Blue Skies

Today's moment. I stood outdoor in my back yard waiting for some of my bird friends to stop by and when I looked up, I saw a beautiful blue sky and a few wispy clouds. Lovely day, just lovely!

Blessings~

Little Red

Today's moment. I stood outside near the trees and the feeders where so many birds were congregating earlier this afternoon. The Chickadees and Nuthatches would swoop in for a nut or sunflower but the Sparrows and Jays are much more cautious. Eventually the finches and the sparrows would perch in the high branches of the trees. Perfect, the high branches were in the late afternoon light. I was able to capture the catch light in the eye on a few of the photos. What fun, the Jay's did come as close as one of the trees but didn't stay long. Maybe tomorrow.....

Blessings~

Junco

Sunday's moment, this sweet Junco perched high enough in the tree so that he sat in the light of the afternoon sun.

Just One More Peanut

Today's moment, my little Nuthatch seemed pleased that I'd put out a fresh buffet of seeds and nuts. I so enjoy these little friends.

Blessings~

Sun Gone Down

Thursday's moment. Spent a lovely afternoon with a friend, a long lunch. Ran a couple errands and between stops I stopped to enjoy this brief but colorful moment in the parking lot of the craft store. I much prefer the natural light of daytime but am thankful for the electric lights when night falls.

Blessings~

Harris Sparrow

Other than my Nuthatches and Chickadees not too many birds are bold enough to come feed when I stand near the feeders. This one however was bold enough to scratch in the grass not too far from me. I believe it to be an immature Harris Sparrow. Correct me if I'm wrong please!

Blessings~Faylin

A Seed A Day

Today I stood outside near my feeders and just waited for the birds to come after refilling the feeders. The nuthatches are the bravest. Three or four of them would fly in and dash out each with a seed or peanut in their beaks. What fun!

October 28

Friday''s moment (October 28th). As I traveled north to visit my mom and dad this huge mushrooming cloud was in front of me. It was fun to watch the changes and made my trip go faster. Eventually I met it and as I passed it, a little rain did fall!

My Nuthatch

Thursdays moment October 27th, a quick nuthatch at my feeder, but today I was quick too!

Poser

Today's moment, one spent with my feathered friends. I never tire of the chickadees

Blessings~.

Caught!

I put out peanuts the other day in the hopes of attracting the Blue Jays. Today one stopped by. I expected him to take the peanuts, someone had been eating them. Instead he was on the large feeder filling his gullet with the finer bird seed. Maybe the squirrels and chipmunks ate the peanuts.......

June 7, 2010 Carved in Stone

We did it! Barb and I hiked up Crazy Horse Mountain and stood out on the end of his pointing arm. The trip up and back was a 10k march. We do take our time, take lots of pics, enjoy the scenery, and experience the entire journey. We saw lovely wildflowers, stands of pine and birch, and even a mountain goat up behind the face you see in the photo! And of course people, lots of people in every size, age, and physical condition. We met an interesting lady who when finished had "only" 350 10k volksmarches stamped in her book. She was mid to late 70's. She and her son walked up the mountain together. There was a girl scout troop, families with strollers ( I wouldn't recommend that) and an elderly couple that slowly shuffled up the mountain holding hands. I saw a young father carrying his tiny infant and a another family whose dad had his guitar and would play and sing for us as we hiked. The volksmarch takes place once a year, the first full weekend in June. You can hike up either Saturday or Sunday or both if you're so inclined. No entrance fee those days for marchers just some food for the food pantry. If you'd like to know more about Crazy Horse Monument, history and so forth check out the website http://www.crazyhorsememorial.org/monument/

Blessings~

June 5, 2010 Tulips

After our hike up Crazy Horse Mountain we spent the rest of the afternoon experiencing the rest of the complex. We looked thru the museums and buildings capturing it all with our cameras. It will take me some time to get thru them all! Of all the things we see it seems I am always most drawn to nature, to the beauty only God can create. These pretty tulips we found nestled between two buildings tucked away from most peoples eyes. Glad our goal is to experience the whole of the places Barb and I visit. Most people rush thru and miss so much. I'm glad I get to share them with you!

Blessings~

May 23, 2010 Simplicity

I love the majesty and grandeur of the mountains and the tranquility of a quiet lake at sunset. I am awed by the endlessness of the ocean and the fireworks of a summer storm. I often wish I lived somewhere else than the flat farming community of the Red River Valley. I took a walk thru a wildlife "sanctuary" with my sis in law and was reminded that there is beauty in the everyday if we but take the time to look for it, to expect it. I saw no mountains or lakes or oceans, no tall tall trees or exotic wildlife. I saw ducks and geese, swamps (walked thru some of them!) and birds. I came away physically tired but spiritually and mentally refreshed. All because I took a walk in my own back yard with my eyes open expecting to find beauty. What's in your backyard?
Blessings~

April 28, 2010 To My Surprise!

Every day on my lunch break I take a 20 minute walk. Now that the weather is nicer I've left the gym behind for the great outdoors. I take my music player and crank up the volume on some good old southern gospel or bluegrass music and get going. It is so nice to get out in the fresh air, sunshine and nature for that 20 minutes. Even a cold windy day beats walking in circles in the gym! A couple days ago I noticed a nest about 4 feet off the ground on this bent over tree branch. I checked inside and there were no eggs. I wasn't sure if this was a newly built nest, but didn't notice the day before. Today as I was walking I was thrilled and surprised to find a mama robbin sitting on the nest. I move slowly as close as I dared (I've started walking with my camera!) and snapped a few before she flew off. I checked the nest for eggs, none yet but I'm hopeful!
Blessings~

I'm Listening! February 27, 2010

I'm Listening!, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

I am so pleased that my Cardinal pair visit my feeders daily and often can be seen in the yard throughout the day. The beautiful colors are so cheery and the sight of one or both of my feathered friends brings a smile to my face. So do my crazy squirrels and their antics. I am thankful for the wonder of nature my creator has blessed me with. I never tire of the birds, leaves, flowers, sunsets, sunrises, frosts, mountains, rivers, the moon, stars, clouds and on and on!

I hope you can take the time each day to find joy in nature.

Blessings~