A feast in the snow

*For the squeamish, you might want to skip this post if predation in nature offends.*

I was watching the birds eating in the snow, when suddenly
it became very quiet at the feeders. I did not think much about
it until a bit later, I saw movement in the garden area.
I grabbed my binocs and saw this gorgeous (but very wet and cold)
Red-shouldered Hawk*, who had apparently captured a Mourning Dove.

(*Yes, yesterday I incorrectly identified this guy as a Cooper's, but corrected
my ID error when it was brought to my attention by my sissy!)

I watched in rapt amazement as he carefully plucked all the feathers
away, with his huge talons holding and keeping his catch steady.
His legs would stretch out as he pulled, and you could see the
strength in those legs, as they were his anchor.

It's not the first time I've seen a hawk get some prey, but they will
typically fly away with it, and this guy stayed in that spot for probably 25
minutes or more until there was only a morsel remaining. He then grabbed
it with those strong talons and flew away into the trees to enjoy later.

There's no place like home

Somehow, the photos posted yesterday seem very, very far away now...

We always seem to be on the cusp of major storm systems here on the TN/GA line, and so most of our local weather people were calling for a "light mix" of wintry precipitation starting... oh, around midnight Friday night.

What actually happened is that it starting sleeting heavily at 12:30PM on Friday. I was at work, and had already planned to leave early, but did not get out of there until 1:10 or so. Husband had gone to get Sam as school was dismissing at noon due to the rapidly changing weather. He called me when they got home at 12:30 and said, "You really need to head home now."

By the time I left work, the roads were getting very slick. I tried to stay calm as I am not used to driving in bad road conditions. I got as far as the ridge to cross over on the way home when I realized two things. The road was too treacherous for me to get up and over the ridge, and I was really low on gas. I turned around and headed back south the way I had come and towards a gas station. I filled up and decided to take a longer, but more straight route home on a four lane highway. The going was tricky. I was going maybe 20mph on a 55mph road, along with everyone else who, like me, were shocked that the conditions had become so bad so quickly.

By the time I got to the interstate to hit I-75 North, people were starting to fishtail all over the place. I eased onto the interstate, and crept towards my exit. Three miles later, on the ramp, I sat through probably six traffic lights as traffic was so backed up at the intersection, there was no where for cars to turn left at the green light. My nerves were frayed. It took me probably 30 minutes or more to get turned onto the main highway towards my home, but I knew I still had to face a long, slow, 10 mile journey ahead. The highway was slick with ice and by now, the snow was falling in huge flakes. I silently prayed to get home without going into a ditch or hitting anyone else.

Two hours later, I pulled into my neighborhood after my harrowing 23 mile journey, and saw neighbors parking at the entrance to the subdivision. Because I have front wheel drive, I decided to try getting home. I made it past the pond where the road starts to climb and knew immediately when my wheels started spinning, I could not make it up the hill. By this time, I was so exhausted and overwhelmed, I went back down to the entrance, called husband, and told him I'd have to walk the half mile or so home. It was freezing outside, sleet and snow were coming down, and all I had on was a light sweater since it was not that cold in the morning when I left the house and I knew I would not be outside long. I also had on open heel clogs. I climbed out of my car and proceeded to open my umbrella. It broke. It would not stay open. I had to hold it open and trudge up the hill in the snow and slushy ice, which was filling my shoes, towards home. As I walked, the tears started falling. Tears for the stress of the previous two hours, for my frustration, for broken umbrellas, for being silly enough to leave the house in the morning without my coat, and for relief of almost being home.

I trudged through some yards on a shortcut home, and when I saw my house on the street behind the one I was climbing, cried even harder. My hand hurt from holding my umbrella up, and I could not feel my fingers or feet. As I entered the garage, I fell to pieces... you know, the snuffing, continuous cry? I peeled off my very wet shoes and socks, and once inside, I could not stop crying as I immediately headed towards a very hot bath to soothe my nerves, and warm up my poor body. Husband got dressed for the cold and headed out to hike towards my car to see if he could get it home by going to the other entrance into the neighborhood. I was too mentally exhausted and scared to even try. By the time I got out of the tub, and was sipping a glass of Shiraz, I saw him pulling into the driveway in my car. Glory be. Our nice neighbor had given him a ride down the hill in his pickup. Home. We were all home, safe and sound, and warm, and... well.... there's no place like home.

**As an added bonus, our power went out at 10:30 last
night and did not come back on until 6:30 this morning.
There is probably 4" of snow on the ground (over ice) along with
area weather people who have a good bit of egg on their faces.
As I type this, clutching my coffee, it is finally up to 62 degrees in my house.
Still, there's no place like home!

Just a reminder

In these dreary, cold days of winter...

It's nice to think about what will soon come.

Pick your battles

One of the hardest issues we've had to deal with in regards to Sam's autism is his picky eating. Food is such a sensory thing for him. Certain smells and textures can literally make him gag. When he was smaller, I bribed, I cajoled, I did everything I could imagine to expand his repertoire of food choices, and in the end, only ended up with a sobbing boy who would not eat. Oh, so let me tell you how much fun it was to implement a gluten free/casein free diet with him for nine months! (There were those at the time who thought those issues may exacerbate symptoms of autism, so we tried it.) I digress... Anyhow, the food issue has been a huge one as he definitely prefers carb laden food choices. So, as you might imagine, he is overweight as he's not the world's most active kid either. For so long, I felt like a very bad mother as well meaning family members would make comments about how picky he was and the inference was that if I were a good mother, he'd be eating a greater variety of foods. Oh, yes, I regularly beat myself up, and still do to some extent. Finally, one day, I simply surrendered. I simply decided that if I could get him to eat mostly decent foods, and he was happy, that was enough for me. I then began smiling as I offered for him to go live with said well meaning family members so that they might "fix" him for me. Somehow, I never got many offers. Hmmm. Wonder why?

He will not eat any meats to speak of, and so his only source of protein is peanut butter. Boy, howdy, can I make a nice, thick peanut butter sandwich. He eats one for lunch and he eats one for dinner on Honey Wheat bread. Yes, every single day. Along with his sandwich, he has a small individual sized Pringles, and some sugar free vanilla pudding. He'll eat apples, bananas, and grapes sometimes, but that's about it for fruit. I make sure the carbonated drinks he has are diet versions, and he likes Crystal Light Raspberry Tea. But, breakfast has been an issue. He won't eat eggs, and I've even tried waffles with peanut butter with little success. I steer away from PopTarts or pastry type things, and for a while now, he's wanted Goldfish crackers for breakfast. OK, so not the best choice, but I figure better than sugary cereals.

At the grocery store the other day, I was in the Kashi cereal section and saw these Organic Fruitful O's on the shelf. At least they are naturally sweetened and are corn and oat based with fiber. I brought them home and told him I thought we could try something different for breakfast... some Fruit Loops! OK, so not real ones, but at least it piqued his interest and he tried them. And.... he liked them. Whoop! We'll see how long it lasts, but for now, I feel a sense of success. Oh, and the offer still stands... anyone who'd like to "fix" him is welcome to live in my world for a while.

Squeeze me, I squeak!

Another favorite little bird at my feeders
is the Brown-headed Nuthatch.
He sounds like a dog's squeaky toy as he
darts around to all the different seed offerings!

On learning to be a pack dog

Iditarod Dog Sled Racing through Streets of Anchorage, Alaska, USA by Paul Souders

I have been at my new job since October 12 of last year. I absolutely adore it there, love the people I work with, and could not be happier with the change from my previous place of employment. But I've had to confront a part of me that can be rather impertinent. You see, in my previous job, I was charge nurse. I handled the day to day running of the unit and would trouble shoot any issues, make changes, and institute new ways of doing things. It was a role I easily fell into as I am, would you believe it gentle readers, an A (maybe A-) type personality...lol! I see things that do not seem to be working effectively, and I rather openly suggest changes to make it better. In my mind, anyway.

But, I am not in charge any longer. No, and that is a blessing in and of itself. It is not my responsibility to make sure our productivity is good, or to police people doing their jobs, or to call out anyone who I feel is slacking. Nope. Not my role. But, I did not realize just how challenging it would be to transition into being someone who just sees patients and goes home. And, I began to see that my being presumptuous, was not only disrespectful to the clinical manager, but might be causing a wee bit of stress to my co-workers. But, this I will say for my little self. I, at least, can look at a given situation and own my part in any discord. Once I realized what I was doing, in my mind, as well as aloud to others, I knew it was time to have a chit chat with myself.

It has been a relief in many ways that I do not have any management responsibilities. I do not miss it one bit. So, my new goal is to learn to be a happy pack dog! Not the alpha dog, as I do not want to lead, but to just show up each day I work with a happy, lolling tongue, and pull for all I am worth, knowing at the end of the day, I did my best, and can leave the stress of leadership to the dog in the front. Yipeee! Watch me run! Isn't this fun???

Seen any mojo for sale on eBay?

Last Sunday, our choir director looked at me and said, "So, what do you think about singing a solo?" Gulp. "I think it would be just beautiful, "said he, beaming. I automatically started back pedaling as the thought of not having any voices to back me up is rather terrifying to me. I laughed and said, "I'll do it if Bob will sing with me." Bob, smiled and reminded me that the word "solo" means alone. He is a dear friend and he knows how much I don't trust my ability to sing. He told me that I'd have to pick something soon as we'd have to practice, but that he was going to be out of town some in the next weeks. Well, I would have no clue what sort of music to pick, and our director was looking for it to be sometime in March, which is in the full swing of Lent. So, we just left it that Bob and I would do a duet of some sort on March 21.

Later, after I'd had some time to think it over, I started realizing that if they think I am good enough to offer up my voice alone, I should trust that. I am certainly my own worse critic where doing things like this is concerned. So, I began just looking on-line to see if I could maybe find something that is not only easy to sing, but that I love and can really feel as I sing it. And, maybe something that did not require me to hit higher registers in my range. Hmmmm....

Then, there it was. Wayfaring Stranger. Beautiful, stirring, soulful, and easy to sing, and a song I really love. I knew we had it in a secondary hymnal we use, Lift Every Voice and Sing, so found it in there, and began walking through the house, belting it out. I prefer to do a more fluid version, instead of the more folk version that is popular, and started thinking how beautiful it would be if I could get another choir member to accompany me on violin. Yes! I could do this! And, I could do it pretty darn well! So, it shall be. Come March 21, I will stand, and with everything in me, sing to His glory as I lift my voice in song. Stay tuned.

Here is a nice version which is more like I think I'll sing it, but without the country twang!
This young lady does a very nice job.

Hoo-Hoo girls night out!

Closing in on two years ago, I became a part of a wonderful group of ladies who met occasionally to let our hair down and just have some fun. Initially, we tried to meet up monthly, but due to obligations and life, we've not been together (this core group of four of us) since December of 2008. We've remained in touch, and each time one of us sees another one, we'll go on and on about how we really need to reconnect. Now, all four of us have gone in fully different directions, with three of the four of us doing new jobs now, further making it more difficult to meet up and connect. And, oh, how I have missed just getting together with the girls.

One night, while I was thinking on it, I realized that the one thing that made it difficult was to find a way we could spend a chunk of time together, with out having a husband kidnapped for the evening. Hmmmm..... then it hit me! Heck, we didn't necessarily have to meet up at some one's house for the night. Why didn't we just get some rooms? And so, the email went out to my three core girls. What do you think? We'll just simply get us two rooms at a hotel in downtown River by the City, meet up, walk somewhere to dinner, go dancing, or just anything we want to do! And, we'll not have to worry about any designated drivers or safety issues, as we can just walk back to our hotel, where we'll giggle and snort and toast being friends with more wine. I was amazed at the swift response. Yes! Count me in! I sooooo need this! When?

We tried to do it last weekend, but 8,000 cheerleaders had descended upon the city and there was not a room to be had. Good thing... can't see as I'd want to try to find a place to eat out with that much cheer in the area. So, tonight is the night! We have booked two rooms at a Hilton Garden Inn, within easy walking distance to many fun restaurants and places, and we'll meet up around 4PM for our slumber party. I even purchased the Girls Night Out Box of Questions which should further have us in hysterics. Oh, yes, it will be a fun, fun evening, and I have to say, I am so looking forward to it, I can't tell you. Friendships are precious, and these are some I want to have for years to come.

Yes, we hear you!

How can you not hear this guy?
You have to admire their moxy!
And, their blue, blue feathers are so very pretty.

Oh, Downy boy...

This little guy was perched in the Crepe Myrtle
awaiting his turn on the peanut feeder.

I love seeing that little splash of red!

Is it just me?

This past weekend, Sam spent the night with his Nana and Papa and hubby and I decided to have a nice dinner out. The Melting Pot opened recently in nearby City on the River, and people had been raving about the experience. So, I was curious. I talked hubby into going there on Saturday night. I was not sure what to expect and so I visited their web site to look at the menu and decide ahead of time what looked like some good choices.

The girl who cuts my hair had told me about her fondue experience there and how you have to cook your food. Now, when I think of fondue, I suppose I automatically think, cheese and chocolate. And yes, those options are there, but I was trying to be at least somewhat healthy, and we decided we would have just a salad and entree. We made reservations for 5:30, and arrived to a packed restaurant, waiting to be seated. When we were seated, the atmosphere and ambiance were nice, but I could feel the trepidation from across the table. We ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and awaited our salads. Hubby ordered their Land and Sea which was a combo of NY strip, shrimp, and chicken, and I ordered the Signature Selection which was Sirloin, Filet, shrimp, chicken, and salmon as I wanted a sampling of things, and I knew I could share any extra with him. You have to choose a "style" of cooking, and we went with the Coq au Vin which was a vegetable stock with spices, mushrooms, scallions, garlic, and burgundy. Sounds good, doesn't it? I had read on-line that each entree is served with vegetables. Well, when the food was brought out, the "vegetables" were a small bowl of raw cubed red potatoes, broccoli, and button mushrooms, which, yes, had to be cooked. The waiter told us that most people "just put them in the boiling pot" and then fish them out with the provided slotted spoon. Uh-huh. Know how long it takes to boil potatoes? OK, then. We were still game and trying to be open to the fondue experience.

We were given three skewers each to spear our raw meat pieces and put them into the pot. We were told that most pieces of meat and fish will be cooked within 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Thankfully, my Timex has a second hand. They also brought out several sauces which were to go along with either steak, seafood, or vegetables. None of them were all that spectacular. So, there we were, with a pot of boiling vegetables, and taking out one piece of meat at a time to nibble. Really? Here is what I now know... we are apparently not fondue folk! I had to laugh as I looked across the table and saw a look on hubby's face that said, "I can not believe that I am boiling NY strip steak and eating it." The potatoes were still rock hard, and not being such huge fans of broccoli, boiled or otherwise, we both were simply flummoxed. After spearing and boiling several pieces of meat, and trying to discern any flavor, our eyes met over the table and I knew what his next comment was going to be. "I am done with this." I had to laugh, as it took some coaxing for him to even want to go there, bless his heart. We summoned our server, told him that we are apparently not "fondue people" and asked for our check which he promptly brought with his apologies. So, minus $60, and what was going to be a nice date night, we left, with raw food still on the table and vegetables boiling in that pot of stuff.

As we left the restaurant, I was alternately laughing and apologizing. We got in the car, and ended up at the Fox and Hound where we watched the NO/Cardinals game on a huge screen and hubby chowed down on chicken fingers and fries with a beer for $8! I had a lovely spinach salad with grilled (not boiled) chicken and it was marvelous. Maybe others can find great joy at the Melting Pot, but in the end, fondue was a fonDON'T for us!

On alert

This beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk was perched on
a pine in the tree line surveying the odds for a snack.
I love how his eyes seem to miss nothing, in front, or behind him.

Checking in - Week 10

The weeks seem to whiz by, and I've now been back on track for 10 weeks now. As I sat down to compose this weekly update, I came to realize that I really have nothing more to report. Truly, now that I am headed towards three months of having my eating back in control, I don't even have to think about it very much. I am automatically just doing it. I think that is where routine comes in and changing habits and behaviors. We do behave our way to new ways of living, and once we repeat those behaviors for a time, they become our norm.

So, I think for now I shall cease the weekly updates as long as I am continuing to do well and keep on my walking schedule. But, I will be cognizant that I have a place to be accountable, and thank you all for your support in being a part of my getting back on track.

Oh, and by the way, I am about maybe 3-5 pounds from being back into that beautiful gown from 2006!

Oh my! Mr. AND Mrs. come to visit!

I've seen other friends who get such wonderful photos of
Pileated Woodpeckers coming to their feeders, and have
been green with envy! So imagine my glee when I spotted
one flying in the tree line behind the house!

Out I ran with my camera and captured this beautiful lady!
The light was really poor, but I was thrilled to see her.

Next thing I knew I heard a loud sound, and behold...
her boyfriend/husband had come to join her!
I watched as they skimmed the trees pecking for insects
and captured him just as he was sticking out his tongue.

It was freezing outside, but I was on my knees in the grass
riveted as I watched him fly over to where she was and feed
her something! Ahhh... courtship!

Then, he flew back to his lucky tree to find her
some more tasty morsels. Oh, I do hope they
decide to nest back there this spring!

Strike a pose

I looked out the dining room window and saw this
sweet Eastern Phoebe on a ledge under the garage window.

It was as if she looked my way, saw me, and then
decided to strike a pose!

Morning deer

Just off the highway where Sam attends school, there is
a National Military Park. It is, of course, protected federal land
and there are beautiful walking trails and fields all through it.

When I took him to school on Wednesday, I decided to take
a detour back through the park in the early morning as the
sun was rising, and came upon these lovelies in the wilderness.

The deer who reside in the park are not nearly as skittish
as they might be as they are in protected land and seem to
know that people are not a huge danger. They are weary and
curious though, and watched to make sure I was not a threat
before continuing their morning forage for breakfast.

As I look at these peaceful images today, I can't help but contrast
them with all the heart wrenching images of those victims in Haiti.
Please pray for those affected and if you can, consider giving to
an organization involved in relief efforts.
Episcopal Relief and Development has been working in Haiti for
years, and has set up a fund for immediate needs.

The acrobat!

The White-breasted Nuthatch can get himself into
all sorts of contorted positions! And he moves so
fast, it's a wonder all the photos are not just one big blur!

Taste of Ireland

As I mentioned last summer, my Mom and I have talked forever about taking a trip to Ireland one day. We started some preliminary looking in the fall, just to explore what tours/plans were out there, and even met up with someone who'd been on a Trafalgar tour, which she enjoyed. After looking and looking, we've decided to go with CIE Tours and do their "Taste of Ireland" trip. My Mom has had both a right knee and hip replacement, and we needed something that would not entail constant walking/climbing etc. and yet something that would let us hit the highlights and see a good bit of the beautiful countryside. I think this trip will fit the bill just fine.



Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an evening flight from your U.S. gateway city and travel overnight across the Atlantic to Ireland. Sit back and relax with meals and entertainment.

Day 2: Dublin Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub
On arrival at Dublin Airport go through immigration formalities and pick up your baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where staff will arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than noon, you will transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm join a local guide who will show you around central Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed; the evocative figures of the Famine Memorial; and rows of Georgian houses with gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin Castle to take a guided tour through the elegant State Apartments, which are filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal chandeliers and portraits of prominent Irish leaders. Return to your hotel for a get-together with your tour group and a welcome drink. In the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties, which is followed by a show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (D)

Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and travel through the center of Ireland, which has many mixed farms. Stop to view the stately church ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which rises high above the surrounding plain. Continue your drive south and, just a few miles outside Cork, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish-made goods of all types, conveniently displayed under one roof. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland's highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. Afterwards you may like to take a stroll through the compact town center and explore one of Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of Kerry. This winding route reveals breathtaking sights of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal views of beaches and cliffs. As you travel along, there will be plenty of stops for photos at the best vantage points. Stop at Kells to meet a local farmer, Brendan Ferris, for a taste of farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks and see different breeds of sheep. Drive through the village of Cahirciveen and cross to Valencia Island by bridge. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the nearby rocky islands where early Christian monks lived in austere conditions and today it is a thriving bird sanctuary. Stop to walk around Sneem, where brightly-painted houses are grouped around a central green. Stop at Moll's Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of Killarney with the town in the distance. Visit the charming Muckross Gardens, set on the shores of Muckross Lake and with many mature trees and plants. Return to Killarney and enjoy a fine dinner in your hotel once again. (B, D)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Your tour continues along the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of limestone that reaches to almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of Ireland's most famous, and through the marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty. Check in to Bunratty Castle Hotel, which is located very close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. In the evening head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable experience in a wonderful setting with good food and entertainment. Take your place in the Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of excellent dishes and plenty of wine. During and after the meal the lords and ladies will serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

Day 6: Shannon Airport
Take a group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport where the tour concludes at 10:30 am. You'll have an opportunity to shop at the duty-free stores before boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)

Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

~~~~~~~~~~~

We'll do a post-night in Dublin, which means on day 6, instead of departing from Shannon, we'll head back to Dublin for the evening. Along the way, we'll drive past the outskirts of Limerick and through the midland region to Kildare where we'll visit the Irish National Stud, and learn about Irish horse breeding, and then visit the Japanese Gardens created in 1908. A night in Dublin before departing will give us time to absorb it all and soak in one more magical night. Plus, if we arrive and depart in Dublin, it's a direct flight from Atlanta. Easy breezy. We will be departing on June 12 and returning June 18th. This will be a trip of a lifetime for us both, and I am so excited that I can accompany her, since we've wanted to go forever. There are so many memories to be made.

Kyeer-Kyeer... here I am!

With the snow and ice, many birds that I don't get to see
often were foraging for food near the feeders.
I saw this beautiful Northern Flicker up on a pine, and was tickled
when I followed her flight to the ground to see her join a friend.

Checking in - Week 9

Another good week down. Again, I can't stress how much routine and planning plays a part in my being able to stay in control of my eating. It's when I don't plan that it is so easy to be in a situation where I have no good choices, and so find myself eating just whatever. I make sure I cook enough meat so that I have a 2-3 days of servings on hand. I cut it into 3oz portions, so it is easy to just take from the fridge and microwave. I also keep a good supply of frozen veggies on hand, and especially love the Green Giant steam-in-the-pouch vegetables which make about 2-3 servings for me. I always have something on hand in the fridge to warm up, and that is nice, especially on days that I don't get home from work until 6-7 and am famished.

I also got my four days of walking in, and again, am finding it easier and easier to do. Keeping my stars on the calendar helps too. I have a nice visual there in front of me to see that I did walk four days, and it's rewarding to see the month fill up with my stars of accomplishment. Gee, takes so little to motivate me. I was a teacher's dream...lol.

As each week goes by, the feeling of working to maintain is less, as I once again adopt healthy eating and living into my lifestyle. It's becoming my normal once again. I am so happy that I chose to face my own denial and get back on track.

Speaking of ways to look at eating differently and more healthy, check out this book and review on Ginger's blog. Sensible, do-able, and easy breezy. It is there for the taking.

Bluebird beauty

While the three Bluebirds were taking turns on the suet cake,
this handsome guy headed to the Crepe Myrtle just outside my kitchen
window to check out his chances at the other feeders.

And this one below, was just huddled and trying to keep warm.
One wonders how they survive in temps so low.

And the snow came...

The snow came in on Thursday, and fell swiftly,
leaving the birds buffeted by wind, and hungry.

This sweet Junco was holding on tight in the Crepe Myrtle.

Patiently waiting

I've been putting a layer of Bark Butter on top of a suet cake
and the Bluebirds can't resist perching on the suet feeder to eat some.
But, I have to admit I was surprised to look out and see a male and a
female together eating, and another male patiently awaiting his turn!

Who is that in the shadows?

I noticed a Blue Jay sort of chasing another ground feeding bird
in the tree line behind the house. I got out the binocs to take a look
and was pleased to see the Hermit Thrush visiting again.
He stayed in the shadows of the trees for some time, but finally
walked into the bright sunshine for a nice photo.

Drumroll.....

Sam was a great helper in drawing the names of
those who will receive a "Journey Through Grace Favorites" CD!
Click on the photo to see it enlarged and see how much fun he had.
So, if you ladies will just get your mailing addresses to me,
(journeythroughgraceATgmailDOTcom)
I will get them out to you!

Thanks again to everyone who has been, and
continues to be, a lovely part of my journey...

What about me?

Yes, I still love seeing you at the feeders too,
and I especially love it when you bring six
or eight of your friends so you can chit
chat while you eat!

Checking in - Week 8

It was another good week to report, though I came to some conclusions. My eating was fully on track, but I enjoyed too much wine and spirits. It used to be that if I indulged in a glass of wine or two, I could easily talk myself into heading for the bag of chips or box of crackers. I do not feel that same pull thankfully, but I did find that even though I enjoyed the wine (mostly on New Years Eve and Day), afterwards, I felt bloated and full.

They are empty calories to be sure, and I find that I am better off just having one cocktail occasionally rather than the wine, for once the bottle is open, (especially the Barefoot Moscato) pouring a second glass is waaaaay too easy for me. I did not sleep well, and just felt really sluggish for a day or so after all the wine and celebratory Asti Spumante.

I also found that I am now easily walking for an hour (vs 45 minutes) at least twice a week, and getting my four days a week in has continued to be wonderful time for me. I am reading Diana Gabaldon voraciously and catching up with all the adventures of Jamie and Claire in preparation for An Echo in the Bone. I am now halfway through Drums of Autumn. What great books!

Glorious Goldfinch

The sweet Goldfinch are back in large numbers
and so enjoy feasting on the shelled sunflower seed.
They've become so used to my being out on the side
deck that they seldom scatter anymore when I open
the door. I sat down on my step stool and spoke
a while to this one who was perched on an Oakleaf
Hydrangea while taking a break from snacking.

Four years ago today...

... Journey Through Grace was born!

I am not sure I knew when I started this venture what it would become. I just knew that I had enjoyed reading other people's blogs and several friends had stuck their toes in the water. What the heck! I figured I'd surely have something to offer, and goodness knows I needed a creative outlet of some kind. It started out as a journal about my journey with autism, faith, and life in general, and then also grew to include my love of backyard birding.

Now, 1,467 posts later... wow... that's a lot of posting... here I am, still. I've been compelled to write almost every day, and even if I sit here feeling as if there is a total lack of anything to say, I find I can come up with something to share. I've tried to keep things positive and upbeat, and to focus on good and joyful things. I try not to belly ache too much here, though there are times when the raw truth has seemed more cathartic than whiny. At least I hope so. It's sometimes part of my journey.

One of the very unexpected blessings of this outlet has been the friends, real friends, I've "met" along the journey. My life has been sort of socially isolated and we've lived in a bubble with limitations of autism. I have two boys who don't particularly feel the need to engage with the world, and so I've had to find my own outlets. It's been very lonely at times, and because I need relationships like I need breath, this has been such a source of complete joy to know that I have connected in such a huge way with so many wonderful people I've never met. Know that I truly feel as if I do know you all, especially the ones who've been around for the entire four years, and I can't express the appreciation I feel that you make this little spot a place where you check in regularly. Your support, your laughter, your hugs, and your tears along with mine have been a balm to my soul in ways you can never fully understand.

As a "thank you" I'd like to have my own little give-away to celebrate. I've showcased a good bit of music here, as music is also such a joyful part of my journey. I've created a compilation CD of some of my favorites (thanks for the idea, Beth), and will be giving away four copies to celebrate my four years here. If you are interested and leave a comment with the word "journey" in it, I'll put all the names in a hat this coming week sometime (in order to give everyone a chance to participate) and have Sam draw the four winners. In my heart though, you are all winners, and again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this Journey Through Grace which has sustained me in so many ways these past four years.

Happy New Year!!!

May the coming year be filled with
love and joy for one and all!