§ That's ONE SMALL STEP....

Step I

Saturday morning, I  will be participating in the 5k Heart Walk - rain or shine. Why Walk? The money raised through the Heart Walk funds research and initiatives that promote prevention, treatment, and better patient care in the areas of cardiovascular disease, the leading killer in the United States. The American Heart Association is the nation's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  For me personally, I take this time to thank the paramedics that were prompt in arriving to take me by ambulance to the hospital, and the ER staff who diligently saved my life!!  For that, I am truly thankful and will always remember the efficiency and expertise.  Wish me luck!

Step II

I've purchased a couple of books and am reading them both at the same time. The first one piqued my interest once I saw it on the "new released" shelf at Barnes and Nobel [and I bought it at half price books for cheaper]. Our daughter, who when very young, looked like a spittin' image of Half Pint [Laura Ingalls "Melissa Gilbert"] in the TV program Little House on the Prairie, is lucky enough to live nearby where the series of books was written; and she visits the museum and area often! Anyway, we used to sit down and watch the program faithfully with our kids. So, when I read "Little House Revisited", I picked it up, brought it home, and I'm enjoying the narrative very much!! It's all about the locating in Kansas by the Ingalls' family as seen through the eyes of Caroline, the mother.

It was hailed as one of the month's [September] best reads! "In this novel authorized by the Little House Heritage Trust, Sarah Miller vividly recreates the beauty, hardship, and joys of the frontier in a dazzling work of historical fiction, a captivating story that illuminates one courageous, resilient, and loving pioneer woman as never before—Caroline Ingalls, "Ma" in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House books."

The second book, Ruth's Journey, is another historical fiction.  All about Mammy from the epic novel/movie, Gone With the Wind.  There are quite a lot of mixed reviews of this book so I won't get into much of it until I  have finished reading it in its entirety.  Some critiques enjoyed it while others were disappointed with it.  I usually do my own evaluation and my opinion will be mine only.  Time will tell if it was enjoyable or not for me, personally.


Step III

Speaking of books, my own Wings Over My Texas, the 200+ photos of birds found in South Texas is now in full color!!  Since I have to self-promote this publication I  designed and had some 'business cards' printed and have been leaving them in areas of known birding spots throughout the coastal bend. This is kinda fun. At least for me...dunno about those that find the cards posted on boards and on tables in coffee shops. lol Hope this action I'm taking isn't considered soliciting...maybe it is. Guess I'll find out if I am kicked out somewhere, huh?

Step IV

While Bud and I were mowing and edging the back yard, I had the cellphone with me all the time...






Step V

The hummingbirds are in our backyard in hordes!! I have placed three feeding stations from the house's eaves...one a brand new ruby glass feeder. It's red glass [obviously] that has a hummingbird etched in the sugar water 'bowl'. At first the hummers went for the two older, plain glass, feeders but eventually they tested the waters...and since then, the dozens of little ones have kept me busy replenishing the 'nectar'...