§ In Five Short Months....

It's May Day!! And an upcoming weekend. Hope you're ready to see those May flowers now that the April showers are over.

Speaking of showers:  My "Five for Friday" is...yes, the difference within FIVE months.  A little twist on the themes...

Back in November I and Bud were driving around looking for a wood duck [to no avail], but when we hit this country road, we spotted the Longhorn AND a field full of Sandhill Cranes...perhaps you remember my posting if you follow me from my birding photo blog....The post I'm referring to is this one. [link] This post will show you the 'empty' field where the cranes were back in November of last year!!!  There was a scant pooling of water that the cranes drank from and the open field where they fed on the grasses!!

BUT, yesterday, we took a drive through the same area, and with all the heavy Springtime rains this past month, the grassy field is no longer....it's a virtual LAKE!!  This following,  particular, picture is taken from the shoulder of the country road, looking through the fence....to the direction which was once the grazing pasture/field of cattle and in winter...a dining table for the cranes. The fence in the distant far left is the fencing you'd see in the previous post from late November....

Lake in April:

Field in November:

You can see a lot more images of the exact area where there is now a lake, if you click on the link I provided in the first paragraph.

Anyway, it was a most beautiful day for the last day of April. We here in South Texas had a 'cold front' move in 'bout mid-week, and the daytime temps are perfect for me...lows in the high 50 degree range with a drier air mass by late afternoon with a mild 70-80 degrees!! I'm lovin' it. 'Cause I know soon enough the humidity will return and we'll "suffer-cate" all too soon.

Along the back roads, we 'ran into' a field of cattle, from Santa Gertrudis, short horns, and Brahmas.... with a large flock of cattle egrets following them everywhere!!

§ New Year Birds & Lasers...

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY consists of a collage I made of two different White Tailed Hawks. Notice, one hawk has only one leg visible. I don't know if the other is missing, or what...but I know I didn't notice this until I uploaded the images from the camera to the computer. Viewing is better if you enlarge it.

HODGEPODGE QUESTIONS follow:

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something? Literally? Can't think of any instances. For me...but I do remember trying to teach our daughter [pre teen] on how to bowl. The first time she went out on the lane, she "aimed...took her stance...swung the bowling ball behind her, and dropped it!!!" It rolled off the elevated floor and onto the cemented area---you had to be there! Now if you mean figuratively, I didn't reach my goal to get all the yard work done this past summer...way too hot for me!! And now it's too cold and damp, so nothing's getting done still.

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did? I kept my vow to not make any resolutions!! Success at last.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why? In other words, your destiny is an accomplishment of your own making!! And that explains why and how I agree.

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013? Once a year, I divulge in fried, FRESH caught, bay shrimp!! And I plan to do it again for my birthday. As I've been doing for the last decade.

5. Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year. Well, I don't plan on it, but I do know I'll probably continue to over-eat at times. When food is so good, I tend to be an oinker!!

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid. Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either? Let me just say, I LOVE this color. If I find something in the style I like and wear often, I would love to add it to the wardrobe.

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013. Gone too fast!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am gonna ask a question. It's not really random since I've been contemplating having this done for years and kinda have a feeling it's not all it's 'cracked up to be' and I would like anyone who has had this procedure done tell me honestly if it works. Or if you know someone --- LASER HAIR REMOVAL?!!! Is it really a permanent thing?

And, ps....Y'all know how when you have the embedded comments enabled in Blogger...and your blog does NOT load/open/work properly in Internet Explorer?  I finally found a fix of my own accord since Blogger Team doesn't help any!!!  It's been working on my blog now for a few days [both of my blogs!!]  In ALL browsers.  I'm working on a tutorial to post here later this week...stay tuned.

sidebar linking to Wild Bird Wednesday and Wednesday Hodgepodge

§ A Journey to 2014

I will be taking a holiday break from blogging...


May your journey through the new year be without turbulence
and
May you reach your destination without peril!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

...Love, Hootin' Anni

linking to my sidebar memes: Saturday Critters-Camera Critters-Nature Notes-Wild Bird Wednesday

§ ...with a Moo Moo here

When you hear or read "Texas", what do you associate with it? Cowboys? [not the football team] Oil? Perhaps Dallas, Houston, or the massive Universities and medical research? Or cattle? At one time, before oil was discovered, cattle was the largest industry in the state's history. Of course, my post isn't about oil, population or universities...it's about cattle. I seem to like best animals with shades of gray! My favorite horse is the dappled gray, I love cats with gray or silver coats, and that doesn't leave out cattle. My favorite breed of cattle is the Brahma [or Zebu, or Brahman]. A couple of weeks ago, while out hunting for the elusive Whooping Crane, as we strolled around the fenced in pasture, there were Brahma cattle compounded within. I, naturally, had to photograph the papa grandé!! He was magnificent in stature, color, and so picturesque. But, this I did not know. I asked Bud, who has raised cattle when younger and single, I asked him if he knew how the breed got started and where...he said he thought somewhere in Asia. Well, he was right. In fact, the Zebu originated in India. They've been exported to the subtropical areas and deserts around the world...mainly 'cause they can withstand the extreme temperate zones best of any other breed. Also, reading wikipedia, the cattle that roamed the Indian fields, are the ORIGINAL breed of cattle known to man. All other species of cattle have the Brahma DNA. Anyway, the prominent fatty hump on the UPPER * part of the shoulders, their floppy ears, and the huge dewlap are what make this particular breed so beautiful to me...not to mention the dark, charcoal colors against the slate gray hide. In my opinion, they're the prettiest [if a particular cattle can be pretty] of all. While reading the information, the Brahma is bred for the hides, the milk, the beef, as well as the by-products, for fuel and I'm sure horns...tho some are naturally born polled [without horns]. In Asia, they're still used as a labor source in farming. At one time in history they roamed the land, wild. The cow, I'm assuming the bull's mate, wasn't too far a distance from where we stood. I also read while out on wikipedia, that the Brahma could also have a red coat/hide. This I didn't know either. When someone mentions Brahma to me, I naturally assume...gray! Well, now, you live and learn. The cow in the field on this particular day was of the red coloration. There were some calves, scattered here and there, roaming around among several other adult cattle of mixed breeds, one calf in particular was quite interested in my camera and walked right up to the fence line; quite curious. I had to get a photo of the sweet, sweet, face peering through the wire. So so very precious and cute little bugger!! And 99% of the time, where there are cattle grazing there always seems to be a vulture or two. Either seen soaring high above, or traipsing around in the grasses, looking for a food source...

the one with the gray face is a Black Vulture, the one with the red face is a Turkey Vulture

Oh, and if you've continued reading to this part of the post, today is the day I have posted the endangered Whooping Crane Photos on my Bird Photo Blog!!! [the link is found on my sidebar "I'd Rather B Birdin'" or connecting to the "Bird D'Pot" link below -posting time scheduled to publish at NOON CST] Tho the photos are not that clear because of the distance between me and the birds as they meandered thought the fields, I still wanted to keep a record. Also, if all goes well, Bud and I plan to return to the area the beginning of next month in hopes they'll still be there before the Spring migration begins and they return to Canada for the Summer. And hopefully the new camera with larger zoom will take much clearer, better photos of them....

connecting to:

Saturday Photo Hunt [challenge - upper *as in upper shoulder & upper views of the vultures]

Camera Critters

The Bird D'Pot

§ Padre Island National Seashore

CONNECTING TO:

_ _ _

HODGEPODGE

1. Our gracious Hodgepodge meme leader, Joyce, says: "I'm joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you hope to do or accomplish in the next 1001 days". What's one thing you'd put on your list? One thousand and one days? Let's see, that's about 2 and 3/4 years' time, right? What do I want to accomplish? Well, I found some extra poundage lurking about... so, maybe, lose it? Or place it somewhere in a dark corner where it can't be seen!!! I don't know. Honestly, the fact I live from one day to the next without plans or itineraries, I rarely look farther ahead than my nose.

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be operated by remote control? Four....garage door, two for two TVs and one for the DVD player. And as for a remote control I wish I had, I've oftentimes wished there'd be one for the back entry door. When I have bags of groceries in my hand, I could collect a lot more from the car's trunk if I didn't have to have the key to unlock...or open the kitchen door! If it were remotely opened, I could probably clean the trunk out all at once!!

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable? When I was a youngster, my dream was to have a good home, a husband and two children. I got that, am happy with what has been handed me in life and I continue to work on being happy...I think I have it all. All I ever wanted.

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack? Oh my goodness!!!! First, I love movies....and I pay particular attention to soundtracks. There are so many I could consider a favorite. No wait...I like Titanic's love theme...Star Wars...Somewhere in Time [from the movie of the same title]. Even the soundtrack from JAWS!! Oh ya, and one that makes me stop and tap my toes to the rhythm?------------FOOTLOOSE!! [Kevin Bacon's version] I like way too many, hard to choose just one. I guess my all time favorite would be the movie The Way We Were...Barbara Streisand singing ...

5. Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop. It's not really a rooftop per sé but a 'widow's walk' [a widow's walk is an attached boardwalk around the peak of a roof on a housetop] .... and that would be the view of the Pacific Ocean!!!! If it were to be a rooftop it'd hafta be the view of July 4th's fireworks in Colorado over a lake, late at night with the sky's stars to keep us entertained in between the sparkler's firings in town. Another 'roof top view' that would be a scene that will forever be implanted in my memory was from the top of the Washington Monument....I did NOT look DOWN...but out away from the small windows....Yes, I climbed to the top. I think the best view was the view of the Pentagon from one of the windows there.

6. What's your least favorite thing about summer? Besides the continual inferno and drought you mean? Okay... Unruly kids, out of school on summer vacation, and parents not disciplining them. In my day, families were courteous, kind, and had well-mannered kids. And that, dear bloggers, includes the ill-mannered parents too!!! It's just not happenin' anymore!!! And it's a shame to see the values of rearing the offspring and peaceful family outings going down the tubes.

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge falls on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July. Hoping for rain, that never came!!! [6]

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today, I'd like to expand on my answer to # 3. I noted that I work on my attaining what I wanted in life, with the fact that it's a continual job of working on it. Not as in physical labor...but never ignoring what my life is all about in other words...By that I mean, it's just not being thankful for having what I have! Working on keeping the happiness is a full-time job. If I become lackadaisical in my way of thinking and actions, I'm giving up on what I've strived for for my entire life. The quote at the top of my blog says it all. You can't sing without having a song to sing!!! You can't live a life and be happy with it if you don't LIVE the LIFE. Just saying I'm 'thankful' is NOT enough.

CONNECTING TO:

§ a little bit of this....and some of that

Today'll be the first showing at the theaters of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. We very seldom go to movies these days 'cause there are none that really really interest us anymore. Seems most movies now are geared toward the teens or children. Altho, I admit I love the animated, children's movies a lot. LOL But the influx of vampire themes...nope. And I do believe that genre is finally dying down!! Anyway....we both want to see the conclusion of the 'Batman'/Christian Bale Trilogy, but we both decided we'll wait until the crowds thin a bit after a week or two. Just read where there was a bomb and several killed in Aurora Colorado at the early showing of this film?!!!!! Whoa.

I found a very interesting article about a bird species that in the 1950s [in Texas] they had all but disappeared. And the Peregrine Fund is here, as they were last weekend, to release the once thought near extinct species of falcon, they're reintroducing them to our island and prairies! The APLOMADO FALCON. I am all for it, but I am also saddened to learn that the beautiful falcon's life expectancy is very short...hope they get a chance to reproduce quickly, before some redneck decides to shoot 'em down for sport.

With my zoom camera, I've become obsessed with photography...and now added, as you know, is the obsession of birding. I began this past Sunday a bird photography meme since the one I participated in previously had 'closed its doors'. I still wanted to see and share bird photos, so began the meme "The Bird D'Pot". If you ever have any photos of birds...be they backyard birds, or photos of when you're out walking and take a picture of a bird...share the link. The meme is open all week long...but a new list of participants comes up each Sunday to give us a reason to update MORE photos not yet shared.

Our two cats are PAWticipating in the Summer Olympics for 'fur babies' through blogging. Links found on my sidebar. Everybody's a winner.

I've realized that without cable TV anymore, I don't miss professional baseball as anticipated!!! Oh I still keep track of the teams' standings and such online, but the actual watching the games...not missed at all!!! In fact, I find I get in much more reading time, and the kitchen counter is kept free and clear of clutter. LOL Oh. and I KNOW I won't miss professional football when the season begins...I have never really watched all that much football since John Elway retired. Too much commercialism with THAT sport on TV.

Speaking of movies above, we found at Wal Mart the DVD - on sale, J. Edgar [a bio-drama of FBI's J. Edgar Hoover]...the reviews never made it to top off the charts when in the theaters, but I found it all quite interesting. And, had to go out online to read more about his secretary of some 54 years...Ms. Gandy. An odd bunch of characters, tho a bit dry in theatrical performances, it still was somewhat enlightening. For instance, I didn't realize he was gay 'til I watched the movie. But, of course, I really didn't know the history behind the FBI until the movie either.

Monday, I visited with Faye at Summit Musings, and she had a quotation that I really really liked...."If you see the world in black and white, you're missing important grey matter." ~Jack Fyock I loved it and will try and remember to see more color and help those around me that live in gloom to see the good in all things.

Ann showed us visitors to her blog this fun scribbler!!!! Here is my first attempt.

CONNECTING TO:

§ under construction

That funky orange, plastic/rubber temporary fencing surrounding freshly laid concrete near a new construction area casts even a 'more funky' shadow. You don't know how tempted I was to go over and carve my initials in it!!! Well, now you do. LOL





SUNDAY'S SUMMARY

For most of the summing up this week, I have spent a lot of my 'free time' working [more construction?] on my Thursday Theme Song Site...setting up and pre-scheduling all the Mr. Linky's scripts for each week. It isn't difficult at all...just copying and pasting the javascript and updating dates/days...but, it can become monotonous. Yep, I work on it a bit, and I become robotic with the maneuvers in a way. I've finished and have completed each week thru the year 2012. That way it's done. Out of 'site' out of mind. And being that they're scheduled to post each Wednesday at 5PM [CT], I don't have to do any more with it...for the entire year. But, as I'm typing this now, I have a gut feeling that Mr. Linky will perhaps no longer exist sometime in 2012, and I'll have to go back and redo a lot with another linky javascript. Figures...is it called Murphy's Law? Also, I vowed to get more walking in this year. Last summer it was so hot and miserable that not much of any outdoor exercising and work got done...so far, so good. At least every other day since Christmas. I really enjoyed walking on New Year's Day. Saw a lot of wonderful waterfowl along the bay [if you'd like to see photos of the area along with birds, check out my Watery Wednesday post *if you missed my post...HERE.] I actually sent out some New Year's gifts and cards this year. I didn't get in the 'mood' for sending off much this past season, and I'm trying to make up for it by being different and sending unexpected gifts to some. For most of the part, it will be a surprise for them. And kinda fun and unusual for me. Oh, heck, if you really must know, I just wasn't in much of a Christmas gift-giving mood this go 'round. That's my final answer, and I will stick by it. I must also add how elated I was to find out that the Dallas Cowboys [sorry die-hard fans] are no longer considered "America's Team"!! Tho, the Packers are now renowned as our nation's team. I think it's wonderful...no...let me rephrase that; I think it's FANTASTIC that the Houston Texans are in the playoffs for possible Super Bowl berth...[fearing they'll not go much further than what will be played today tho...I predict their loss]. In case you didn't know, still the Denver Broncos are 'my' team. I've been a Fan [Tebow? Nah?!!!] since the days of quarterback Craig Morton. Now THAT is eons ago!! And I love the Houston Texans. 'Hate' the Cowboys. It's also been time for me to begin cleaning closets. Getting my yearly winter task started on packing clothes not worn in 2011 so I can get them to Goodwill Charities. Thursday is usually my quietest day around here. So, early that morning I spent about an hour or so cleaning out my Blogger Dashboard and updated the blogs I follow [Friends Connect] - I went through all the blogs I follow and found several dozen that haven't published a new blog post in over a year's time. I stopped following them then. A task well worth doing sometimes to clean up the 'clutter'. Other than the above metioned...well, it's been a quiet week.



Connecting to: Shadow Shot Sunday2 [linked button at top of blog]
"Mr. Linky" graphic borrowed from sample site

§ a peek through my 'kitchen window'...

...but first a bit of comedy to get the day going before I share photos, below, of our kitchen--

Speaking of kitchens...I love to cook. But if you're a lousy cook, you'll know it when: Your son goes outside to make mud pies, the rest of the family grabs forks and follows him.

Top Rejected Cookbook Title: 101 Ways to Wok Your Dog

Top Fast Food Restaurant New Slogan goes to: Taco Bell -- Working around the clock to invent new ways to combine the same 5 ingredients.

Top Reason You Know You're Eating Genetically Modified Food: You use the leftover chicken as a nightlight for your kid's room.

A Recipe From Anni's Kitchen:

Holiday Fruit Cake

You will need the following:
A cup of water,
a cup of sugar,
four large brown eggs,
two cups of dried fruit,
a teaspoon of salt,
a cup of brown sugar,
lemon juice,
nuts,
and a bottle of whiskey.

Sample the whiskey and check for quality.

Take a large bowl. Check the whiskey again. To be sure it is the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again.

Make sure the whiskey is still okay. Cry another tup. Turn off the mixer. Beat two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Mix on the tuner. If the fired druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the whiskey and check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Who cares? Check the whiskey. Now sift the lemon uice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Spoon. Of sugar of something. Whatever you find.

Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Throw the bowl out of the window. Check the whiskey again and go to bed.

- - -



Last week, trees....
This week the Picstory challenge is showing the kitchen.
I'm glad you chose this subject this time of year, Tina. My kitchen is half way clean 'cause I scrubbed it all just before I put out holiday decorations. LOL

First I shall explain that our kitchen is 'open walls' from the dining room. Well, at least HALF open. The layout for the kitchen/dining room is angled and the bottom half is closed in with cupboards/drywall - then, carved wooden pieces go from the frame up to the ceiling...the first photo shows you the kitchen view from the dining room, and it was taken early; before sunrise so the skylight is not illuminating much [Bud was still sleeping, I didn't want to have any bright lights on and wake him up] -it's kinda hard to explain. Sorry. Okay...so, here is some of the kitchen in our home -


Open woodwork wall separating the kitchen from the dining room.


Santas on Countertop - Santa Nutcracker on top of refrigerator


open countertop...looking from dining room into kitchen Santa Train front view


Santa Train back view


Christmas Cardinal hand towel and small night lamp
[which I covered the lamp shade with
Santa wrapping paper for the season]

§ Yard Shadows & Sunday Summary

The yard photos I took just this week while out doing some gardening work...finally, flowers are coming back to 'life' and the lawn is getting green again; after such a dry summer!! All images have mouse over captions---







SUNDAY'S SUMMARY

Oh boy, I finished the Voodoo Queen by R. Tallant. Excellent. I highly recommend reading it if you like historical fiction. And if you noticed on my sidebar's 'Book I'm Into', I began reading this week, Of Bees and Mist. Now, this genre isn't something I normally find of interest. But, I must say, this has captured my fancy so far. I've read about 20 chapters, and I'm finding myself not wanting to put it down; trying to find out just what is going to happen next. It's about ghosts, apparitions, family secrets, a 16 year old girl marrying into another suspicious-acting family...very good. One more thing...the hardback dust jacket is something quite unusual also, it has hidden objects in the cover's graphic. I didn't realize that until I read what someone wrote about the cover - I've seen the book a few times before I bought it...] If you want to take a look at the front side to see if you can find some hidden items ---check it out here

Now that the computer room/library has had the hurricane shutters removed, windows scrubbed, and shutters replaced, I moved the yard's bird feeder nearer the window. I can sit at the computer, look out the window, and watch the feathered friends' feeding frenzy. [our cats think it's a peachy idea too!]

This past week, I found myself making a Thanksgiving weekend itinerary

I called in to make my annual appointment for heart monitoring with my electrophyisologist [click here if you don't know what it is]. For the 21st. And 7:30 a.m. Whoa. Early, but I'll be the first patient in on that day [I like being the first - no waiting time]. I also need to get an appointment for blood work and an annual exam with my PCP.

Bud and I went to see "Puss n Boots"...ehhhh, so so. Not really as good as the previews show, even tho it has been the #1 movie for the last couple of weeks. Cute, but really I found myself asking - what's Humpty Dumpty got to do with "Boots"? Still, how can you go wrong with Antonio Banderas? Sweet. Actually, I fell 'in love' with Puss in the later Shrek movies...

I asked Bud to rearrange things in the garage so I could once again make room for my long-stored Gazelle [gym equipment]. After he made room for it out there, I set it up and cleaned off the dirt and grime, and began building up a routine I have long neglected. I started out doing 15 minute work-outs and am extending the time by 5 minutes every other day. Up until I get to a one hour work out. It's been about a year and half or so since it's been up and ready, so I am once again ready myself. In the past, when I used it quite often, it works your entire arm muscles, your leg muscles -toning and shaping. And it's good for your cardio exercising.

The two of us have been window shopping at the malls. Tho we never been big on seasonal 'shopping sprees' for the holidays, I love looking at the stores' holiday scenes to get decorating ideas for myself. And love walking around looking for santas for my collection. hehehehe

§ the joy is in the chase not the owning of it....

Anni notes: "I seem to always go back in time with my song choices. I guess it's because the lyrics make SENSE...comparing to the songs of today's generation.


SONG BY BOBBY LIND
BUTTERFLY OF LOVE - VIDEO LINK HERE
and
LYRICS below
PHOTOS ARE FROM OUR BACK YARD one day...the elusive butterfly; captured!! There were TWO at one time, but I couldn't get 'em to cooperate much. Finally, got one of them both, but the 2nd one isn't clear. [last photo]



You might wake up some mornin'
To the sound of something moving past your window in the wind
And if you're quick enough to rise
You'll catch a fleeting glimpse of someone's fading shadow
Out on the new horizon
You may see the floating motion of a distant pair of wings

And if the sleep has left your ears
You might hear footsteps running through an open meadow

Don't be concerned, it will not harm you
It's only me pursuing somethin' I'm not sure of
Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love


You might have heard my footsteps
Echo softly in the distance through the canyons of your mind
I might have even called your name
As I ran searching after something to believe in
You might have seen me runnin'
Through the long-abandoned ruins of the dreams you left behind
If you remember something there
That glided past you followed close by heavy breathin'

Don't be concerned, it will not harm you
It's only me pursuing somethin' I'm not sure of
Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love


[Instrumental Interlude]

Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love...




Note: A week or two ago, I added four more monarch photos on my photo blog, Colors of the Wind. View HERE

§ A Halloween twist on a Carol - - -

I found these 'lyrics' [parody, if you will] to the tune of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. For the fun of the season of Halloween, I thought I'd add some photos to it all; and share...



Oh, you better not shriek, you better not groan,
You better not howl, you better not moan.
The Grim Reaper is coming to town!


He's gonna find out from folks that he meets,
Who should have arsenic put in their treats.
Grim Reaper is coming to town!



He'll search in every graveyard,
Haunted houses far and near,
To see if you should stay alive,
Or die right here in fear!

So, you better not shriek, you better not groan,
You better not howl, you better not moan.
The Grim Reaper is coming to town!



photos are from our dining room corner tables...the grim corner

§ Birds of a feather...hodgepodge

Sharing a walk along the pathways to Oso Bay through the Suter Park --

White Pelicans, a heron in the reed grasses, and a roseate spoonbill through the wooded area onto the bay.



- - -

The Hodgepodge Part...

1. How do you typically react in a sudden, extreme, pressure-filled crisis? Would we want you nearby in an emergency? Actually, I think I would have to answer this with "it depends" on the emergency. If it entails a family crisis, I try to remain calm and coherent. But heck, these days an emergency could be a terrorist act...or a huge storm destroying our house and home. And, to be honest, I don't know HOW I would react. [Don't wanna know 'cause I wouldn't want to experience.]

2. Caramel apple-caramel sundae-caramel corn-caramel macchiato...of the four, which carmel treat would you choose? Caramel Apples. I love 'em.

3. Is there such a thing as destiny? Explain. If you're referring to the word/term, destiny...ya, I think there is such a thing. What happens is something that was destined for the future. Oftentimes I have stated "that fate had something to do with it". Oh, and if you're referring to a gal named Destiny...then, ya there is that too.

4. What's your favorite piece of furniture? I'm referring to something currently in your possession as opposed to something on your wish list. Depends on the time of day...early morning, my favorite piece of furniture is my office chair. During the day...it could be the couch that is by the patio door....bright sunny area. Ya, I think it's more the AREA that the couch is placed by instead of the 'piece of furniture'. At night...it's my waterbed. Yep, I never parted with my waterbed. Cool in the summer....warm in the winter. But here again, to be honest...furniture is NOT something I'm 'liking'...now that I'm retired, furniture is just a possession and not important.

5. Wednesday night marks the start of the 2011 Baseball World Series. Did you know? Do you care? Will you be watching? Ever been to a professional baseball game? If you're not an American do you find the title 'World Series' annoying or amusing? Ha!! You don't stop by often, do you? I'm talking about baseball periodically throughout the time from Spring Training to the World Series!! And yes....I'll watch. I don't think I've missed more games than I can count on my fingers one time around in all my married life. And yes, I've been to the Rockies games often. We had season tickets during their first year as a franchise. And I've seen the D'Backs games ---even traveled from Colorado to Tucson years ago to follow the Spring Training at Hi Corbet Field. Been to the farm team games for the Houston Astros also. As for "world series" I'd much prefer and use the term FALL CLASSIC.

6. A sound that takes me back to my childhood is____________. Right now, as I type, the sound of an air gun brings back my youth. I used to get the use of my dad's car several days a week...he worked for the City Government where we lived and I'd have to drive to pick him up after work....and waiting around for him, the sound of the air gauge I'd hear many times before it was quitting time.

7. On average, once you've linked your hodgepodge post to mine how many other participant blogs do you visit? Do you ever come back to the Hodgepodge later in the day or even the day after to read posts? I try to visit as many as I can.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I really have three...Two random: The Winds of Change are blowing in!! Cold Front coming our way! Yay. And -- Everyone has some beautiful Autumn Foliage on their blogs. Alas, we don't get the tree color change around here 'til mid December. I have a really pretty pic somewhere in my photo archives on my computer/folder somewhere from last year. I must dig it up and post it here soon. Then, the not so random thought: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A GOOD HORROR/THRILLER BOOK for me to read?! I'm so in the mood to have a spine tingling novel to read. I've read a few Stephen King novels, they're just okay. Koontz? Nah. Yesterday in fact, I went to Barnes n Nobel looking for a good book from that genre...nothing but Vampire books. I'll be glad when that craze peters out!!!