RUBBISH TUESDAY
Linking to: Rubbish Tuesday
Tho for some the Sword in the Stone and The Excalibur are the same, I beg to differ. In legends, the sword in the stone is not the same...Excalibur [the other sword in folklore] was given to King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake while the sword in the stone fable is just that. But in other versions, King Arthur, to show rightful heir to the throne, must possess the strength and power to release the sword from the stone. You decide. In any case, I found it!! Along the NAS Causeway, I walked under the bridge and found the old upright piers from the previous bridge. As I turned the corner from the underside to view the Gulf waters...I found the SWORD IN THE STONE. Don't you think? Of course it's just a piece of rusted iron from an old abandoned bridge...but when I first laid eyes on it I thought....
NATURE- OUR WORLD- WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
linking to: Wild Bird Wednesday - Nature Notes - Our World Tuesday
Linking to: Rubbish Tuesday
Tho for some the Sword in the Stone and The Excalibur are the same, I beg to differ. In legends, the sword in the stone is not the same...Excalibur [the other sword in folklore] was given to King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake while the sword in the stone fable is just that. But in other versions, King Arthur, to show rightful heir to the throne, must possess the strength and power to release the sword from the stone. You decide. In any case, I found it!! Along the NAS Causeway, I walked under the bridge and found the old upright piers from the previous bridge. As I turned the corner from the underside to view the Gulf waters...I found the SWORD IN THE STONE. Don't you think? Of course it's just a piece of rusted iron from an old abandoned bridge...but when I first laid eyes on it I thought....
NATURE- OUR WORLD- WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
linking to: Wild Bird Wednesday - Nature Notes - Our World Tuesday
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| Roseate Spoonbills - White Ibis - Laughing Gulls - Avocets |
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| Roseate Spoonbills - White Ibis - Laughing Gulls - Avocets |
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| Roseate Spoonbills - White Ibis - Laughing Gulls - Avocets |
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| Roseate Spoonbills - White Ibis - Laughing Gulls - Avocets |
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| Roseate Spoonbills - White Ibis - Laughing Gulls - Avocets |
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| Great and Snowy Egrets and Mottled Duck |
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| White Ibis |
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| Sandpipers, Tri-Colored Heron - Ruddy Turnstone - Black Skimmer |
These of the Spoonbills were taken at Charlie's Pasture Reserve at Port Aransas, Texas. The White Ibis taken at Leonabelle Birding Center, Port Aransas, Texas and the last one at the Causeway on Ocean Drive near the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas.
SADLY THO, if you look closely at the last image near the top LEFT center, at the sandbar, it looks like the smaller of the Tri-Colored Heron has some trash around its neck!!! PLEASE, dispose of your trash [or volunteer to pick up human refuse while out walking/hiking/biking] in a bag and take it HOME WITH YOU...Most times the trash bins are full to the brim in certain areas and wind and wild animals spread the debris where it becomes a life threatening obstacle for all wildlife!!!
HODGEPODGE WEDNESDAY
linking to: HODGEPODGE!!
1. As August draws to a close, share what's been your favorite weekend of the entire summer? I don't have favorites. This summer, for me, has been a long, hot summer. I'm ready for it to be over!!
2. Labor Day is marked in the US of A on Monday, September 1st. What paying job have you held that you've loved the most? Liked the least? I didn't have many jobs: For four years I was head receptionist at the Chamber of Commerce...then, office supervisor at a High School for four years....then, worked up until I retired at a Co-op Psychiatric Care Unit with several doctors in both the medical field and psychiatric field. And to be honest I loved 'em all!!!
3. Does the new school year start before or after Labor Day where you live? When do you think it should begin? There is much discussion now about older students having later start times to their school day...your thoughts? I'm not a parent of K-12 school aged children. Actually I feel sorry for kids having to begin school when it's still 'mid summer'! Way too hot...especially for gym and going out for extra curricular activities. By the way, to answer the first part of this question, school began Monday [August 25th]. My son had his first college class on Monday too. I will begin calling him "Doc".
4. What's something you've worked at recently that could be deemed a 'labor of love'? Something sparkly...for our hummingbirds. I'll show you in #8.
5.Which of the following work idioms can you most relate to right now...'A woman's work is never done.', 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' 'Many hands make light work.' I do a lot of play...
6. Crab or lobster or thanks, but no thanks? Favorite way to have your choice prepared? Neither so it'd be thanks but no thanks. The only seafood I really like is Gulf Shrimp...butterflied and deep fat fried.
7. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, 'Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Which of the three do you consider to be the most important? Share one of your own 'rules of work'. My rule is don't give up when you stumble - get back on the horse and face the challenge....complete your job. So, guess of Einstein's quote it'd be from discord find harmony.
8. Insert your own random thought here. The other day when Bud and I ended up at Cracker Barrel [restaurant & country store], naturally, we had to wait for a table. I think that is their ploy to get their patrons to shop in their small store area while waiting. Anyway, I spotted something I've never seen before and wanted one. Sorry!! The price they were asking was $14 with tax. Uh...uh. No way. Bud and I agreed we could go to a craft shop and get the materials for half the price. Besides, in our 'come in handy box' of craft goodies at home, we had just about everything we needed except for the wire. Went to Michael's afterwards and bought the wire and I found a large red glass bead for its center to attract the bird. What did I see at Cracker Barrel? A Hummingbird Swing. On the back it stated:
- Hummingbirds are territorial and will use this swing as a perch to watch over their food source. Simply place this swing near hummer feeders and enjoy...
view more of the HUMMINGBIRD SWING
What do you mean, it's just a piece of rusted iron from an old bridge??? Of course it's the sword in the stone! And were you able to get it out?? That is the coolest photo!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even attempt to pull it out....I knew I'd get wet in that dirty beach area. lol
DeleteOh my gosh, to me it is the sword in the stone, absolutely, and a rather lovely one at that! How delightful to stumble upon this. Great captures as well, what a beautiful day to be out and about, flying and enjoying their feathered friends as well. Only one thing, I am sad to see summer fade away, and I'm still wondering what the heck happend to July? I'm wondering did we skip July?! I think my world left it out this summer! Enjoy your day out in the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for....let's see....November? Ya, November!! No heat, no hurricanes, fresh air, cool air, much much better...maybe even some rainfall?
DeleteThanks Karen
Yep, that's the sword in the stone, for sure. Great picture! And that is sad about the trash harming the birds. Your hodgepodge is full of delights today! :-)
ReplyDeleteI was secretly wishing somehow I could've reached the heron and pulled/cut the ring off its neck somehow.
DeleteMy goodness, Anni, it does look like the sword in the stone! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any roseate spoonbills around here lately. Don't you love the quiet burbling they make as they are feeding!
I am always ready for the first day of October because you can count on it getting cooler (not necessarily really cool, just cooler) then.
I don't eat crab or lobster either, but life without fried Gulf shrimp would hardly be worth living.
Love your little hummingbird swing. My recent labor of love is a quilt top I am piecing. It started out as something completely different but it just kept pushing me to another size and pattern.
...it's been quiet around our area also with the spoonbills. Wonder why that is? Too dry maybe?
DeleteThat makes two of us then on the lobster and crab options. lol
Those spoonbills are just lovely - and what a great shot of the sword!
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read about all the different jobs you had over the years. Love the sword in the stone image. The metal object really looks like a sword.
ReplyDelete...it did to me too obviously.
Deletethe job I found very interesting in my life was the psychiatric care...I learned SO much.
I thought it was a sword! Fascinating! Sad about the bird with the trash around its neck and sound advice about the trash we come across. I certainly don't leave any behind myself. What I really get upset at is the fishing lines that I see, the ones that have broken and are left in the water. It is harder to get to those, nigh impossible. I love your hummingbird perch. Happy week to you Anni.
ReplyDelete...oh yes, the fish line...I've seen so many injured birds with fish line tangled around their feet.
DeleteThe sword in the stone looks very authentic! Loved the spoonbills.
ReplyDelete...thanks, glad you enjoyed the post.
Deleteliked your sword in the stone find! :) really like the roseate spoonbills brightening up your shoreline!
ReplyDelete...thanks Ms. T
DeleteI love those Spoonbills Anni!
ReplyDelete...thanks Karen
DeleteYour hummingbird swing turned out pretty. My birds have to sit on a tree limb to do their guard duty.
ReplyDelete...I'm sure they don't care one way or another. But it is new idea I had to try.
DeleteSuch gorgeous birds. And yes! You found the sword in the stone......did you try to take it out of the water?:) I hope the hummers use your beautiful swing!
ReplyDelete...nope didn't even attempt to try pulling it out.........stinky scummy water. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. lol
DeleteI too hope the hummers use the swing.
You know I love the hummingbird swing. I'm 100% sure it is better than what you saw.
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on litter. I often wonder what the homes of the litter bugs look like. I hope the bird was not so restricted it could not function.
Hugs Madi and Mom
...now that you mention is about what their homes look like, I too am wondering.
DeleteThanks M&M
Looks like 'Sword in the Stone' to me! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of the birds - I would never get enough of seeing them. And I very much like the hummingbird swing you made - very cute! Hope you get some photos of the hummingbirds enjoying it.
Thanks for your visit and comment on my RT post.
Lindy
...thank YOU, Lindy, for stopping by to say hello.
DeleteLove that first photo. It really does look like the sword in the stone.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are beautiful
I like your hummingbird swing. I just get my husband to fasten small branches to the fence near the feeder.
...thanks Pat. I like the idea of branches on a fence.
DeleteHow adorable! I hope the hummers use it! I often see them of the branches of the bougainvillea, the olive tree or the juniper. Loved your bird photos, and I surely hope that isn't trash around that one's neck! People need to keep remembering how important it is to not dispose of trash improperly, and to recycle all plastic or cut it into tiny pieces. I'm glad Einstein said that simplicity should come from chaos, because that's what I need...over the years we have saved everything and with each move, things didn't get sorted through and thrown away. I HAVE to deal with this NOW and get rid of a LOT. Not looking forward to it! And it's hard...things tend to stick to my hand when I'm trying to throw them away! :-) And school started two and a half weeks ago here. I hate having to go pick grandson up during the monsoons...it scares me. Yesterday a lightning bolt struck right next to our house...sounded like a bomb going off! I am terrified of lightning, because my grandfather was killed by lightning....and finally, I have to tell you I LOVED the sword in the stone! It looks just like it! What a cool picture! I am fascinated by the prehistoric traditions that lent themselves to the Arthurian legends and found in my research that there are a lot of connections. It's really interesting!
ReplyDeleteanother thing we have in common then...the Arthurian legends. Cool.
DeleteThanks Marie
Hi Anni, I love the spoonbills! Beautiful birds and sightings! It is sad about the trash! I would like to have one of those hummer swings very cute! Great shots!
ReplyDelete...thanks Eileen
DeleteWell, your hummingbird swing is as pretty (or prettier) than any in the photos! Good job, and please let us know if the birds take advantage!
ReplyDeleteThere are Ibis all over Lakeland (Florida, I'm sure!). They fly into our yard and neighborhood, hunting for bugs. There can be 8-20 at any one time, moving through neighborhoods. So fun to watch. Love your photos, Anni!
Florida actually has TWO kinds of ibis...the white and the glossy. The glossy are spectacular in color.
DeleteThat is definitely the Sword in the Stone! Shall we start calling you Queen Anni?
ReplyDeleteYes....and you all are my servants. rofl --- just kidding!!!
Delete...I hope so too. It's sad to see something like this and not being able to help.
ReplyDeleteThanks Felicia
You have the coolest posts! That sword in stone is just awesome! You had me there. I thought you were in Great Britain! I am loving those water birds, too.
ReplyDelete...why, thank you very much Ann
DeleteThe sword in the stone is a great find. I've never understood why people can't take their trash back home with them.
ReplyDeleteI agree Gunilla..just take the trash home and dispose of it then...not outdoors.
DeleteThanks.
It's definitely the sword in the stone! Great picture!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the birds too, and I wish people would pick up their trash.
...so do I. It's so frustrating to see a bird in peril. Thanks Mari
DeleteAren't we glad that we have eyes to see such marvels? I have found that people look, but don't really see. you do!
ReplyDeleteI try to not miss much when I'm out and about.
DeleteBesides your Bird Meme, there are only two other memes I would want to participate in. One is Hodgepodge Wednesday --mainly because someone comes up with some great questions.... I'll attempt to answer a few of them today.
ReplyDelete1. My favorite weekend/week in Summer was our Anniversary Trip to West Virginia... It wasn't long --but was perfect in every respect.... The best part for me was riding the steam engine up the mountain at Cass, West VA...
2. My favorite paying job was when I lived in Texas for 12 years between 1988-2000. I worked in 5 different churches for about 25 years --after teaching school for about 10 years.... The church in Texas was a TREMENDOUS place to be. I loved everything about it except TEXAS... Being a VA/TN gal, I missed the mountains and seasons WAY too much --so that's why I came back here. My worst job was 1 of the 5 churches..... Just wasn't a good fit for me!
3. Our schools down here in the south usually always started BEFORE Labor Day... These days, some of them started at the beginning of August....
4. Since I love my Backyard Birds ---my "labor of love" is taking care of them and feeding them well each and every day....
5. Right now in my life, I can say that I PLAY as much as I can --and work only when I have to.... But--when I was younger and employed fulltime, I seldom PLAYED and WORKED hard!!!! I was always called a Workaholic....NO MORE!
6. Neither one --although I do like them both.. My seafood of choice are the huge scallops, fried of course... YUM...
I love your Hummer Swing...
Hugs,
Betsy
Love your answer to #4. And thanks Betsy, I'm glad you liked my hummer swing.
DeleteHi Anni! The hummingbird swing is darling! I know how you feel about wanting to get the junk off the bird's neck. CH and I were eating at Red Lobster one night and a starling had gum in its beak and he couldn't open it to eat or drink. He was pretty weak because he let CH catch him and CH cleaned the gum out. It drew a bit of a crowd and the restaurant brought out some water and bread. He/she was doing fine by the time we left it. I love spoonbills!
ReplyDelete...three cheers for CH!
DeleteOh that poor bird and they are so hard to catch and you have to be so careful of that bill...Oh gosh..I feel so sad for it especially after the gosling here on Monday...Michelle
ReplyDelete...thanks Michelle
DeleteA Hummingbird Swing, totally cool! Yours is beautiful, now I will have to look in our Cracker Barrel to see theirs. What is the perching bar made from? Oh that poor bird. north Carolina has school on for a week or two, then off .So there is no big long summer vacation. That is the best I think.Because the news was just saying that the first six weeks of school are spent on review because the kids have forgotten almost everything over the summer.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a parent, I don't think I'd like 'year round' school....I would want to have the summer off with my kids for three months.
DeleteOh, I wish I could see these wonderful birds, I loved the spoonbills a lot♡♡♡ Sweet swing and impressive 'sword on the stone' :-)
ReplyDeleteSending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
...thanks Miyako
DeleteIt is criminal what people, some people, do to the environment...
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. I love the 'sword'!!!
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Great! Glad you enjoyed the post Jennifer.
DeleteBy jove, I think you found it! lol Perfect for Rubbish! Love the birds, too. I get so frustrated with people leaving trash everywhere. As usual, not reading your HodgePodge until tomorrow. At least my computer is doing better today.
ReplyDelete...if people would just take their trash HOME it'd help immensely.
DeleteGreat shots. I love the flamboyant looking flocks of birds.
ReplyDelete...thanks Carver.
DeleteI love that first shot - it does look like the sword in the stone!
ReplyDelete....glad you enjoyed the sword photo Al.
DeleteThe "sword in the stone" pic is so cool! Nice group of birds, too.
ReplyDelete...thanks Susan
DeleteLOVE Cracker Barrel! We have one near our house--I think it's because we eat dinner so early (4 or 4:30) that we never encounter a wait!
ReplyDeleteLove the good 'down home' flavors of their menu items.
DeleteThat's what's important. You found it! Congratulations.
ReplyDelete...thanks Hazel. It was a 'fun adventure'.
DeleteYou and I just need to meet one day! We do have a lot in common...
ReplyDeleteWanted to tell you how happy I am that you are enjoying the trip to CO! Glad it is giving you a chance to see your old haunts.
Living in Colorado for over 40 years I think I've seen every nook and cranny in the state. It IS like going home again.
DeleteYou did find the sword! :) Great find. The hummingbird swing is neat. I've never seen them before.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of one either 'til I saw it at Cracker Barrel...thing is now, will the hummers use it? Time will tell.
DeleteThat 'sword', I cannot believe it, what a find!!!
ReplyDelete...when I first got a glimpse of it...I inhaled deeply...thinking I was back in days of yore.
DeleteYou've definitely landed on the sword in the stone! I am in love with those beautiful roseate spoonbills-so so lovely. Our hummingbirds have given us a lot of joy this summer. We sit on the patio and watch them in the early morning especially. They get braver and braver as the summer passes too, and now will nearly land on our shoulder : ) Not quite, but it feels like they might.
ReplyDeleteI know...there are times when our hummers hover just above our head. They're fun to watch.
DeleteWell you know, I guess old King Arthur retired and moved to south Texas is the way I see it.
ReplyDeleteLOL...after retiring he returned the sword to the stone then?
DeleteWell spotted the sword Anni. That's your birding training coming to the fore to see that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your hummer toy you pair of swingers!
Love the Roseate Spoonbills - wish we had them over here.
I'm sending you some rain by the way - we have lots to share.
I hope it gets here to us...we so desperately need RAIN!!!
DeleteNow what a great find under the bridge! It looks just like it, too. It makes me spitting mad to see when animals have to deal with lazy human's trash. Aargh. I'd love to use your "sword" on that person....
ReplyDelete...indeed. Get well soon....George!!
DeleteWow it really DOES look like the sword in the stone. What an amazing and serendipitous find :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love those spoonbill pictures!!
...thanks Keith!
DeleteLove those bird photos! I wish we had more variety of birds where i live, we do see a number of egrets and turkeys around here though. Most people have backyard chickens. I agree, August in some places are way too hot for PE or sports. But i like getting out in May, its just as hot then where i live.
ReplyDeleteI have read so many students are overcome with heat exhaustion...that's scary at such a young age.
DeleteHello Anni!:) Another great hodgepodge, starting with the sword in the stone.You must have blinked in disbelief when you saw it, I did!:) Love all the colourful birds, and the swing, which I'm going to try and make. It won't attract Hummers,as we don't have them here, but it's a pretty addition to the garden, and a neat perch for any bird.
ReplyDeleteOh good....hope you show your 'bird swing' when it's complete.
DeleteI took it to be a real sword, too! Those spoonbills are gorgeous. Thanks for such a beautiful array of birds!
ReplyDelete...thank YOU Ken.
DeleteI haven't had may jobs either and I liked each of them! Your feeder came out great.
ReplyDelete...thanks Debby
DeleteGreat idea for the hummingbird swing. Lucky you to have liked all of your jobs! and lucky you that you get to play lots!
ReplyDelete....I've always taken time to play. lol
DeleteBeautiful shorebirds, Anni. Love the hummingbird swing.
ReplyDelete...thanks Janice
DeleteI loved your post today! What beauty we're privileged to see in Nature! Your pink and white late summer collection is superb!
ReplyDeleteAs an unsuccessful Bar-tailed Godwit hunter this past spring here in Florida, I congratulate you on a very special sighting!
...thanks Wally. And I was quite excited to see the Godwit.
Deletestunning photography anni!
ReplyDelete...thanks Laura
DeleteI really love those Spoonbills. I thought they were Flamingos at first.
ReplyDelete...glad you enjoyed them Adam.
Deletelast night, I was watching he last episode of Resurrection and they have the cicada shells on the road. I get this shells in my garden too.
ReplyDeleteHow are you?
Hi Ann....long time since we have visited each other...I'm fine...hope you're doing well.
DeleteBeautiful birds and I have never seen a hummingbird swing.
ReplyDelete...thanks Donna
Delete