Fair Warning: Scary creature coming up!!---

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
join in if you have any bird photos...link on my right sidebar



I captured these two photos on the same day, but two different parks in town. The coots, at Hans Suter Wildlife Refuge, were oblivious to the huge snake [it measured approximately 6 feet!]...and the snake wasn't a bit interested in the birds either. I have other photos of the snake alone, but I'll post them on Saturday for Camera Critters...just to show how 'fat' he was ---I think it just ate. LOL The photo of the Yellowthroat Warbler was taken at Blucher Park...it was so busy flitting from one tree branch to another, sometimes to a completely different tree, it was difficult to get it centered in the camera lens!!!
PS: non-venomous


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WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE
Joyce has these questions for us this week...join by clicking on link found on my right sidebar


1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked? Well, I control my blood pressure with medications prescribed by my heart doctor. And I very often check my blood pressure at home since I have a bp monitor!!!  What makes my bp soar?  Too many things to mention  here...top of the list would be the state of the union probably.  What calms me?  My purring kitties!!

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100? HA?!! A dollar? You can't even buy a pack of gum for a buck these days, can you? If I were to find a hundred dollar bill, I'd probably go out ot eat. In these days and times, I really can't get too excited over that...$100.00 doesn't buy much.

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy? I do pay attention to labels - or let me rephrase that....I used to pay attention. I've read just about all labels on the food products I purchase because of the sodium content mostly. Heart again. I don't like anything artificial in my foods if I can help it. The labeling that catches my eye most often is the 'heart health' labels on front, then I read the back. But for the fact I say I USED to read labels; now-a-days I tend to repeat buying what I know I've read about. The whole thing boils down to moderation...even moderation!!

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain. Well, the saying goes "You can never go home again". And I find that true. At least from my childhood home; like Dorothy!! Home is never what you expect, nor is it the same. So, forget that. I guess I'd need brains. Or at least a bit of straw in my hat to make it fit better?!?

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement? Let me put it this way, traveling is not my cup of tea. I AM a homebody!!! I like home...my home today, not to confuse it with the home I've mentioned 'back home' in question #4. The comfort, the privacy, the familiar surroundings, my own bed/pillow, my pets...etc. etc. etc.

6. Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak? Cooking steak at home? Nah!!! At least NOT in the KITCHEN! On the grill outdoors, okay. But still there is a 'clean up chore'...neither of us like that much. LOL I'd much prefer to go out for a steak. If I don't like it, the way it's cooked, I can have them take it back and get me another. No mess, no clean up, no costly steak and then having to cook it at home. Why? Steaks at the butcher/grocery costs about $12....at the restaurant, cooked like I like it, plus three side dishes...all for the same or a couple dollars more? It makes sense to go out to eat. And I LOVE Texas Roadhouse "Great Country Atmosphere, Country Western Music, Sports Bar/TV...able to hand pick your steak before cooking. Service is darned good!"

Steak Cut: Sirloin [6 oz is plenty!]

Cooked: Medium [hot pink]

Sauce: NO!!!

Sides: Caesar Salad, Baked Sweet Potato, Green Beans

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry? I don't rush on any account, mostly. The only thing I can think of is, traveling....hitting a rest stop along the highway...making it to the ladies' room in time.

8. Insert your own random thought here. The last two outings for birding to catch the remaining few of the migrant birds we were drenched in rain!! Gotta Love It!! Bring on the Spring Rains!! Not complaining one iota. The wet clothes was nothing. I didn't mind it at all...it was just protecting the camera from the rain at both of our outings!!