...it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!
[photo of lonely, quiet beach after sunrirse- in another month, it's Spring Break for College Kids...you know what that means, right? Bumper to Bumper Bikini-clad butts!!
linking to Skywatch Friday
_* _ * _
1] I can hardly contain myself from revealing the two birds I photographed while in Brooks County this past week!! But, thing is, I had composed and pre-scheduled a post already for this weekend at "I'd Rather B Birdin'" with the InLinkz Tool set for Saturday, the 22nd at noon. I know I could've prepared the new post and copied and pasted the coding I have on my pre-scheduled post...this weekend's photo shoot is of a darling little bird, so I'll go with that one as planned and construct a new post for next weekend. I am so excited about showing the two off!! One, such a small bird that is 'lost' in Texas and can't find its way back to Old Mexico....the other is one I've mentioned to Bud I'd like to see here in this state, and haven't until our nearly 100 mile drive. And such a sweet, funny, comical pose when I first spotted it!!! I hope I've piqued your interest. Stay tuned. A link will be posted here [on or after March 1st], so you won't miss it.
2] Did I just type March? Golly, one more week and March will be here. That means for me and my sister; another Sister's Day Celebration! We've done this a little over a couple of decades now, on March 18th. I must start thinking seriously 'bout what to send her for her 'surprise', and then our synchronized champagne toast in matching fluted glasses to sisterhood at 8PM. Where does time go?
3] As with everything in nature, when it comes to passion and love, everything tends to change color during this period in life of the living---as with Tri Colored Herons!! Now, this bird changes to its breeding colors dramatically!! They're beautiful year 'round, but during breeding season, the changes are phenomenal. Here is a photo I took on Christmas Day 2013 of the Tri Colored in its normal daily dress. Notice their legs and feet are pale green. Their beaks/bills are mostly drab yellow with the yellow getting darker the closer to the eye...
...and I have a photo of the Tri Colored Heron in its breeding cloak, but it's on one of my several bird photo disks, and to be honest, I'm too lazy to go searching for my own photo, so I searched Google to have a link to show you the dramatic changes that overcome the male heron during breeding season. Their beak/bill turns blue and their legs and feet change from green to pink/purple...
And the reason I'm showing all this is to show off my newest watercolor work that I've been dabbling in for the past couple weeks; finishing it yesterday--
I think I'll title this painting either Times of Passion or That's Amoré! Which title do you like best?
4] 
Boy howdy, did I ever find the most luscious tasting yogurt the other day!! The brand is Noosa Yoghurt!! I've tasted and sampled many kinds and brands of yogurt and even the Greek style. This by far is soooooo delicious. While at the store to pick up produce for our dinner salad, I went to the dairy section for milk. As I walked by I happened to spy a new packaged yogurt that has not been on the shelves before. And they were an introductory price: 3 for 5$. Walking over to have a closer look, the top label stated "Aussie made, Colorado fresh". Well, being from Colorado I had to take home just one...raspberry...and try it. I'm heading back to the store to get more!!!! Here is their site. I lived in Colorado for over 45 years, and never heard of this brand...the dairy, originating in 1894...I HAVE heard of. Grave's Dairy, in Northern Colorado. Trust me, if you find this brand in your dairy aisle, try it!!! It's delicious!!! By the way, Noosa is a town in Queensland Australia. The yogurt [yoghurt] is made from "Happy Cows"...or so the label goes.
Boy howdy, did I ever find the most luscious tasting yogurt the other day!! The brand is Noosa Yoghurt!! I've tasted and sampled many kinds and brands of yogurt and even the Greek style. This by far is soooooo delicious. While at the store to pick up produce for our dinner salad, I went to the dairy section for milk. As I walked by I happened to spy a new packaged yogurt that has not been on the shelves before. And they were an introductory price: 3 for 5$. Walking over to have a closer look, the top label stated "Aussie made, Colorado fresh". Well, being from Colorado I had to take home just one...raspberry...and try it. I'm heading back to the store to get more!!!! Here is their site. I lived in Colorado for over 45 years, and never heard of this brand...the dairy, originating in 1894...I HAVE heard of. Grave's Dairy, in Northern Colorado. Trust me, if you find this brand in your dairy aisle, try it!!! It's delicious!!! By the way, Noosa is a town in Queensland Australia. The yogurt [yoghurt] is made from "Happy Cows"...or so the label goes.5] Dillon, my youngest grandson, has been accepted to enter College after graduating high school in May!!! Way to go Dillon!!
linking to: Random 5 Friday, Camera Critters, Saturday Critters
i am with you and can't believe March is UPON US... time is on fast forward and i can't find a way to slow it down...wonderful tradition with your sister
ReplyDeletebeautiful painting and either name is good for it.. i love the photo of the heron also.
...thanks, it IS a fun day for the two of us.
DeleteI never heard of that yogurt, so I'll look for it. Does it come in nonflavored varieties? :-)
ReplyDelete...dunno about the flavors DJ....I saw raspberry and didn't look back. LOL
DeleteYour blue heron painting is really BLUE! Love it! Yogurt is my one and only favorite first-in-the-morning bite. I definitely will look for Noosa! Honey? YUM!
ReplyDelete...ya, they really are quite blue during breeding season. Dunno 'bout honey, like I posted above, once I saw raspberry fruit, I grabbed that. ;-)
Deletecongrats to your grandson! love the tri-color and would love to see one in person someday.
ReplyDelete...you can drive down here any ol' time of the year, they're here!!! Come on down, I'll show you some good areas for the tri-colors.
DeleteI like That's Amore. Very pretty. I think the coast wouldn't be a good place to be during spring break. Congrats to your grandson.
ReplyDelete...that is Bud's choice for title also. I like it too. Thanks for the input!!
DeleteMarch is coming on quickly. i wonder if it will be true to it's name?? i have never heard of that yoqurt, sounds interesting??! ( :
ReplyDelete...it's mighty fine tasting...and oh so smooth and creamy!!!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous bird! I like That's Amore. The painting is beautiful too - I'd like just a smidge of your talent. :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about your elusive bird. Congrats to Dillon!
...thanks Mari...your input for choice of title is noted!! I'm gonna go with the majority of those that comment on the title.
DeleteCONGRATS TO DILLON!!! WTG
ReplyDeleteANNI YOU SKETCH OF THE BIRD IS GORGEOUS...BETTER THAN THE REAL THING.
I LOVE YOGURT I'LL LOOK FOR THIS NEXT TRIP TO THE STORE.
HUGS CECILIA
Bud and I got busy today with repairing our backyard gate...so no yogurt buying for me...tomorrow!!!
DeleteAwesome watercolor!!! I am going to have to look for that yogurt!!
ReplyDeleteSpring Break! BRACE yourself!!
...thanks Linda...coming from you, who also paints...that is a true compliment!!! Ya, I'll be bracing myself by staying home during those couple of weeks. LOL
DeleteOh, Anni, I'm so stoked to know what two birds you saw!! Can't wait to see them. I wish my tricolored heron had been in his breeding plumage. Great shot of this one. LOVE your painting. You are so talented, lady!
ReplyDelete...thanks Gail. Can't wait to post the pictures myself. LOL
DeleteHi Anni! You have my curiosity up! Congrats to your grandson. How much for you and your sis coming up; that's great! I have one sis and she lives in MO. We are a long distance apart. Always a joy to visit you here. Have a good evening.
ReplyDeleteI live in TX and my sister lives in CO...we synchronize clocks so we're doing everything that day at the same time!!
DeleteA beautiful serie of photos, great sky-post!
ReplyDelete...thanks Hans
DeleteDear Anni, What a great tradition you and your sister keep.
ReplyDeleteI wonder too, where does time go. I don't know. It doesn't seem like the 3rd month of the year is upon us already.
The heron is simply a beautiful creation. Your watercolor captures it well. I like Times of Passion. It is more of a classic title for such a splendid creature.
Congrats to Dillon!
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
...Times of Passion is noted Catherine, thanks!
DeleteFirst off, congratulations to Dillon, that's great! I'm really impressed with your artwork of the tricolored heron. I followed the link you shared and I was blown away by how beautiful it becomes in mating season. I saw this bird for the first time in Florida recently and thought it a real beauty in non-breeding colors. Nature is amazing! Enjoyed your post very much Anni. I look forward to seeing your Bird D'Pot shares this weekend. I'll be signing up again as I do have some photos to share. Enjoy the rest of the week.
ReplyDelete...thanks Denise!! And I look forward to your linking this weekend!!
DeleteHi Anni, congrats to your grandson..I will check the stores here for that yogurt, I love yogurt.. Pretty shot of the Tri-colored Heron and your sketches are beautiful. Looking forward to Saturday's post!
ReplyDelete...well, this Saturday on my bird photo blog...it's one post I already HAD scheduled...NEXT week it'll be the 'new lost bird'. Thanks Eileen.
DeleteI love that beach. And congratulations to your grandson!
ReplyDelete...thanks Al.
Deletegreat post
ReplyDelete...thanks Jim
DeleteLovely sky and moon shot for SWF ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol
www.acreativeharbor.com
thanks Carol....it's SUNrise.
DeleteIt is pretty amazing that it's almost March. Time sure does fly. Congrats to your grandson.
ReplyDeleteI think I like That's Amore for your title
...I'm sure he's excited...AND nervous.
DeleteThat's Amoré seems to be the favorite here.
I love your watercolor Anni, well done! Thanks for your kind comments on my blog.
ReplyDelete...thank YOU for stopping by Laura.
DeleteBeautiful sky and I like your watercolor of the heron.
ReplyDelete...thanks Carver.
DeleteCan't wait to see your secret birds. Love the painting and need to check out the yogurt although I'm a Greek Gods fan myself.
ReplyDelete...that yogurt is out of this world good. At least my take on it is.
DeleteThat's a gorgeous scene. No wonder it's filled with kids during spring break. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete...oh I won't enjoy it. I stay away from the beach mob during this time of year!!
DeleteSuch beauty.
ReplyDelete...thanks dear Denise.
DeleteCongratulations to Dillon! And what a terrific watercolor. I am always in awe of your talent. Which store did you find the Noosa in?
ReplyDeleteHEBs...on Saratoga [the super store]
DeleteThanks Shelly, for the compliments and congrats.
I know March! Then Lent, then Easter, then...
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Dillon - our son finishes school in June - college Open Days are coming thick and fast - two next week, another the week after...
Have a fab Random 5 Friday :)
...thanks Claire...Happy Friday to you too.
DeleteLovely painting ...That's Amore is my vote :)
ReplyDeleteFunny...yesterday I heard a new bird call and looked outside and it was just the titmice that visit all of the time. Well the'd not made this call all winter. I think it's their courtship call. And the blue jay was singing a different song the other day too...again, I'd been thinking "what's that bird I hear' ...same old bird, just a new song ! :)
...thanks Deb. Your title 'vote' has been noted. Yep, in the days of courting, birds do sing differently I think.
DeleteEven though we are still covered in snow up here in Canada, when the sun shines the birds are singing like they know spring is getting closer!
ReplyDelete...can't wait for the migrating to be in 'full swing'...they're coming into our area a bit...
DeleteSunsets...sunny skies are totally on my radar these days. I'm more than ready for spring to get here, not that it's been an horrible winter, but still colder than I prefer. Now that we don't have kids at home, I had no clue it was spring break time again. I would love to be somewhere warm about now, but not in a bikini. Those days have been long gone for me. I tell DH, if I ever get that tummy tuck then I will wear a 2-piece again. lol Go ahead, you can laugh, too! ;) Nice job on your photos and painting. BTW, congrats to your grandson's college acceptance!
ReplyDelete...thanks Cathy...I don't think I'd wear a bikini either. LOL
DeleteIt's amazing how fast time is going by, isn't it? Your 'sister celebration' sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your youngest grandson!
...thanks Kathy...Irene tells me that his major [for now if he doesn't change his mind] will be law. I'm impressed.
DeleteBig congrats to your grandson -- that's awesome! And love your heron painting -- you are so talented. xo
ReplyDelete...thank you, and thanks for hosting Nancy.
Deletewhat a lovely painting!
ReplyDelete...thanks CGP!!
DeleteCongrats to your grandson!! Your painting is wonderful and either name works for me!
ReplyDelete...thanks Terri.
DeleteInteresting randoms.
ReplyDeleteLove your water color painting it's beautiful. I like the 1st title the best.
Congrats to your grandson on the college acceptance.
...thanks Ida, your choice is noted.
DeleteHi There, Your painting is awesome. I have NO talent in that area --so when someone can do it, I'm in AWE.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo of the sun/sky. Glad you found some 'Colorado' yogurt... Had to be better since it is from CO. Right?????? ha
Hugs,
Betsy
...thanks Betsy. And yes, the yogurt is better coming from Colorado's happy cows. LOL I tried the Lemon yogurt today and wowzers!!! Just like eating a cheese cake it was so fine.
DeleteLook at your beautiful painting! What a talented girl!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
...why, thank you kindly Catherine!
DeleteAnni, thank you for linking up to my Saturday's Critters. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDelete...thank you Eileen, for hosting!
DeleteBeautiful shots of the Heron bird Anni!!Oh,i love your painting!Very preety!!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend!
Dimi...
...thank you Dimi
DeleteSuch a handsome bird. Last week I posted a green heron and misidentified it as a tri color...how could I have done this I don't know! You are so talented with your paintings!
ReplyDelete...oh I've done that....I mis Id'd an peregrine falcon for an osprey...and I knew the difference, just typed it wrong. At least that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. '-)
DeleteWell done Dillon. Is he going to be as talented and versatile as his Grandma with her painting, photography, computer skills and wordsmithery?
ReplyDelete...he's definitely got my blood & brains. LOL [He's blond!!!]
DeleteMarch will soon be here -- the days pass quickly the older we get! Love your watercolor.
ReplyDelete,,,thanks!!! BTW...loved your baby Duncan! Sweet as can be.
DeleteYour painting rocks, Anni! And congrats to Dillion!
ReplyDelete...thanks Veronica.
DeleteCreative bird photo and painting ~ very lovely ~ Happy Weekend ~
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol
www.acreativeharbor.com
...thanks Carol
DeleteGreat post Anni. Super painting.
ReplyDelete...thank you very much Adam
DeleteAnni, I love your painting. That's Amore for sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that brand of yogurt but I'll keep an eye out for it.
...thank you. I just tried the lemon yogurt yesterday...just like cheese cake...it melts in you mouth.
DeleteI'll have to keep my eyes out for that yogurt. Sounds good, though a bit pricey! I usually get Chobani when I get yogurt, I love the pineapple and peach.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and hubby are both March babies so I better get shopping soon. I like the idea of sister day!
...it's been a good time all around each year when sister's day comes 'round.
DeleteYour painting is beautiful, Anni, and that heron must be truly magnificent during its mating season.
ReplyDeleteNoosa yoghurt in the USA...amazing! I haven't even seen it here although Noosa is a couple of hours north from me. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.
Congratulations to Dillon on being accepted at college...fantastic news!
Thanks Robyn.
DeleteInteresting info on the heron changing colour. Your painting is fantastic, I'd be framing it for hanging.
ReplyDelete...thank you kindly Judith
DeleteBeautiful shots! The painting is stunning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
...thank you kindly!
DeleteAnni,
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to think March is almost here, wasn't New Year's just a couple days ago?
Enjoy your birding adventures. The tri-color heron is a neat capture.
Looks like you had fun with your watercolor; a good creative outlet for you.
Thank You for dropping in and leaving a comment on my blog.
...thank YOU Robin.
DeleteYay for March! A Sister Celebration sounds fun.
ReplyDelete,,,it IS a fun day for the two of us.
DeleteI am so behind on your blog...grand daughter is here and hard to find time to sit and actually take anything in in reading....but I do enjoy your Random 5. I definitely like That's Amore best...will try to catch up on the rest of your posts in a day or two. Don't want to miss anything.
ReplyDelete...your comment made my day Rose.
DeleteSuch good news for your grandson! Yeah! Love your watercolor. You have so many talents!
ReplyDelete...thanks Ms. T
Delete