisingly, the plank fence was too high for her to leap over, so she did something like a limbo move and crawled under the fence, baby stepped gingerly through the planks and they bounded off into the safety of the woods. Again, I whispered a little thanks to God for the opportunity to witness such beauty.
Well, it's time for my walk. I hope to check in soon to give the update on the ever growing bluebird family in my yard. Have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Super Summer Days
Summer is definitely here, even though officially, it isn't, at least, not until around the 21st of the month. I have been enjoying this weather immensely. I've been able to walk four of my dogs almost every day. I take two dogs at a time and go up a rather steep hill for a mile. We then come back down and I exchange dogs, and go again. The first two to walk are my A-Team. They are the two bigger males and actually came from the same litter. They love to walk in any condition and they rarely tire or hold me back, in fact, if I were on roller-skates, often I wouldn't get any exercise at all, just a free ride. The second walk is with my B-Team. That would be Pepper, the daddy, and Roy, the pain. I am glad to walk more slowly for the second walk and that's a good thing because the B-Team is easily distracted, frequently tired and often insists on being carried. I know that is good for a little upper-body work on my arms, but carrying two six pound furry, panting dogs is not my ideal method of exercising my upper-body. Actually, it all works out and, like I said before, I am enjoying this premature summer weather.
I obviously miscalculated the first flights of the baby Bluebirds because they are still in their box. I really don't believe they have taken up playing video games and watching non-stop TV, like so many of today's younger generation has. No, I think I just jumped the gun thinking it was time for them to leave the nest. Mama and Daddy Bluebird are continuing to feed them insects on a rotating basis and also remove the fecal(poopy) sacs from the birdhouse. Bluebirds are very neat and clean little birds. I get such a kick watching all the activity take place with this little family. I've not yet seen a baby bird's head popping out of the birdhouse front door opening. I know from previous bluebird families that they will begin to pop their heads out, looking for mama and daddy. After that, the parents will stay out on the peg and the babies will stick their heads out to eat. The next step will be when the parents have the insect in their beaks, yet sit on a tree branch near the birdhouse. Once the babies start to check out the surroundings of the big wide world outside, it won't be long before they're tempted, by their parents, to make their first flight to freedom. And like parents often do, they will continue to keep the babies nearby on a branch and feed them, til they are capable of catching their own insects. I expect to have a yard full of Bluebirds from here on out. That is barring any unforeseen circumstances, that could include predators or the like. Past birding experiences have pitted me against raccoons, sparrows/starlings, cats and snakes. Bluebirds can disappear just like that when their safe surroundings are invaded by a predator.
I'm really looking forward to the Belmont Stakes tonight. I'm usually not interested in this particular race, unless there is the possibility of a Triple Crown Winner. I was initially disappointed when Shackleford held on to his lead in the Preakness, thus denying Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner, his shot at the Triple Crown. However, when I heard that Shakleford was a Kentucky horse, I became interested in him. On a previous visit to Wind Star farms last year, we saw Dussledorf, a winner of one of the latter legs of the 2010 Triple Crown. Now, this entry from next door Bourbon County has a shot at winning two of the three races. I go by Belvedere Farm each time I travel to Paris, my third hometown.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the sixth game of the NBA Finals tomorrow night. As a Kentucky fan, I became a Dallas Maverick follower when Jamal Mashburn was playing there some fifteen years back. I also like Texas teams, due to Fort Worth being my second hometown. This particular tournament has been exciting to watch and I hope the Mavericks can manage another big win tonight in Miami. I really appreciated the post game comments made by one of the Maverick's players, who made some really key three pointers to seal the win. Some people like to make fun when athletes praise God for their performances. Too bad they don't understand that, as Christians, it is one of our purposes in life to always give the glory to God for everything.
Last weekend was especially busy for me, as will be next weekend. But, today and tomorrow are days to relax, get caught up and watch and wait for baby Bluebirds to take flight. I hope you are enjoying an early super summer day. Be safe. love, Susan
I obviously miscalculated the first flights of the baby Bluebirds because they are still in their box. I really don't believe they have taken up playing video games and watching non-stop TV, like so many of today's younger generation has. No, I think I just jumped the gun thinking it was time for them to leave the nest. Mama and Daddy Bluebird are continuing to feed them insects on a rotating basis and also remove the fecal(poopy) sacs from the birdhouse. Bluebirds are very neat and clean little birds. I get such a kick watching all the activity take place with this little family. I've not yet seen a baby bird's head popping out of the birdhouse front door opening. I know from previous bluebird families that they will begin to pop their heads out, looking for mama and daddy. After that, the parents will stay out on the peg and the babies will stick their heads out to eat. The next step will be when the parents have the insect in their beaks, yet sit on a tree branch near the birdhouse. Once the babies start to check out the surroundings of the big wide world outside, it won't be long before they're tempted, by their parents, to make their first flight to freedom. And like parents often do, they will continue to keep the babies nearby on a branch and feed them, til they are capable of catching their own insects. I expect to have a yard full of Bluebirds from here on out. That is barring any unforeseen circumstances, that could include predators or the like. Past birding experiences have pitted me against raccoons, sparrows/starlings, cats and snakes. Bluebirds can disappear just like that when their safe surroundings are invaded by a predator.
I'm really looking forward to the Belmont Stakes tonight. I'm usually not interested in this particular race, unless there is the possibility of a Triple Crown Winner. I was initially disappointed when Shackleford held on to his lead in the Preakness, thus denying Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner, his shot at the Triple Crown. However, when I heard that Shakleford was a Kentucky horse, I became interested in him. On a previous visit to Wind Star farms last year, we saw Dussledorf, a winner of one of the latter legs of the 2010 Triple Crown. Now, this entry from next door Bourbon County has a shot at winning two of the three races. I go by Belvedere Farm each time I travel to Paris, my third hometown.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the sixth game of the NBA Finals tomorrow night. As a Kentucky fan, I became a Dallas Maverick follower when Jamal Mashburn was playing there some fifteen years back. I also like Texas teams, due to Fort Worth being my second hometown. This particular tournament has been exciting to watch and I hope the Mavericks can manage another big win tonight in Miami. I really appreciated the post game comments made by one of the Maverick's players, who made some really key three pointers to seal the win. Some people like to make fun when athletes praise God for their performances. Too bad they don't understand that, as Christians, it is one of our purposes in life to always give the glory to God for everything.
Last weekend was especially busy for me, as will be next weekend. But, today and tomorrow are days to relax, get caught up and watch and wait for baby Bluebirds to take flight. I hope you are enjoying an early super summer day. Be safe. love, Susan
Thursday, June 2, 2011
ENJOYING SPRING
Yesterday was the first of June. Our weather, the past two days, has felt more like August. This has been a really unusual Spring, weather-wise. We were cool,hot, cold, unbelievably wet and now it is not only hot, but, hot and dry. Welcome to Central Kentucky! Actually, I've enjoyed the days, whether cold, hot, wet or dry. It's been a wonderful springtime around me.
I have continually watched my bluebird house and noticed activity, but was concerned by some nesting Flycatchers that were showing the bluebird house a little too much attention. Their nest is in the back of the house and I was just hoping and praying they weren't feeling like their babies were threatened at all by the bluebird family. I learned hard lessons about birds and how protective they are of their young years ago in Henderson. I don't want a repeat of either the bluejay incident or the starling/sparrow incident here in Scott County. Thankfully, everything has turned out fine with the Bluebirds and the Flycatchers.
Not only have these bluebirds already hatched their first brood of babies. (These juvenile bluebirds are now living in the trees of my yard.) Now, they are nearing the big day for their second brood. I believe they are feeding these little birds furiously and will be coaxing them out of the box soon. I hope it's today, as I have no plans to venture anywhere for the first time this week.
I've also had wonderful early luck with the hummingbirds. They are darting about all around my yard, visiting the three feeders that I try to keep clean and filled for them. In addition, my finch feeder has been swarmed by yellow Goldfinch and many beautiful, turquoise Indigo Buntings. There's also the usual birds and we occasionally see Orioles. Although the male is black and orange ( Go Paris ). The female is a mustardy yellow. I really got upclose and personal with her because she crashed into the glass doors over the deck and was stunned for sometime while I looked her up in my birdbook. I was surprised to see it was a female Oriole. I thought they were both black and orange. I learned something new that time.
Mark and I have our vegetable garden planted with squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and green peppers. I'm also taking care of purple petunias, azaleas, a couple hydrangeas and some Gerbera daisies, in five different colors. Spring has definitely sprung at the Libby's.
I don't know if I mentioned the really awesome book I read about the little boy that almost died during emergency appendectomy surgery. He amazingly described angels singing to him at the hospital where this took place several weeks later. This began a lengthy question and answer period with his father, a very small town Nebraska minister. The discussion over his "visit heaven" was drawn out over many, many months. This three year old had quite the story to tell and after years of people telling them they should write a book about this amazing revelation, they finally did. It's called Heaven Is Real. I first saw them on the Today show and asked for the book for my birthday. I highly recommend it.
Well, it has been a really beautiful morning and I know there are things I need to be doing. I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy all your springtime blessings. love, Susan
I have continually watched my bluebird house and noticed activity, but was concerned by some nesting Flycatchers that were showing the bluebird house a little too much attention. Their nest is in the back of the house and I was just hoping and praying they weren't feeling like their babies were threatened at all by the bluebird family. I learned hard lessons about birds and how protective they are of their young years ago in Henderson. I don't want a repeat of either the bluejay incident or the starling/sparrow incident here in Scott County. Thankfully, everything has turned out fine with the Bluebirds and the Flycatchers.
Not only have these bluebirds already hatched their first brood of babies. (These juvenile bluebirds are now living in the trees of my yard.) Now, they are nearing the big day for their second brood. I believe they are feeding these little birds furiously and will be coaxing them out of the box soon. I hope it's today, as I have no plans to venture anywhere for the first time this week.
I've also had wonderful early luck with the hummingbirds. They are darting about all around my yard, visiting the three feeders that I try to keep clean and filled for them. In addition, my finch feeder has been swarmed by yellow Goldfinch and many beautiful, turquoise Indigo Buntings. There's also the usual birds and we occasionally see Orioles. Although the male is black and orange ( Go Paris ). The female is a mustardy yellow. I really got upclose and personal with her because she crashed into the glass doors over the deck and was stunned for sometime while I looked her up in my birdbook. I was surprised to see it was a female Oriole. I thought they were both black and orange. I learned something new that time.
Mark and I have our vegetable garden planted with squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and green peppers. I'm also taking care of purple petunias, azaleas, a couple hydrangeas and some Gerbera daisies, in five different colors. Spring has definitely sprung at the Libby's.
I don't know if I mentioned the really awesome book I read about the little boy that almost died during emergency appendectomy surgery. He amazingly described angels singing to him at the hospital where this took place several weeks later. This began a lengthy question and answer period with his father, a very small town Nebraska minister. The discussion over his "visit heaven" was drawn out over many, many months. This three year old had quite the story to tell and after years of people telling them they should write a book about this amazing revelation, they finally did. It's called Heaven Is Real. I first saw them on the Today show and asked for the book for my birthday. I highly recommend it.
Well, it has been a really beautiful morning and I know there are things I need to be doing. I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy all your springtime blessings. love, Susan
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