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Continuing a bit more on our day trip to Lake Corpus Christi, I mentioned in the previous post of some of the few birds we spotted. Across the park road from the historic Pavilion at the top of the incline, where the views from the hilltop looking down to the water below, there is a short trail through the scrub and oak trees that leads to a bird watching area. Youngsters from around the South Texas Coastal Bend area have built bird houses and feeders and they're hanging and sitting around to attract birds. [as seen in this example image I share at the beginning of this post] Tho at this area by midday it was quiet, a mama and papa cardinal was there at a feeding station, but when they saw us they quickly disappeared. We walked back out via another trail and I spotted a caracara...the "Mexican Eagle". And if my Spanish is correct, caracara would literally mean face/face?!!! Correct me if I'm wrong.
...nearly the very instant I brought the camera up to look at the bird through the viewfinder, I got just two images before it flew off into the trees. As we approached our car, I spotted it! It was watching ME---
linking to: Nature Notes, Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday
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1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now? As I've stated before, I live for the day, I try not to dwell on the past even tho many memories come up at a given time...I guess it would be that I turned a ripe old age of 65...but I have nearly a whole YEAR before I turn 66 - I had a birthday a couple weeks ago...a lot can happen in the next 50 weeks. Ask again AFTER my next birthday about the year past.
2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that??? There isn't anything I can think of off hand...I've replaced sinks, laid tile flooring, replaced broken window panes...rewired lighting...I've even torn off the toilet from the floor and replaced it...just about anything that has come my way in repair work around the house. I've been married for since I was 19 ----a lot of household chores have come and gone in that time frame. And yes, I do windows!! Altho, so far, only once here 'cause we'd have to tear down the hurricane shutters that are permanently attached. It can be done, but it's a BIG chore!
3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain? Well, to me, nurture is more or less from genetics and nature would be your surroundings. In each case, one deserves to have the other. In other words, nurturing is inherited in so many ways which helps a personality develop, but your surroundings influence nature's course. Without one or the other, we wouldn't exist as we do today. Does that make any sense at all?
4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick? I love a cherry flavored Popsicle on a hot summer day! But, is Popsicle considered food?
5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why? As I try answering this, I'll be eliminating each of the five one by one. And that'll be the answer to why---I could probably live without sound [hearing]!!! Easily when I think of so many irritating sounds like sirens, gunshots, loud obnoxious people, traffic; things like that. One down, four more to go... I could use my imagination when it comes to hearing laughter, cats purring, ocean waves and gentle breezes...family's voices, music. Next, eliminating taste...that would call for recalling tastes from my life...as with, touch and smell...total recall. So, by taking those four senses from my life, it leaves sight!!! I wouldn't want to lose that sense. There is too much more to see each and every day. Climate changes, the world around me in the 'now' and in the future, and I don't wanna miss seeing a thing.
6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great? Of each venue mentioned here, it'd have to be MUSIC. Tho I've seen Broadway's Chicago and I loved it...I've seen professional baseball games and football games, I've been to amateur theater and have seen CATS, Christmas Carol, Phantom of the Opera [both amateur and movie musical]...the London's 25th Anniversary's Les Miserables gave me goose flesh...especially Alfie Boe!!!] and more plays that I can't think of right now, I would still say live concerts and symphonies/orchestras would have to be my choice ---Willie Nelson, The Righteous Brothers, Roy Clark, Eddy Arnold, Creedence Clearwater Revival, 5th Dimension from long ago...Charlie Pride, Rod Stewart [the best ever!!!!] to name a few. And Symphonies...love the Classical music and could listen to it for hours. One of my favorites is the one movement piece: Ravel's BOLERO [you tube link]....it's amazing and ever so wonderful and emotional; stirring all your senses, long lasting tho it is...the climatic conclusion has each soul in the auditorium silent and then the cheering, ovations, and applause is extraordinary!! Being that the movement was written and composed for an opera...one thing I've never experienced but would LOVE to ...that would be an opera....Puccini comes to mind.
7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February. Hel-l-l-l-l-o March!!!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Part I and Part II of Les Miserables online...free!! [with Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean!!]
...watch him perform Bring Him Home from Les Miserables from links above...fantastic seems so little an accolade.
Or listen to his performance of Bring Him Home with link below...
"God on High...hear my prayer
...in my need, you have always been there
He is young, he's afraid, let him rest...
heaven blessed...
Bring him home, bring him home, bring him home....."
BRING HIM HOME sung by Alfie Boe
Golly, gee, Joyce...as I'm listening to Bolero right now, I'm thinking maybe I should change my answer to #5 [which by the way, was this intentional? 5 senses...question #5?!!] - maybe it would be SOUND/HEARING afterall.
linking to: Wednesday Hodgepodge
Amazing photos! I love banana popsicles; I got hooked when I had my tonsils out!!!
ReplyDeleteY'know? I don't think I've had banana flavored!! Will have to look for it now.
DeleteI agree my sight would be the hardest sense to live without -- grateful for it. xo
ReplyDelete...well, after listening to the youtube of Bolero...I'm wondering how I could continue without hearing. It's a tough question this week from Joyce, our hostess!
Deletegreat to sight this bird
ReplyDeleteLOL...Carole, I just visited your OWT, and what a fun, fun post.
DeleteYes, yes, to savoring the day, appreciating the endless creation around us, being right smack dab in the moment!
ReplyDelete...we agree!!!
DeleteI would really hate to lose any of my senses, but taste and smell seem like the ones I could most easily live without. Touch, hearing, sight: these all are essential to my enjoyment of life every moment. I laughed at the bird looking at YOU! :-)
ReplyDeleteMe too, it's a difficult question. Joyce always challenges us good!! That bird was definitely watching ME.
DeleteMy Hodgepodge will post tomorrow, but I always enjoy your answers a day early!
ReplyDeleteI always do my Wednesday post early 'cause it's part of Tuesday's postings and WBW is hosted by Stewart in Australia...so their Wednesday comes earlier --- right?
DeleteWe've seen many of those caracaras lately. They are really foraging for food more than usual. And ohhhhhhh, now I'm going to have to go look for a cherry popsicle!
ReplyDeleteSeriously? A lot of caracaras? Now you have me wondering what's up with that? They know something we don't know? Oh yes...cherry flavored anything always pleases my palate.
DeleteWhat a cool bird!
ReplyDeleteThe question about senses is a hard one. I don't know if I can choose!
...I'm glad you liked the caracara photos Mari. I know...that was very difficult to choose. I'd probably change my mind sometime/somewhere down the line.
DeleteI think I'd answer the same on the question about the senses, and the last one as well. :)
ReplyDelete....you and me both Mersad.
Deletelovely caracara! the only 'eagle' i've ever seen in the wild. :)
ReplyDelete,,,I don't think I'd call them an eagle...but the people from Mexico consider it so. Either case, they're regal.
DeleteI think I was nurtured to love nature. Yes, I was. Regarding senses, it was a fight between sight and sound. Sight is the winner - by a fraction.
ReplyDelete...I know just what you mean...the senses question was a challenge...I honestly wouldn't want to give up sound either.
DeleteHere's lookin' at ya ... says the Caracara. I bet he agrees that sight is essential to life, more than other senses, though they do use their hearing for hunting as well. My friend, Jeanne, posted a Caracara that she spotted on the south Texas coast ... I wonder if it could be the same one. Or are they common enough to have many opportunities to see them? Love your post, as always, Hootin' Anni ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
....there are LOTS of 'em Andrea. Lots and lots. Everywhere.
DeleteThanks for your compliments.
Love that bird Anni!
ReplyDelete...thanks Karen! I was expecting your absence to blogging to be a while...but you returned. Lovely to have you visit, as always.
Deleteexcellent sighting… you and the bird both:-)
ReplyDeletelol....thanks Laura
DeleteI always think of the Caracara as a very unusual bird, I don't know why, you did well to get the shots. Happy birthday for when-ever, and arnt you the lady from the double glazing add,;-)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Gordon.
...they ARE definitely a different looking bird...
DeleteThanks Gordon.
was ein Nistkasten toll
ReplyDeleteda lacht das Herz
der Vogel wunderschön
LG zum Abend vom katerchen
...thank you kindly!!
DeleteHi Anni, I popped over here from your comment on my post today. (Thanks) I have seen you on other blogs (is it Stewart's WBW blog?) and even on others. So I'm going to follow you if I can find the link. I love the Caracara.. You obviously bird wherever you go, as all good birders do, LOL! Have a great day. Greetings, Jo
ReplyDelete...yep, just about. Always have the camera for bird viewing these days. I'm addicted. LOL
DeleteAh, you lucky duck!!! You saw Rod Stewart!
ReplyDelete....oh, and his concert was just soooooooo memorable!!! Nearly 2 hours of his wonderful raspy voice. And sweet hair!! LOL
DeleteI love Crested Caracaras....we have them here surprisingly in the desert. They are a very interesting bird. I always wonder who is watching me while out in the field:)
ReplyDeleteme too...and the eerie part is, when I DO spot them, they've been there all the time...in silence, watching. LOL
DeleteA very handsome bird!
ReplyDeleteI guess....they have such an unusual shape tho. I guess it's the beak. I dunno. LOL
DeleteAmazing photos!
ReplyDelete...thanks Birgitta
DeleteAwesome photos! I always enjoy visiting your blog. You take fabulous photos and I always enjoy the photos of the birds very much.
ReplyDeleteWell..you were being watched..LOL..and from your comments, you are really handy around the house unlike me...Michele
ReplyDeleteI love fixing stuff. It really calms my being....odd, I know.
DeleteThat's a gorgeous eagle.
ReplyDelete....glad you enjoyed the images Carver.
DeleteThe Caracara is a cool bird. Great sighting and photos, Anni!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures. I've never even heard of a Caracara before. It's very unique
ReplyDelete...that it is...quite unique.
DeleteDear Anni, To answer these questions: 1. The fact that I will not be this age again.
ReplyDelete3. Personally, nurture, the love from growing up makes me who I am.
4. hot dog
5.I cherish all of my senses, I find it difficult to choose one.
7. till next year....
Blessings, Catherine
hot dog on a stick, grilled over an open campfire on a brisk mountain-evening where the food and fire warm your innards. Mmmmm, mmmm!!
DeleteFound your post most interesting. I would go along with on some of your answers.
ReplyDelete...thanks LV...at least we agree on some, right?
DeleteI hope fudgesicles (well I don't know how to spell it spell check) are food on a stick. Haven't had one in a while as I'm trying to stay off sugar. As for Number 6 I really enjoyed seeing the play Texas.
ReplyDelete...actually, I was thinking of adding fudgesicles to my answer, but fruit flavor 'sounds' more healthy. LOL
DeleteSaw our first one in Texas (of course) but have also seen a few here in Florida. I really think they're beautiful birds and probably no more of a scavenger than Mexico's Northern neighbor's national bird, the bald eagle. Both are majestic and both eat anything ;>)!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!!!
DeleteIt is always a pleasure to read your interesting blog, Annie. I enjoy your Q&A's! I'm all for eating cherry Popsicles in summer ;)
ReplyDelete....Thanks Pat. Yep, an icy popsicle is fittin' on a hot, blustery day.
DeleteThese are very thought provoking questions. I am trying to imagine life without one of the senses. That doesn't sound appealing at all!
ReplyDeleteI could totally go for a cherry popsicle for dessert tonight. I might look for some at the store today.
I am impressed with your wide variety of household skills! I love that you have tried so many projects. Awesome.
...thanks Kaishon. Yes, that senses question was a very difficult one to eliminate any of them to be able to choose, just one.
DeleteIt is always hard to think about losing our senses. I think I would be upset if I lost my common sense.
ReplyDeleteI don't think a 'princess' loses common sense. Not in any tale I've read!!!
DeleteAs always, excellent photos, Anni! I love Les Mis and Cats was the first Broadway musical I ever saw...with my mom, which made it even more special to me.
ReplyDeleteOh ya, I can understand that...moms are the best.
DeleteI think that I am a visual, for just about anything in my life, even when I think of things, I am very visual, or learning something, new, show me how...and so my vision...wow, I try to protect it, and I would be so lost without it~
ReplyDeleteLost maybe, but you would no doubt get more sensitive to your other four. But I agree, I'm a visual too.
DeleteThe list of events you've attended is enviable, as well as your list of household chores that you've tackled :)
ReplyDelete,,,it was something that I could do, and not have any issues with huge bills for maintenance ---as long as I was able to do it, I was pleased to know I COULD do it.
DeleteWhat an interesting bird. I agree about age 65...I still find it amazing that I'm 65. I had lunch with a young friend on Monday. I actually showed her my Medicare card. LOLOLOL
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
...and where can I get one of those? LOL
DeleteFantastic shot of the bird..I still can't believe that I have been on this earth for 55 years already..and now, I will stop counting :)
ReplyDelete,,,why, you're just a 'youngster'. ;-)
DeleteI think we rely and enjoy all our senses and losing any of them would be so hard. Love the bird staring you down : )
ReplyDelete...it, I think, thought it was quite smart trying to 'hide' from me. LOL
DeleteThe Mexican Eagle is a neat looking bird. You got a great shot of him.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that I'm going to be 68 next month. I sure don't feel that old, most days. I'm hoping 70 will be the new 50. lol!
I totally agree with you on No. 5!
70 the 'new 50'...I like your thinking!!!
Deletevery handsome bird.
ReplyDelete...it is.
DeleteLucky you on that bird sighting! Great shots. Would love to see this one. :)
ReplyDelete...this year, for some reason, they're very frequent in sightings.
Deleteawesome!!! thank you for sharing!!! hugs to you
ReplyDelete...same, right backatcha!!
DeleteGreat photos of this unusual bird. I saw three at different times while we were in Florida, a pair too far away as we were driving along a busy road - no stopping for photos - and the only reason I recognized them was that I had seen one in a rehabilitation area the day before. New to me, I was in awe. Loved that bird station and enjoyed reading your post. Enjoy the rest of the week Anni.
ReplyDelete...glad you enjoyed the photos Denise.
DeleteHave you tried Satay? It's our iconic dish. It's charcoal-grilled meat on coconut leaf spine skewers dipped in a yummy spicy peanut sauce - my all time fave food on a stick. I can eat at least 10 sticks in one go! I heard from my Malaysian pally in Texas that there is a famous Malaysian restaurant serving satay in Houston. It's called The Straits Restaurant.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos as always!
Our son lives in Houston, will have to look this up next time we're there!
Delete