Another Red-winged Blackbird

A cold red-winged blackbird.

Linking to the Bird D'pot

the bird d'pot

"Help! Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!"

"Anybody? Help please! You there with the camera!"

"Wait, wait, I think I'm getting it."

"Okay, okay, I'm fine!"

Linking to the Bird D'pot

Inspired Sunday post, go to Stuff and Nonsense

A Bird and More Podge

Another female red-winged blackbird.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


And now on to Wednesday Hodgepodge...

1. The best part of waking up is Folger's in your cup! Black silk that is! And speaking of coffee. I ran Mr. Coffee's cleaning cycle twice last evening and it worked fine this morning. I think we need to invest in a water softener. 

2.  Given a choice, which animal interaction would you most like to experience (or for those non-adventurers...which would you dislike the least?)- Swim with the dolphins at one of several locations in the Florida Keys, a lion encounter ten minutes from Victoria Falls (Africa), or a day at a remote base camp high in the Big Sur wilderness via the Ventana Wildlife Society helping track California condors?

I'm not a good swimmer and the thought of being eaten by a lion isn't my cup of tea either, but tracking condors would be right up my alley!

3. What is something you fear about 'old age'? What is something you look forward to?

I fear the possibility of dimentia, not being unable to care for myself, and becoming a burden to my family. I look forward to retirement.

4. Hot sauce...are you a fan? If you answered yes, what's something you make/eat that must have hot sauce? On a scale of 1-10 how hot is too hot?

I'm a fan! I like hot sauce on a lot of things, but especially scrambled eggs. I'm good at around 8. Any hotter and I'm ready for a glass of milk.

5. It's been said that children learn what they live. What do you think children learn at your house?

That you can have fun without computer games. 

6. What's your favorite movie with a number in it's title?

The Sixth Sense. It scared me and I don't scare easily in movies.

7. Saturday (August 16th) is National Tell a Joke Day...share one here.


Q: "What's the difference between a guitar and a fish?" 
A: "You can't tuna fish." 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Bro O has always tried new varieties of plants in his garden. This year he has grown what is called a 'peach tomato'.

Garden Peach Tomatoes are native South American fruit. It is a small, bright yellow fruit with the globe shape of a tomato. In addition to the yellow color, it has a slight pink mottling when very ripe. It also has fuzzy skin. If you enlarge the photo you can see the fuzz. It does actually resemble a peach. 

Plus it's good for you as it is rich in iron and vitamin B5. Apparently it also helps lower cholesteral.

I can't quite end my random thoughts without saying how sad it is to lose Robin Williams. I don't understand depression of that magnitude and hopefully never will. His struggle is over now. He is at peace and I'm sure in a happier place. R.I.P.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Birds and Blabber

Hey there beautiful. You have the most gorgeous eyes. How about a dance?

That's a tired line. If that's all you got, No thanks!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


1. The month of July was named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. He's quoted as saying, 'Experience is the teacher of all things." So what has experience taught you lately? 

I hope this post doesn't turn maudlin. Lately, I'm remembering to appreciate my friends and loved ones more. You never know when you say goodbye whether or not that will be the last time you see them or not. The last time our boss walked out the door, we didn't say anything more than see you tomorrow. But we didn't.

2. Where did you last 'roam'?

Roam, ramble - Down The River Road looking for birds and old things to photograph.

3. Speaking of 'Rome'...pizza, pasta, gelato...you can only pick one, which would you choose?

One of my grandsons is a very picky eater. His favorite food is pizza. I'm burned out. Hubs cooks way too much spaghetti. I'm burned out. So, would have to go for gelato! We had a gelato store near where we lived in Dallas. Yum! Love the taste and the smooth texture.

4. 'Rome wasn't built in a day', 'All roads lead to Rome', 'When in Rome...' which 'Roman' idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.

'Rome wasn't built in a day' is my life right now. There was no cross training with the Circuit Clerk's duties. I'm struggling to figure out how to do the things she did with ease on a daily basis. I'm trying to be patient with myself and remember it will take me time to become familiar with all my new duties.

5. What's a movie you've seen or a book you've read, that makes you want to book a trip to Italy?

The only movie I can think of is Under the Tuscan Sun. I didn't like the movie, but the scenery was beautiful.

6.  Walt's original Disneyland opened almost sixty years ago, on July 17, 1955  Have you ever been to the California park? How about any of the other Disney parks around the world? What's your favorite amusement park ride or attraction?

I've never been to any of the Disney theme parks, but my favorite rides are roller coasters. Love them!

7. It's that time of year...when were you last bitten or stung?

Sunday evening at the garden. The next day I discovered a very itchy chigger bite behind my right knee.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

My friend is on my mind today, tonight is her memorial service. But I'm also thinking ahead to the weekend. I will be hanging out with the grands while their mom and dad go to a concert. There is no better cure for the blues than a few kid hugs!

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Blue, Yellow, Black

Warning, may need your magnifier of choice. The first two shots were taken while we were parked on a bridge where we always look for a Blue Heron who once hung out in this spot.

 Indigo Bunting

 Goldfinch

 And what would one of my bird posts be without a Red-winged Blackbird. Male.

Female. What the heck is she doing? Guess she had an itch. 

Linking to the Bird D'pot

the Bird D'pot

Saturday night, date night at the garden. Woo Hoo! Excitement! I haven't been able to see many variety of birds so far this year, so on this night I was expecting more of the same. Nothing! However, I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to add a few pictures to my collection of really bad bird shots.

There is a bridge where we often see a blue heron, so we stop on the bridge and look closely to make sure he isn't hiding in the shadows like he is known to do. He wasn't there. As we prepared to drive on, I happened to look up and saw Mr. Baltimore Oriole watching us from his perch high up in the top of a tree.

We saw several indigo buntings, but they didn't pause long enough for a picture. We also saw 4 Goldfinches. I did get some really bad shots of them through the fantastically filthy truck windshield. They are sad excuses for pictures, but will post them later anyway. 

 As we pulled into the driveway and drove around back of Bro O's house, I saw this Cardinale inspecting the backhoe. Wonder what he needed to dig up ormaybe he was looking to uproot a tree due to feud with neighbors. Anyway, this is another shot through the dirty windshield. He flew before I could get out of the truck.

Then there was the usual red-winged blackbird—scolding me for being near their nest. I was about to put my camera back in the truck and go help Hubs pick zucchini when Hubs said, "Stand still and look over there." I followed his finger and saw...

... Mr. Heron trying to hide on the far side of the pond. Shockingly, he stayed put while I took about 100 really bad shots with my poor excuse for a zoom. After deciding I had enough poor photos, I wandered over to the garden and helped Hubs.  

 Since Mr. Heron was still there, I decided to try sneaking a little closer. My slow, steady footsteps gave me this shot. I turned my attention to the view of an elderberry bush and the grain bin. I moved the auto setting to landscape and took the shot. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mr. Heron taking off. I whipped my camera around and got this...

...a really bad shot of Mr. Heron flying away. I almost wish I had just watched him in real life instead of through the camera.

Linking to the Bird D'pot

The Bird D'Pot

So why is it the only birds I can get a halfway decent picture of are red-winged blackbirds! I guess it's because they don't mind getting close enough to yell at me. Here she is, at it again!

This same evening, I saw a Scarlett Tanager in the mulberry tree, but of course, no proof!

Linking to the Bird D'pot

Angry Birds and a Little Hodge Podge

It seems like the only birds I can get close enough to take pictuers of are these angry old red-winged blackbirds. 

 Mrs was hanging out showing me her pretty chin.

Mister was yelling at me.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday




1. What news story are you following right now? 

The Oscar Pistorius trial and news about the VA. Hubs is a veteran, thus the interest. I think it is terrible the way our veterans are treated after risking their life for their country. 


2. What's the last thing you wanted but didn't get?

One of those mega expensive cameras. For the price, they surely travel to the location by themselves, scope out the unusual birds, and bring home a magical shot. I'm still dreaming. 


3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...when did you last have a hamburger? Other than your own kitchen or BBQ grill, where is your favorite place to go for a hamburger? And for all you non-meat eaters out there...when you're invited to a cookout what is the one side dish you hope is on the menu?

Hubs cooked burgers on the grill on Memorial Day. My favorite place to eat a hamburger is Burger King. Not THAT Burger King, but the mom and pop store in Mattoon, IL. Our Burger King has been in business since 1954. A lawsuit was filed over the name. The 1968 court case between this restaurant and the larger Burger King is a well-known case in United States Trademark Law. The court ruled that THE Burger King could not use the name in a 20 mile radius of Our Burger King. So, the little guy won one for a change. 60 Minutes even came to town to do a story. Now they are famous.


4. How have your priorities changed over time?

My house is no longer my priority. I have no problem taking off on Saturday morning to do something I want to do rather than spend the day cleaning. I get to it when I don't have anything better to do, or when I'm expecting visitors. There was a time you could eat off my floors. Now, not so much.


5. What's a favorite memory with your grandparents?

Getting off the bus at Grandma's house every Wednesday after school. Grandma would make dinner for me, with a special dessert, and then we would retire to the living room and watch The Virginian. 


6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being fantastic!), how good are you at multitasking? Share an example.

Before adult A.D.D. set in, I was very good. Now I seem to be spinning my wheels some days.


7. How would you summarize your highs and lows for the month of May?

High—warm weather and flowers.
Low—I turned yet another year older.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Sorry to end on a downer, but I have a friend who has been battling cancer for a long time. Yesterday, she was taken to the hospital. Worried.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Crabby Critter

After the squirrel gave me a tongue lashing (see the post below), probably because there were babies in their nest and LL and Fergus were being too noisy, I got another scolding last evening down at the garden.

Not by a squirrel this time, but by a red-winged blackbird. I was minding my own business, putting tomato plants in the garden when this guy kept flying over with his mean bird chirp on. After I finished with the tomatoes, okra, yellow squash and zucchinni, and while I waited for Hubs to finish tilling a row for the hot peppers, I got out my camera. Here he is trying to decide whether or not I dug the 410 out of the gun rack or if the contraption pointed at him was harmless.

Guess he thought he could scare me away with this red shoulders. Little did he know that if I really had a 410 and was of the sort to shoot birds, his goose would have been cooked. Fortunately for him, I don't shoot birds with anything other than my camera.

Since the Mister wasn't having much luck scaring me away, Mrs decided to give it a try.  She wasn't successful either, but Hubs had the garden ready for more plants, so I left them alone. Mister, however, kept flying over with his crabby on.

Linking to  the Bird D'pot