White Tail Visitors, part 1

At first glance white tail deer look much the same as the guy, or gal standing next to him or her. As the weeks go on and I have the pleasure of watching them every morning, I've begun to notice subtle differences. The does are much harder to distinguish from each other, except for their size obviously. A few observations regarding the does: they really do hang together and are quite tolerant of each other and of the fawns. Occasionally one larger doe will stick her front leg out to shoo the others from the corn but in general they are content to stick together. And usually the one who is bossing the rest of the girls is the biggest doe. Another thing I've noticed is that the yearlings, both bucks and does, hang with the adult does. ( The adult bucks have very little tolerance of the yearlings, but more on the bucks in a later post.) Another thing I noticed that I find quite humorous is watching the does eat, particularly swallow. Their necks are quite skinny compared to the boys. They gather corn from the feeder, and as they chew they raise their heads and look around to see if the cats (don't laugh, they are spooked by my little Tabby terror known as Ebby) or Grams ( age 80+) are going to go on a rampage toward them. When they swallow their mouthful, you can see a noticeable "lump" travel down the front of their necks as said lump heads downward. I find it quite entertaining, I don't know why?? I am not sure how many fawns we have in our immediate vicinity. I've seen 3 at one time, including the twins. I'm wondering if the set is a buck and doe. One is much larger than his sibling. Mom is SO vigilant. She really keeps an eye on them. The single fawn that visits is getting really tall and big. The white tails are such beautiful creatures, and I have certainly enjoyed this brief glimpse into their existence. Once fall arrives and we head towards the rut, I'm guessing they will be spread out across this small expanse of beautiful Oklahoma, and we may not get to see them as often. I'll continue to supply them with corn, antler max and minerals, in the form of "blocks", and I'll keep posting on their visits for as long as I can.

ICK the Sequel

i was wrong on one item: It is NOT dry enough, at least not in spots. I sank in over the tops of my shoes in mud in one of those spots. OH well, at least Sophie and Satch sank too. Sophie doesn't discriminate when it comes to getting hot and finding a wet spot. Could just be standing water or more often than not, it's a mud puddle. All the same to her as long as it's wet and cool. Did notice 2 new bluebird nests with eggs, and one just started. Been a decent year for bluebird babies. That usually cheers me up, but maybe tomorrow.

ICK

finished HP5 audiobook, on to HP6............wondering what has happened...........dry enough to jog today..........mowing to do...........yard full of deer this morning beautiful bucks............questioning why........feeling very tired today...........missed the ESPYs dang...........still haven't made it to the theater for Order (maybe this weekend?).............can't wait to see HAIRSPRAY...........Bob may actually be home before dark tonight...........summer Olympics 2008 Beijing....sadness....did my best..........Mizunos here I come.......pick yourself up.........up off the couch..........here i go!

Miscellaneous Stuff

I'm sitting here, watching the rain out my front window. If and when I ever get to mow again, it's not going to be fun. The grass is very tall, and there is no end in sight as far as precipitation goes. Last evening, I spied on this beautiful fawn as he waited patiently in the pasture for his mama to come back and get him. I'm not sure if he is one of the pair of twins I saw last week. If so, I hope the other baby is still around somewhere. Seriously, it's better if I don't see them AT ALL. When one turns up "missing" I worry. See Jitta? You're not alone.

I've included some images of my friends, and my beautiful daughter Thais, from our recent rendezvous in Manhattan. Marcio, Leonor and I wandered around Central Park on Sunday, as Thais and her husband Scott ran. The park is such a beautiful and amazing place. We toured the castle, and Shakespeare's garden. So lovely and peaceful. Took in the tribute spot to John Lennon, as Marcio is a big American rock fan.

The story behind this ring? Well, it's just about one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. DadWadPad and I purchased silver rings while visiting Brasil in March. Leonor ran us all over the older (more dangerous) section of SaoPaulo to find just what we were looking for. A month or so ago, due a series of miscues on my part and a misunderstanding of the part of a friend, I lost my ring. My friend misunderstood my intentions when I removed the ring to show it to her across a dinner table in a noisy dining room one evening. She was so thrilled when she put the ring on her pinkie and it fit. To her, the thought that I brought something back from Brasil for her made her joyous. I didn't have the heart to correct the misunderstanding and ask for it back. Fast forward to this past Saturday as we were visiting in the Best Western on 49th Street. I relayed this story to Leonor and Marcio via Thais, the official translator. As I was rambling on about my loss and eliciting chuckles from everyone, Leonor removed her ring and slipped it on the ring finger of my right hand. "Perfect!" she exclaimed, with the most beautiful smile on her face. As I tried to return her ring to her, she refused. Her gift to me obviously made her very happy, as it did me! What a wonderful gesture. I asked Marcio to please make sure she gets herself a replacement. He assured me he would. Such unbridled joy, generosity, and genuine love is a gift; one to be treasured. I'll never forget her selflessness. We should all strive to be so giving.........

on mowing

ON MOWING

I think I mow more frequently than I brush my teeth. Not really, but here in rural Oklahoma it is endless AND frequent. Spring has been very wet and cool, which I relish. But it does make for long, lush fast growing green. The 80 or so acres of Bermuda pasture we look out on every day, is as green and beautiful as I've seen it. NO, I do not mow all 80, but I do mow around the 80. The surrounding path becomes my walking/jogging trail. More about my trail in a moment. Our log home sits all by itself on top of "Packard Mountain". Well, that isn't quite accurate. Our nearest neighbor ( human ) is probably a mile or more away. We can't see them and they can't see us.
I do a considerable amount of mowing just around the actual house. We have a wee bit of zoysia but the rest is bermuda (pasture turned lawn, and I use the term "lawn" loosely). Some of this stuff has been here since the dawn of ages I think. It refuses to be cut. Tough as nails.
Along the mowed trail, I see something new every time. Wildflowers, cacti, turtles ( I accidentally hit one a month or so ago- I'm still scarred), an occasional black snake, armadillos (The Sophster's favorite), raccoons (came upon a mom and young'uns last summer and she was NOT amused) and of course endless deer. Still waiting for my first glimpse of new babies.
Some days I'm too distracted to notice anything. I've been known to cry while mowing, cuss, daydream, pray, sing at the top of my lungs. (This is probably why I haven't seen any fawns yet) I do a lot of talking to myself.
My new grasshopper mower is fantastic, but the cost?? Good grief. However, it is great and makes a long tedious job better.
I really do love to mow. It's mindless, but I do some of my best thinking and problem solving while riding along. And I see IMMEDIATE results.

Another spring storm on its way

I've got an hour to get my candles lined up and the starter handy. Right now we've got a lovely shower coming down with just a bit of fogginess. It is so pleasant; for once we have no wind. I have a feeling that will change soonl, after looking at the radar. Hopefully we won't lose our power.
HURRAH for spring!!

A Lost Dancer

"My baby didn't make it". These are the words of a father about his beautiful daughter Reema, lost on the campus of Virginia Tech. She was a dancer, just a freshman, but already teaching; belly dancing from what I've heard on news coverage. Reema was part of a dance troupe on campus. She was a free spirit, lost while sitting in her French class. I know her type, because I am blessed to have one of these beautiful, free spirits in my life. She is most happy, on fire really, when she is dancing. It is her love, her passion. She makes everyone around her happy, when they have the privelege of watching her doing what she loves the best.
Reema will be missed so much by her loving family. I am so blown away by the courage and composure demonstrated by her father, as well as her brother and sister, who have all shared Reema's story with those of us who are listening.
Her father just wants to see her one more time, (when the coroner is finished doing what he needs to do. ) to kiss his beautiful daughter's face.

NYC!

After some much needed prodding by a certain jitta, I've decided to write about NYC and our recent visit. It was fabulous, despite some bumps. Any time 4 adults get together for a week. something is bound to go wrong. THREE very strong personalities, and one peacemaker.
My favorite part of the trip of course, was being able to see some great shows. It's hard to say which I liked best. I guess I'd have to say "Curtains" with David Hyde Pierce. They were all really good; the dancing talent, and choreo in "Chicago" was amazing. Avenue Q was humorous, albeit over the top on a few things. But again, I'm an old poop.
It is hard to imagine how you can go through Central Park and never see the same thing twice. And I'm not referring only to the scenery. So many different people, with their little dogs in THEIR spiffy coats.
And did we eat!!! YUMMY burgers, fish, and great wine.
I LOVE New York.

Backslid a bit.

Well, after developing a nasty cold in NYC, I didn't get to exercise like I had hoped. We did do a bit of walking in Central Park, which is so lovely I have to say. I seem to be having trouble shaking this thing; it's been a week today. Still congested in my nose, and I have an awful, very productive (no need for further explanation here) cough. I did go out today and walk though, went around twice, took the Sophster and Satchhound with me. We all needed to get some fresh air. It is a beautiful day, a bit brisk at 44 degrees. But we made it, only using up 2 tissues. I've got to get back on track, especially if I'm going to do that 5K in a few weeks....

BLUEBIRD VACANCIES

I'm very confused. I thought I'd come back from the Big Apple to find lots of nests and possibly bunches of sky blue eggs. Not so.. Out of the nine houses along our trail, I have 2 nests, one with 4 eggs and the other has 2 as of this morning. The remaining 7 houses are completely empty! Nothing remotely resembling the start of a nest in any of them. I don't know if this latest cold snap has something to do with it or not. Something is eating the mealworms I place on top of each box, and I am assuming it is bluebirds. I guess it's just too early for the rest of them.

Mid week musing

Nowhere to go today (more about that in a moment). It's a gorgeous day sunny, mild with a bit of precip this morning. Sophie is sacked out in my bed (unmade) and she has a knack for lying on the sheets; one would think that occasionally she'd hit the bedspread (specifically in place for her and her partner in crime) but NO, the clean sheets. I'll have to check for ticks before we get in tonight. Grams and I decorated our gate today with 2 spring wreaths and some really pretty garland. I took some photos. Also the yellow spring flowers are up in the bush across the pasture. They are so pretty and fragrant. Took Mom over there, she rode on the 4 wheeler. We now have 3 large, beautiful bouquets in the house. Just BEAUTIFUL.
In reference to the opening statement, we did have somewhere to go today, but unfortunately Mom had her days confused. Barb (hairdresser) called a bit after 10 to ask where we were? Oops, Mom thought it was tomorrow. Now it IS tomorrow, as Barb rescheduled her appt for 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Oh well, I've got to do a better job of keeping track of Mom's appointments.
Jogged 2 miles today, feeding bluebirds as I went. Have one nest that looks almost completed already! Hard to believe. Won't be long now. It'll will be interesting what we come home to after our trip to NYC. Fun times!! Bye!

I HATE CELL PHONES

Why do we have cell phones? Seems like the only time I get calls is when there is a problem. But then again, I don't get calls anymore in that instance either. Instead I get to read very disturbing (to me as a parent) things, and then am NOT ABLE to call and talk about said disturbances. Can make for a very frustrating afternoon.

Sao Paulo and back

Well, it's Friday and much has happened since last post. Been to Brasil and back, had a fabulous but extremely exhausting time. The trip there was tiring and my ankles swelled to twice their size. Spent the next few days trying to get them back to normal. Hard to do with no A/C and running like crazy.
I've never seen so large a city and so many people! They all seem quite happy however. A normal 2 lane highway is turned into the INDY racetrack on a daily basis, no lanes marked and the Brasilian people turn it into 4 or 5 lanes routinely. Add to that the small motorcycles that are permitted to weave their way in and out of traffic at will. Amazingly enough, I didn't see ONE accident the whole time I was there. Shopping was an experience, Leonor would or wouldn't allow my camera to be seen, depending on the location of said shopping. We did inadvertantly fall into a robbery scene at a network of jewelry store. I didn't actually see the perp or the cops, but Leonor did see the cop coming up the steps with gun drawn. He motioned to her, with the same gun, to go back into the store, which she wisely did. We ended up leaving the store a few minutes later without incident.
The beach we visited on Friday before the wedding was absolutely gorgeous. Rivals those we've seen in Hawaii and 7 mile beach in Cayman. Much larger, clean, and lovely waves that were a blast to play in. Thank goodness (or SPF 50) none of us sunburned. We didn't want to look like a herd of lobsters in front of the congregation at the wedding.
Leonor hasn't lost her touch in the chicken, or is it kitchen? We ate and ate, yummy Brasilian rice and so many other good things. The wedding was lovely, complete with a very emotional bridegroom, who was so tearful before the bride arrived at the chapel. Reception?? A huge party, a BLAST! These folks know how to have a good time.
Trip home was a bit more restful, although I still feel a bit jetlaggy. GREAT TIME!!

Bald Eagle!!!

Oh my gosh, what a day!! Mom came to me and asked what kind of bird was out in the pasture, on the ground. With my naked eye, I could see a large dark bird with a white head. Oh certainly not....
Got the binocs, and yessiree, it was an adult bald eagle, partaking of carion. I couldn't remember white tail or not, so we drug out the bird manual and right again, adult bald eagles (5+ years) have white heads and white tails. He comes equipped with HUGE yellow talons, and a very hooked, sharp looking yellow beak. His most endearing features to me are his legs, he looks to be wearing shaggy brown pants. No other birds were nearby, I wonder why?
Fascinating watching the other interested (in the dead armadillo) parties. A definite pecking order. Two redtails (hawks) were hanging nearby and dove to the spot as soon as King Fred (as Meg has named him) sailed up into the nearby oak tree. One chased off the other and had his fill. All the while the turkey vultures hovered overhead, never got too close. When the hawks left, the vultures took their turn. The eagle returned 3 times throughout the day, but i never saw the redtails again. One time Fred tried to take the armadillo with him but it was either too heavy, or he couldn't get a good grip, because he dropped it. It was also very windy today. I took lots of pictures, although none too close. WHAT A THRILL!
I hope he sticks around.

Another Monday

time to get up, looks like a goreous oklahoma day, the furnace is running but i think the temperature will be a bit more mild than the past week's have been. so much to do, so much to think about. a week from today, i'll have my bags packed for the trip to brazil. i'm so excited, cannot wait to see the girls again and leonor. get to meet marcio and grandparents too. should be a good time. need to start thinking about what to take, other than my long dress. wore the shoes a bit yesterday, should be comfortable enough.
meg text messaged me this morning SO EARLY, what's that about? don't understand
saw the pics from VB. looks like everyone had a good time
OUT OF BED, lying here isn't going to make me feel any better about things, so much on my mind.

It's Friday!!! YAY!

This will have to be quick, leaving in 10 minutes for a dinner date with friends. Bob's day off, and all we did was run,run, run. Eye exams and new glasses ordered for both. I am near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other. Wanted to see a movie but J is tired from travels. So dinner will have to do.
Bluebirds are eating us out of house and home. Thank goodness mom got an extra order of mealworms this month. They are eating however many we put out. Little hoglets!!!
Warmer today, but not much. Dogs still don't spend much time out there, and I refuse to let kitties out.
Listened to Checotah, Oklahoma's pride and joy, Carrie Underwood's new CD today. What a talent!! Also Bon Jovi (I splurged) Cannot remember the last CD I bought for myself. It's been awhile. I do have varied taste in music.
Gotta go, I hope this weekend drags. I like having Bob home.

BRRRRRRRRRRRr

Woke up this morning to a beautiful snowfall!! and it is still coming down. My "girls" were across the way eating the corn I left for them yesterday. I snuck (i thought i was sneaking) out with my dig to shoot a few images and they left!! Other times I drive by and they just watch me go. GO figure. Anyway the downside to this is that the furnace is not working and it is currently 18 degrees F outside, and not all the comfortable inside either. GEO JOEL (our geo thermal guy) can't get anyone here until early afternoon. We'll just have to be cold. I can't seem to get a fire started in the wood burner either. I've got to get that going at least. My mother is gonna freeze to death. I told her to get under the electric blanket. That is all I can offer at this point. Canine kids are asleep on my bed, under a blanket. The felines can't figure out why they cannot find a warm spot. Off to the wood pile!!!!!