Grasshopper Sparrow

While Luna and I were having our walk today I was hearing several Grasshopper Sparrows calling. They were quite vocal flying here and there. I stopped when I saw one with a large green worm in its bill. It perched on top of a fence post waiting for us to go on our way. I wanted to see where it went with its prey. It wouldn't budge as long as I stood there watching it. I even walked away backward watching and it knew what I was doing. I gave up when it appeared so small I couldn't tell if it was on the fence post or not. It is amazing that they can call with a bill full of food.

Thankful Thursday - Happy

I am just so happy with the ABC ATC2 card from Lynn. It is a mosiac of severl of the Hebrew letters she did for this round of the trade. The card that encourages me to eat ice cream in bed. The back says to get a trashy novel, pile in bed and enjoy myself. I could sure due with an afternoon of that right now. Thanks so much Lynn. (Lynn sorry for the blurr my camera isn't wanting to function properly tonight).

Secondly I must show you my embarrassment of riches regarding my birthday. I received cards from so many family and friends. I just can't thank them enough. I wish I could post all the email and phone calls I received too. To all of you I thank you for making my day special.

Animal Wednesday - Damselfly

Today while we were out birding we came upon this beautiful damselfly. It was a color and type I haven't seen before. It had a tan body, the tail went from pale to green to brown at the end. It's eyes were brown. It had little spots in the wings. I haven't been able to find a picture of it so I don't know what kind it is. Does anyone else recognize this damselfly?  Happy Animal Wednesday.

Friday's Fit

No I haven't been lying around idle. Betwee my birding, gardening and working I have been inspired by this book.  I found it at the library and it has awakened a muse that I had gently stirred this winter.

This winter I had bought some frames that are like shadow boxes because I have wanted to do something like this. My father died so many years ago when I was very young he was too. He died at 49. I have very little to show of his short tenure in my life. I do have some fond memories and this collage is what I came up with. I a very pleased with the outcome. It is one of those things that means a lot to me but will probably be a puzzlement to others.

It took quite some time for me to dig up the little bits of ephemera to add to this. While doing so I was inspired to do another with his parents (my Grandparent) in mind. I never met his Father and only remember his Mother at one meeting.  Never the less my Aunt kept the communications open with me for years. I will always thank her for that. She gave me a silver spoon that she said was given to my Grandparents when they got married. She told me it was tradition to do so. This isn't the actual spoon but when I find it, it is in this house someplace, I will replace the stand-in. This is the only photo I have of them. They appear to be standing on the steps of a large building. I wish I knew the story.

So as you can see. I have been tripping down memory lane lately.  I hope you have been having a  pleasant trip someplace lately too.

Thankful Thursday

That dear Soul has been at it again. Just a wonderful expression of femininity. I love the ATC and the sweet kitties that delivered it and the extras. That Free Hugs card is being passed around to several of my friends too. Thank you so much Soul. Big Hugs back at you.

Then this beautiful turtle themed envelope brought the "T" to me from Mim. It wasn't as slow as the turtles but I appreciate the stationary almost as much as the ATC. It makes me want to do something creative.

Such as one of these ATCs that Mim has made that open. It is so exciting to open the doors to see what is inside. These are so clever Mim. Thank you so much Mim.

This afternoon when I got home from work I was tired.  When I stepped into my office I was so surprised to find a fat packet on my desk.  To my greatest surprise I found that it was from Julie at A Succulent Life.  Inside was a delightful book of poetry. Not just any poetry but a book of poems about birds. I can't thank you enough for this delightful surprise.

I want to thank you all for the effort and thought that went into each stroke, each dab of glue, each scissor slice, each selection down to the stamp on the envelope. Your efforts are all warmly received and greatly appreciated.

To all of you that comment I want you to know that you make me feel so blessed.  I thank you for giving me your time and attention.

Animal Wednesday - Spanish Goat

I finally got the Spainsh Goat on paper.  He was such a majestic beast. I didn't put the tags on his ears.  I just hate seeing that but I understand that it is much more humane than branding.  Happy Animal Wedensday to all.  I hope you week goes along well. For more Animal Wednesday drawings go here.

Cactus Monday

We were out in an area we don't often travel when we came upon this little abode. It is situated right on a busy highway in a small town just east of where we live. I put on the brakes as soon as I got a glimpse of this front garden.  It was screaming CACTUS MONDAY to me.

It is obvious that the people that live here have a sense of humor and enjoy their life. I am told their mannequins are dressed appropriately for any and all feastivity. The big draw to me were the huge cactus they had in pots in their front garden. They are such a juxtaposition in this verdant area.

Happy Cactus Monday to all. I am so happy to be able to play along today.

Spanish Goats

We were out doing a Breeding Bird Atlas Block today and saw some curious looking goats. I stopped to talk to the farmer that was picking up his mail and he was happy to tell me all about them and other animals his "boy" likes to keep.  Now this "boy" is 27 years old. I bet he just hates to hear his Dad refer to him as his "boy".

Anyway they are a type of Spanish Goat. I just thought the billy was so handsome with these huge curved horns.Quite a majestic beast.

    He was somewhat curious about us stopping to look at him.  "What did you say?"

I was just facinated by those long twisted horns.

Yes, at some point I am going to have to draw them.

Here is the rest of his family, errrr, I mean herd.  Isn't that little one a cutie??

                                                                 Happy Animal Wednesday.